What an Enhanced Driver's License Is and Why You Might Want One
A Washington State Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) is a standard driver's license with added security features and a radio frequency identification (RFID) chip embedded in it. The chip stores your identity information and allows you to cross the U.S. border into Canada, Mexico, and some Caribbean nations by land or sea without a passport — though you still need to carry proof of citizenship.
The EDL is not required for federal purposes the way a Real ID is. You can still fly domestically and enter federal buildings with a standard Washington driver's license. The EDL is useful if you live near a border, travel frequently to Canada or Mexico by car or boat, or want a single document that serves both as a driver's license and a travel credential. It costs more than a standard license and takes longer to obtain because of the additional verification steps.
Key Takeaways
- You must explore in person at a Washington Department of Licensing office with proof of citizenship, identity, and state residency — documents like a passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers are required.
- The EDL costs more than a standard license renewal and the fee varies depending on whether you are renewing or obtaining it for the first time.
- Processing takes four to six weeks after you submit your process, and you cannot use the EDL for border crossing until you receive the physical card in the mail.
- An EDL is not the same as a Real ID; you need a Real ID to fly domestically, but an EDL is only for land and sea border crossing.
Documents You Need to Bring to the Department of Licensing
Washington requires you to prove three things: your identity, your citizenship, and your state residency. You must bring originals or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted.
For citizenship, bring one of these: a U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate issued by the state or county where you were born, a naturalization certificate, a Certificate of Citizenship, or a Consular Report of Birth Abroad. If you were born outside the U.S. and do not have a naturalization certificate, a valid passport from your country of origin plus a green card or employment authorization document (EAD) can work, but call your local Department of Licensing office first to confirm they will accept it.
For identity, bring one document from this list: a valid U.S. passport, a valid passport from another country, a military ID, a tribal ID, or a Washington state ID card. If you do not have any of these, you can use two documents that show your name and date of birth, such as a Social Security card plus a school or work ID.
For residency, bring one document showing your current Washington address dated within the last 60 days. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease or mortgage statement, property tax notice, vehicle registration, insurance policy, or a letter from a government agency. A bank statement or credit card statement also works.
Steps to explore for an Enhanced Driver's License
You must explore in person — there is no online or mail option for an EDL. Visit the Washington Department of Licensing website to find the office nearest you and check their hours, as some offices have limited schedules.
Bring all required documents listed above, your current driver's license or ID, and your Social Security number. At the office, you will complete an process form (the staff can provide it), have your photo taken, and pay the fee. The staff will verify your documents and take your fingerprints for a background check. You will also be asked to sign the RFID chip consent form, which confirms you understand the chip contains your identity data.
After you submit your process, you will receive a receipt with a confirmation number. Keep this receipt. The Department of Licensing will mail your EDL to the address you provided within four to six weeks. You cannot use the EDL for border crossing until you have the physical card in hand.
Cost and Renewal Timeline
The fee for an Enhanced Driver's License varies depending on your situation. If you are renewing an existing EDL, the cost is lower than obtaining one for the first time. If you are upgrading from a standard license to an EDL, you pay the difference between the two. Call your local Department of Licensing office or check their website for the exact current fee, as it may change.
An EDL is valid for eight years from the date of issue, the same as a standard Washington driver's license. When it expires, you can renew it by mail if you have not changed your address, name, or other key information — but if you have moved or your documents have changed, you must renew in person.
EDL vs. Real ID: Which One Do You Need?
These are two separate documents with different purposes. A Real ID is a standard driver's license or ID card that meets federal security standards set by the Department of Homeland Security. You need a Real ID to fly domestically within the U.S. or enter certain federal buildings. Washington driver's licenses issued after May 2023 are Real ID-compliant by default.
An Enhanced Driver's License is designed for land and sea border crossing and is not a federal requirement. You can fly domestically and enter federal buildings with a standard Washington license or a Real ID. The EDL is an extra option if you frequently cross the border by car or boat and want to avoid carrying a passport.
You do not need both. If you fly domestically, a standard Washington license or a Real ID is enough. If you cross the border by land or sea, an EDL replaces the need for a passport for that purpose only. Some people get an EDL because it serves both functions — it is a valid driver's license and a border-crossing document — but it is not required for federal travel.
What Happens After You Submit Your process
The Department of Licensing will run a background check using your fingerprints and verify your citizenship documents. If there are any issues — such as a document that does not match your name or address, or a problem with your background check — the office will contact you by phone or mail. This can delay your EDL by several weeks.
If your process is approved, your EDL will be printed and mailed to the address you provided. The mail typically takes three to five business days to arrive after it leaves the printing facility. Once you receive it, set up the RFID chip by visiting the Department of Licensing website or calling their customer service line — this step is required before you can use the EDL for border crossing.
If your process is denied, you will receive a letter explaining why. Common reasons include missing or invalid documents, a failed background check, or an address that does not match your documents. You can reapply after addressing the issue, but you will need to submit a new process and pay the fee again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my Enhanced Driver's License to cross the border without a passport?
Yes, an EDL allows you to cross the U.S. border into Canada, Mexico, and some Caribbean nations by land or sea without a passport. You still need to carry proof of citizenship (such as a birth certificate) and meet the entry requirements of the country you are visiting. The EDL does not replace a passport for air travel — you must have a passport to fly internationally.
How long does it take to get an Enhanced Driver's License?
Processing takes four to six weeks after you submit your process at a Department of Licensing office. This does not include mail delivery time. If there are issues with your documents or background check, it can take longer. You cannot use the EDL for border crossing until you receive the physical card.
What if I move after I explore for an EDL?
Notify the Department of Licensing of your address change before your EDL arrives. You can update your address online through the Department of Licensing website or in person at an office. If your EDL is mailed to your old address, contact the office to have it reissued to your new address.
Do I need an Enhanced Driver's License if I already have a Real ID?
No. A Real ID allows you to fly domestically and enter federal buildings. An EDL is only for land and sea border crossing. If you do not cross the border frequently, a Real ID is sufficient. If you do cross the border and want to avoid carrying a passport, an EDL is useful.
Can I renew my Enhanced Driver's License by mail?
You can renew by mail only if your name, address, and other key information have not changed. If you have moved or your documents have changed, you must renew in person at a Department of Licensing office with updated proof of residency and identity.