What a Washington Enhanced Driver's License Does
A Washington Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) is a state-issued ID that works for both everyday driving and land border crossing into Canada and Mexico. It carries all the security features of a standard Washington driver's license, plus additional verification that proves your citizenship or lawful permanent resident status. If you cross the U.S.-Canada or U.S.-Mexico border by car, boat, or on foot, you can use an EDL instead of a passport.
The EDL is not required for driving within Washington or the rest of the United States. It is one option among several for meeting federal Real ID requirements — but it goes further by also serving as a travel document for land borders. You keep your regular driving privileges; the EDL straightforward adds the border-crossing function.
Key Takeaways
- An Enhanced Driver's License lets you cross the U.S.-Canada and U.S.-Mexico land borders without a passport, using your driver's license as your travel document.
- You must prove U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent resident status with original documents like a birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or green card.
- The Washington Department of Licensing issues EDLs at regular driver's license offices, and the process takes about two weeks after you submit your process.
- An EDL costs more than a standard license — the exact fee depends on whether you are renewing or replacing an existing license.
- If you do not cross land borders, a standard Washington Real ID compliant license meets federal requirements and costs less.
Who Can Get a Washington Enhanced Driver's License
You must be a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident (green card holder) to get an EDL. Washington will not issue an EDL to anyone on a visa, even if the visa is valid for many years. If you are not sure of your immigration status, contact the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) before you visit the licensing office.
You must also meet all the standard requirements for a Washington driver's license: you must be at least 16 years old, pass a vision test, pass a written knowledge test (unless you are renewing), and pass a driving test (unless you are renewing). If you already hold a valid Washington driver's license, you can convert it to an EDL without retaking the driving test.
Documents You Need to Bring
The Washington Department of Licensing requires you to prove your identity, Social Security number, Washington residency, and citizenship or lawful permanent resident status. Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted.
For citizenship or permanent resident status, bring one of these:
- U.S. birth certificate (original or certified copy)
- U.S. passport or passport card
- Certificate of naturalization
- Certificate of citizenship
- Permanent resident card (green card)
- Consular report of birth abroad
For identity, bring a document with your photo and signature, such as a current passport, military ID, or previous driver's license. For Social Security, bring your Social Security card or a document that shows your number (tax return, W-2, or 1099). For Washington residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement in your name with a Washington address.
The Department of Licensing website lists the full set of acceptable documents. If you are unsure whether a document will work, call your local licensing office before you go.
how the process works for an Enhanced Driver's License
Visit any Washington Department of Licensing office in person. You cannot explore for an EDL by mail or online. Bring all required documents listed above, your current driver's license, and payment for the fee.
At the office, you will complete an process form and have your photo taken. If you are converting an existing license to an EDL, you will not need to retake the written or driving test. If you are explore for a new license, you will take the written test at the office and schedule a separate driving test appointment.
After you submit your process, the Department of Licensing will verify your citizenship or permanent resident status with federal databases. This verification step takes about two weeks. Your EDL will be mailed to the address on your process once verification is complete.
Cost and Renewal Timeline
The fee for an Enhanced Driver's License varies depending on whether you are renewing an existing license, replacing a lost or damaged license, or explore for a new one. As of 2024, the EDL fee is higher than the standard license fee, but the exact amount changes periodically. Check the Washington Department of Licensing website or call your local office for current pricing.
An EDL is valid for eight years, the same as a standard Washington driver's license. When your EDL expires, you can renew it by mail, online, or in person — you do not have to reapply in person or reprove your citizenship. Renewal by mail or online is faster and costs less than the original process.
EDL vs. Standard Real ID License: Which One Do You Need
Both an Enhanced Driver's License and a standard Washington Real ID compliant license meet federal requirements for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings. The difference is border crossing.
Choose an EDL if you cross the U.S.-Canada or U.S.-Mexico border by car, boat, or on foot. It eliminates the need to carry a passport for those trips. Choose a standard Real ID license if you only fly domestically or do not cross land borders — it costs less and serves all your other needs.
If you are unsure whether you will need to cross a land border in the next eight years, remember that you can always upgrade to an EDL later. You do not have to decide now.
Where to explore and What to Expect
The Washington Department of Licensing operates driver's license offices in every county. Find your nearest office and check its hours on the Department of Licensing website. Some offices accept walk-ins; others require an appointment. Booking an appointment online usually saves you time.
Bring all your documents and plan to spend 30 to 45 minutes at the office. The staff will review your documents, take your photo, collect payment, and submit your process. They will give you a receipt with an process number. Keep this receipt — you can use the number to check the status of your process online.
After you leave the office, the Department of Licensing will mail your EDL to you within about two weeks. Until it arrives, your current driver's license remains valid for driving. If you need to cross a border before your EDL arrives, you will need to use a passport or other travel document.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use an Enhanced Driver's License to fly domestically?
Yes. An EDL meets federal Real ID requirements for domestic air travel. You can use it at airport security checkpoints just like a standard Real ID license. If you fly internationally, you will still need a passport.
What if I have a green card but it is expired?
You can still use an expired green card to prove permanent resident status for an EDL, as long as the card itself is not damaged. Bring the expired card along with your other documents. The Department of Licensing will verify your status with federal databases.
How long does it take to get an Enhanced Driver's License after I explore?
The Department of Licensing takes about two weeks to verify your citizenship or permanent resident status and mail your EDL to you. This timeline can vary during busy periods. You can check the status of your process online using the receipt number you received at the office.
Can I renew my EDL by mail?
Yes. When your EDL is expiring, you can renew it by mail, online, or in person. Renewal by mail is the slowest option but costs less than explore in person. You do not need to reprove your citizenship when you renew — the Department of Licensing already has that information on file.
What if I lose my Enhanced Driver's License?
Report the loss to the Washington Department of Licensing and explore for a replacement in person at any licensing office. Bring your documents and payment. The replacement process is faster than the original process because the Department of Licensing does not need to reverify your citizenship — it is already in their system.