What a Washington Enhanced Driver's License Does
A Washington Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) is a state-issued ID that meets federal Real ID requirements and also allows you to cross the U.S.-Canada border by land or sea without a passport. It carries the same Real ID security features as a standard Washington driver's license — the gold star in the upper right corner — but adds border-crossing capability through an embedded radio frequency identification (RFID) chip.
The EDL is not required for domestic air travel or federal building entry; a standard Real ID license does both. The EDL's main advantage is convenience at the Canada border. If you cross into Canada regularly by car, ferry, or on foot, the EDL eliminates the need to carry a passport. If you never cross the border, a standard Real ID license meets all federal requirements.
Washington issues EDLs to U.S. citizens and certain lawful permanent residents. The process takes longer than a standard license renewal because the state must verify your citizenship and conduct additional background checks.
Key Takeaways
- An Enhanced Driver's License includes Real ID features and allows land and sea border crossings to Canada without a passport.
- You must prove U.S. citizenship with an original or certified birth certificate, passport, or naturalization certificate; a copy is not enough.
- The EDL costs more than a standard license and takes 4 to 6 weeks to arrive after approval.
- You can renew an existing EDL by mail if you have not changed your name, address, or citizenship status since your last license.
- Washington does not issue EDLs to non-citizens, even those with valid work visas or permanent resident status in some cases — check current policy with the Department of Licensing.
Documents You Must Bring to the Licensing Office
Washington requires proof of citizenship as the first step. You must bring an original or certified copy of one of these documents:
- U.S. birth certificate (original, certified copy, or certified electronic copy from the vital records office)
- U.S. passport (current or expired)
- Certificate of naturalization
- Certificate of citizenship
A photocopy of your birth certificate or a birth certificate from a hospital does not meet the requirement. If your birth certificate is from outside the United States, you must also bring proof of citizenship or lawful permanent resident status.
You will also need proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Washington residency — the same documents required for a standard Real ID license. Bring your current driver's license or state ID if you have one. If you are changing your name, bring a certified copy of the court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree that documents the change.
Step-by-Step Process for a New Enhanced License
Step 1: Visit a Department of Licensing office in person. You cannot start an EDL process online or by mail. Go to any full-service licensing office with your citizenship document and other required paperwork. Bring the originals; do not send copies ahead.
Step 2: Complete the process and pay the fee. The EDL fee varies depending on your license type and how long you want it to be valid. As of 2024, an eight-year EDL costs more than a standard eight-year Real ID license — the difference is typically $20 to $30, but confirm the current fee with your local office. You pay at the time of process.
Step 3: Provide fingerprints and a photo. The licensing office will take your photograph and fingerprints on site. The fingerprints are part of the citizenship verification process.
Step 4: Wait for processing and mail delivery. Washington processes EDL applications within 4 to 6 weeks. The license is mailed to your address on file. If you need to travel before it arrives, you can request a temporary paper license at the time of process, though this does not work for border crossing.
Renewing an Existing Enhanced License by Mail
If your EDL is expiring and you have not changed your name, address, or citizenship status, you may renew by mail without visiting an office. Washington sends renewal notices 60 days before expiration. The renewal form and instructions come with the notice.
Mail your renewal process, current license, and the renewal fee to the address on the notice. Do not send your citizenship document again unless the Department of Licensing specifically asks for it. Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks after the office receives your process. Your new license will be mailed to you.
If you have changed your name, address, or citizenship status, or if your license was lost or stolen, you must explore in person at a licensing office. You cannot renew by mail in these situations.
Who Cannot Get an Enhanced License
Washington does not issue EDLs to non-citizens. This includes people with valid work visas (H-1B, L-1, etc.), temporary protected status, or deferred action status. Lawful permanent residents (green card holders) may be able to get an EDL, but policies can change; contact the Department of Licensing to confirm your status before visiting an office.
If you are not a U.S. citizen, you can still get a standard Real ID license, which meets federal requirements for domestic air travel and federal building entry. You will need to bring your visa, work permit, or green card as proof of legal presence in the United States.
You also cannot get an EDL if you have an active warrant, are subject to a court order that restricts your driving, or have been convicted of certain crimes that disqualify you from holding a license. The Department of Licensing checks these records during processing.
Cost and Timeline Comparison
| License Type | Approximate Cost | Processing Time | Border Crossing to Canada |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Real ID (8 years) | $82–$92 | Same-day or 1–2 weeks by mail | No — passport required |
| Enhanced Driver's License (8 years) | $102–$112 | 4–6 weeks | Yes — by land or sea |
| Enhanced License Renewal by Mail | Same as EDL | 2–3 weeks | Yes — by land or sea |
Costs and timelines are current as of 2024 and may change. Check the Washington Department of Licensing website for the most recent fees before you visit an office.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use an Enhanced Driver's License to fly domestically?
Yes. An EDL meets Real ID requirements and works for domestic flights, federal building entry, and military base access. The border-crossing feature is an added benefit, not a replacement for those uses.
What if my birth certificate is from another country?
You can still get an EDL if you are a U.S. citizen. Bring your birth certificate along with proof of citizenship — a U.S. passport, naturalization certificate, or citizenship certificate. The Department of Licensing will verify your status during processing.
Do I need an Enhanced License if I cross the Canada border by air?
No. Air travel to Canada requires a passport, passport card, or NEXUS card regardless of your state ID. An EDL only works for land and sea crossings. If you fly to Canada, bring your passport.
How long does an Enhanced Driver's License stay valid?
Washington EDLs are valid for eight years from the date of issue, the same as a standard driver's license. You renew it the same way — by mail if nothing has changed, or in person if you have moved, changed your name, or need to update your information.
What happens if I lose my Enhanced Driver's License?
Report it to the Department of Licensing and explore for a replacement in person at any licensing office. You will need to bring your citizenship document again and pay a replacement fee. Processing takes 4 to 6 weeks, the same as a new EDL process.