What an Enhanced Driver's License Is and Why You Might Want One

An Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) in Washington is a standard driver's license with added security features and a radio frequency identification (RFID) chip. It lets you cross the land border into Canada and Mexico without a passport — you just show the EDL instead. It costs more than a regular license and takes longer to get, but it's useful if you travel to those countries regularly or want a backup form of identification that works at the border.

Washington's EDL is not the same as a Real ID. A Real ID is a federal standard that lets you use your driver's license to board domestic flights and enter federal buildings. An EDL does both of those things and also works as a travel document at land borders. If you only need to fly domestically or enter federal buildings, a Real ID is cheaper and faster. If you cross into Canada or Mexico by car, an EDL is what you need.

Key Takeaways

  • An Enhanced Driver's License costs more than a standard license and requires proof of citizenship, residency, and identity — bring your birth certificate or passport, proof of Washington address, and a valid ID.
  • You must explore in person at a Washington Department of Licensing office; you cannot renew an EDL by mail or online.
  • Processing takes about two weeks for the RFID chip to be embedded, though you may be able to drive on a temporary permit while you wait.
  • An EDL works at land borders with Canada and Mexico, on domestic flights, and to enter federal buildings — it replaces the need for a passport at those borders.
  • If you already have a Real ID driver's license, you can upgrade it to an EDL at the same office without starting over.

Documents You Need to Bring to the Department of Licensing

Washington requires proof of three things: citizenship, identity, and residency. Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies usually do not work.

For citizenship, bring one of these: a U.S. birth certificate, U.S. passport, passport card, certificate of naturalization, or certificate of citizenship. If your birth certificate is from outside the U.S., it must be certified by the issuing state or country.

For identity, bring a valid photo ID — a current passport, passport card, military ID, or tribal ID all work. If you do not have one of those, you can bring two documents that show your name and date of birth, such as a Social Security card and a bank statement.

For residency, bring a document dated within the last 30 days that shows your name and a Washington address. Utility bills, lease agreements, mortgage statements, and bank statements all count. A piece of mail from a government agency also works.

how the process works at a Department of Licensing Office

Find your nearest Department of Licensing office on the Washington State Department of Licensing website. Not all offices issue EDLs, so check ahead or call to confirm. You do not need an appointment at most locations, but some offices now use an online reservation system — check your local office's page first.

Bring all the documents listed above, plus your current driver's license if you have one. Tell the staff member you want an Enhanced Driver's License. They will take your photo, verify your documents, and collect the fee. As of 2024, an EDL costs more than a standard renewal — the exact amount varies, so ask at the office or check the Department of Licensing website before you go.

You will receive a temporary permit to drive on while the RFID chip is embedded into your card. This usually takes about two weeks. You can pick up your EDL at the same office, or some offices mail it to you. Ask the staff member which option applies to your location.

If You Already Have a Real ID License

If your current Washington driver's license already has the Real ID marking (a gold star in the upper right corner), you can upgrade it to an Enhanced Driver's License without reapplying for everything. You still need to visit a Department of Licensing office in person, but the process is faster because they already have your identity and residency on file.

Bring your current Real ID license and proof of citizenship — your birth certificate, passport, or naturalization certificate. The office will take a new photo, verify your citizenship, and issue the EDL. The fee is lower than a full new process because you are not paying for a complete background check again.

What Happens If You Cannot Provide Proof of Citizenship

If you do not have a birth certificate, passport, or naturalization certificate, you have a few options. You can order a certified copy of your birth certificate from the state or country where you were born — most states mail them within one to two weeks. You can also explore for a U.S. passport or passport card, which also counts as proof of citizenship.

If you are a permanent resident (green card holder) or have another immigration status, you cannot get an Enhanced Driver's License. Washington law requires U.S. citizenship for an EDL. You can still get a standard driver's license or a Real ID license if you meet the residency and identity requirements.

Renewing or Replacing an Enhanced Driver's License

When your EDL expires, you must renew it in person at a Department of Licensing office — you cannot renew by mail or online, even if you renewed a regular license that way in the past. Bring your expired EDL, proof of residency (a document dated within the last 30 days), and the renewal fee.

If your EDL is lost, stolen, or damaged, you must explore for a replacement in person. Bring proof of residency and your current ID. If your EDL was stolen, you may also want to report it to the Department of Licensing so they can flag it in their system. The replacement fee is usually the same as a renewal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use an Enhanced Driver's License to fly domestically?

Yes. An EDL meets the federal Real ID standard, so it works at airport security for domestic flights. You do not need a passport or separate Real ID card if you have an EDL.

Do I need an Enhanced Driver's License to cross into Canada or Mexico?

For land crossings, yes — you need either an EDL, a passport, a passport card, or a NEXUS card. An EDL is the cheapest option if you already need a driver's license. For air travel to those countries, you must have a passport.

How long does it take to get an Enhanced Driver's License?

The office visit takes 15 to 30 minutes. The RFID chip embedding takes about two weeks, so you will have your card within two to three weeks of explore. You drive on a temporary permit during that time.

What if I move out of Washington after I get an EDL?

Your EDL remains valid until it expires, even if you move to another state. However, you cannot renew it outside Washington. If it expires while you live elsewhere, you would need to renew it in person at a Washington Department of Licensing office or explore for an EDL in your new state if that state offers one.

Is an Enhanced Driver's License the same as a Real ID?

No. A Real ID is a federal standard for domestic travel and federal building access. An EDL meets the Real ID standard but also includes the RFID chip that lets you cross land borders without a passport. An EDL costs more and requires proof of citizenship, while a Real ID does not.