What an Enhanced Driver's License Is and Why You Might Want One
A Washington Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) is a regular driver's license with extra security features and embedded data that federal agents can scan at the border. It lets you cross into Canada, Mexico, and some Caribbean countries by land or sea without a passport — you just show the card. If you travel by air, you still need a passport or Real ID-compliant document.
The EDL is not required for anything. It is one option among several for meeting federal travel rules. Some people get one because they cross the border frequently and find it more convenient than carrying a passport. Others never need one. The choice depends on your travel habits and whether you want a second form of identification.
Washington State has been issuing EDLs since 2008. The card looks like a standard driver's license but has a gold star in the top right corner and a machine-readable zone on the back that border officers can scan.
Key Takeaways
- An Enhanced Driver's License requires proof of citizenship, a valid passport or birth certificate, and proof of Washington residency — documents you must bring in person to a Department of Licensing office.
- The EDL costs more than a standard license renewal and takes longer to process, typically four to six weeks after you submit your process.
- You must be a Washington resident and a U.S. citizen to get an EDL; if you are not a citizen, you cannot get one.
- The EDL is valid for eight years for adults and five years for drivers under 21, the same as a standard Washington license.
Documents You Need to Bring to the Department of Licensing
Washington requires four categories of documents for an EDL process. Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies alone will not work.
Proof of citizenship: A valid U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a Certificate of Naturalization, or a Certificate of U.S. Citizenship. If you have a passport, bring it; it is the fastest way to prove citizenship. If you use a birth certificate, it must be a certified copy from the vital records office in the state or county where you were born, not a hospital copy.
Proof of identity: Your current Washington driver's license or state ID card. If you do not have one yet, bring a passport, military ID, or other government-issued photo ID.
Proof of Washington residency: A utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or property tax bill dated within the last 60 days. Your name must appear on the document. A bank statement or insurance bill also works.
Your Social Security number: You do not need to bring a card, but you must provide the number. The Department of Licensing will verify it with the Social Security Administration.
The process Process at a Department of Licensing Office
You cannot explore for an EDL online or by mail. You must visit a Department of Licensing office in person, bring all four categories of documents, and complete the process there.
Go to the dol.wa.gov website and use the office locator to find the office nearest you. Many offices now let you schedule an appointment online, which can save you a wait. Walk-ins are accepted, but appointment holders are served first. Bring all documents in a folder or envelope so they do not get lost.
At the office, a staff member will review your documents, take a new photo of you, and have you sign the process. The whole process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes if your documents are in order. If something is missing or incorrect, the staff member will tell you what to fix and you can come back.
After you submit your process, the Department of Licensing sends your information to U.S. Customs and Border Protection for a background check. This step takes time and is why EDLs are not issued on the spot like regular licenses.
How Long It Takes and What Happens While You Wait
From the day you submit your process, expect four to six weeks before your EDL arrives in the mail. The timeline depends on how busy the Department of Licensing is and how long the federal background check takes. During peak travel seasons, the wait can stretch longer.
While you wait, you can still drive with your current Washington license. Your old license remains valid until it expires. When your EDL arrives, your old license is no longer valid — destroy it or return it to a Department of Licensing office.
If you need to travel before your EDL arrives, use your passport instead. An EDL is not faster to get than a passport, so do not count on it for urgent travel.
Cost and Renewal
An Enhanced Driver's License costs more than a standard Washington license. The exact fee changes year to year, but expect to pay roughly $80 to $100 for a new EDL, compared to $50 to $70 for a regular license renewal. Check the current fee on dol.wa.gov before you go.
An EDL is valid for eight years if you are 21 or older, and five years if you are under 21. When it expires, you renew it the same way you applied — in person at a Department of Licensing office with proof of citizenship and residency. You cannot renew an EDL by mail or online.
If your EDL is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can replace it at a Department of Licensing office. Bring your proof of citizenship and residency again. A replacement usually takes the same four to six weeks as a new process.
Who Cannot Get an Enhanced Driver's License
You must be a U.S. citizen to get an EDL. If you are a lawful permanent resident, refugee, asylee, or any other immigration status, you cannot get an EDL — you can only get a standard Washington driver's license. Non-citizens can use a passport for land and sea border crossings.
You must also be a Washington resident. If you move out of Washington, your EDL remains valid until it expires, but you cannot renew it in Washington once you no longer live there.
If you have an outstanding warrant or certain criminal convictions, the Department of Licensing or federal background check may deny your process. You will be notified by mail if this happens.
Alternatives to an Enhanced Driver's License
An EDL is one way to cross the land or sea border without a passport, but it is not the only way. A REAL ID-compliant driver's license does not work for land or sea border crossings — it only works for domestic air travel. However, if you already have a passport or are willing to get one, you do not need an EDL at all.
A Trusted Traveler program card like NEXUS, SENTRI, or FAST also lets you cross the border faster and with less documentation, though these programs have their own fees and background checks. They are mainly for people who cross the border very frequently.
If you cross the border rarely or not at all, a standard Washington driver's license and a passport cover all your needs. An EDL is a convenience, not a requirement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get an Enhanced Driver's License if I am not a U.S. citizen?
No. An EDL is only for U.S. citizens. If you are a permanent resident or have another immigration status, you can get a standard Washington driver's license and use a passport for border crossings. Some states offer an EDL-equivalent for non-citizens, but Washington does not.
Do I need an Enhanced Driver's License for a Real ID?
No. An EDL and a Real ID are two different things. A Real ID-compliant license works for domestic air travel. An EDL works for land and sea border crossings. You can have one, both, or neither depending on your needs. Washington offers both options.
What if I lose my Enhanced Driver's License?
Report it to the Department of Licensing right away. You can replace it by visiting a Department of Licensing office in person with proof of citizenship and residency, the same documents you brought for your original process. A replacement takes four to six weeks.
Can I renew my Enhanced Driver's License by mail?
No. EDL renewals must be done in person at a Department of Licensing office. You cannot renew online or by mail, even if your current EDL is still valid. Bring proof of citizenship and residency when you go.
How long is an Enhanced Driver's License valid?
An EDL is valid for eight years if you are 21 or older, and five years if you are under 21. This is the same validity period as a standard Washington driver's license. When it expires, you must renew it in person.