What a Washington Enhanced Driver License Does
A Washington Enhanced Driver License (EDL) is a state-issued ID that lets you cross the land border into Canada and Mexico without a passport. It has all the security features of a standard Washington driver license, plus an embedded radio frequency identification (RFID) chip that holds biometric data. The chip is what lets U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers verify your citizenship at the border faster than they could with a regular license alone.
The EDL is not the same as a Real ID. A Real ID complies with federal standards for domestic air travel and federal building access. An EDL does both of those things and adds the border-crossing capability. If you travel by air within the U.S. or need to enter federal buildings, a Real ID or EDL will work. If you drive across the Canadian or Mexican border by land, only an EDL, passport, passport card, or NEXUS card will work — a standard license will not.
Washington residents do not have to get an EDL. You can keep a standard license, use a passport for border crossings, or use a Real ID for domestic air travel. The EDL is an option for people who cross the border regularly and want a single document that handles both domestic and international land travel.
Key Takeaways
- An Enhanced Driver License lets you cross the Canada and Mexico land borders without a passport and also works for domestic air travel and federal building access.
- You must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident to get an EDL; Washington does not issue them to other visa holders.
- The process requires proof of citizenship, proof of state residency, and an in-person visit to a Department of Licensing office where you will be photographed and have your fingerprints taken.
- An EDL costs more than a standard license but less than renewing both a license and getting a passport card.
- Processing takes several weeks; you cannot use an EDL until the physical card arrives in the mail.
Who Can Get a Washington Enhanced Driver License
You must be a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident (green card holder) to get an EDL. Washington does not issue Enhanced Driver Licenses to people on temporary visas, even if they have lived in the state for years. If you are a permanent resident, you will need to bring your green card or a copy of your I-797 approval notice to prove your status.
You must also be a Washington resident. This means you have a current Washington address and can prove it with a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or other official mail dated within the last 60 days. If you have recently moved to Washington, you may need to wait a few weeks before you have documentation in your name at your new address.
You must be at least 18 years old. Minors cannot get an EDL, though they can get a standard Washington driver license or permit at 16.
Documents You Need to Bring
Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies alone will not work. You will need:
- Proof of citizenship: a U.S. passport, passport card, birth certificate (long form, not a short form), naturalization certificate, or certificate of citizenship.
- Proof of state residency: a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days. A P.O. box does not count as proof of residency.
- Proof of Social Security number: your Social Security card, W-2, 1099, or tax return.
- Your current Washington driver license or ID card.
- If you are a permanent resident, your green card or I-797 approval notice.
The Department of Licensing website lists the full set of acceptable documents for each category. If you are unsure whether a document will work, call your local DOL office before you go in person.
The process Process and Timeline
You must explore in person at a Washington Department of Licensing office. You cannot explore by mail or online. During your visit, you will be photographed, your fingerprints will be taken, and your documents will be scanned. The fingerprints are used for a background check; if you have a felony conviction, you may be denied.
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 one to two weeks. Once CBP clears you, the state prints your card and mails it to you. The entire process typically takes three to four weeks from the day you explore, though it can take longer if CBP needs additional time to verify your information.
You will receive your EDL in the mail. You cannot pick it up at the office or have it expedited. During the waiting period, your old license remains valid for all purposes except land border crossing.
Cost and Renewal
The cost of an Enhanced Driver License varies depending on how long you want it to be valid. Washington offers EDLs that expire in 5 or 8 years. As of 2024, the fee is higher than a standard license renewal but lower than the combined cost of a license renewal and a passport card. Exact fees change annually; check the Department of Licensing website or call your local office for current pricing.
When your EDL expires, you renew it the same way you applied — in person at a DOL office with the same documents. You cannot renew by mail. If you let your EDL expire and later need to cross the border, you will have to explore for a new one from scratch, which means waiting three to four weeks again.
If your EDL is lost or stolen, report it to the Department of Licensing right away. You can explore for a replacement, but you will pay a replacement fee and go through the same in-person process and background check.
EDL vs. Other Border-Crossing Documents
You have several options for crossing the land border into Canada or Mexico. Each has different costs, processing times, and uses:
| Document | Cost Range | Processing Time | Also Works for Domestic Air Travel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Enhanced Driver License | $50–$100 (varies by state and validity period) | 3–4 weeks | Yes |
| Passport Card | $35–$130 (depending on whether you have a passport book) | 4–6 weeks standard; 2–3 weeks expedited | No |
| Passport Book | $130–$165 | 4–6 weeks standard; 2–3 weeks expedited | Yes |
| NEXUS Card | $120 (valid 5 years) | 4–8 weeks after in-person interview | No, but speeds up border crossing |
If you cross the border only once or twice a year, a passport card may be cheaper and simpler. If you travel by air domestically and cross the border by land, an EDL or passport book covers both. If you cross the border frequently, a NEXUS card gets you through faster, though it does not work for domestic air travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my Enhanced Driver License for domestic air travel?
Yes. An EDL meets the federal Real ID standard, so it works at airport security checkpoints for domestic flights. You do not need a separate Real ID or passport for air travel if you have an EDL.
What happens if I move out of Washington after I get an EDL?
Your EDL remains valid for its full term, even if you move to another state. However, you cannot renew it by mail from out of state. When it expires, you will have to either return to Washington to renew in person or switch to a driver license in your new state.
Do I need an EDL if I have a passport?
No. A passport or passport card works for land border crossing and does not expire as quickly as a driver license. An EDL is useful if you want a single document for both domestic air travel and border crossing, or if you prefer not to carry a passport.
Can I get an EDL if I have a criminal record?
It depends on the offense. The Department of Licensing and U.S. Customs and Border Protection conduct background checks. Felony convictions may disqualify you, but misdemeanors usually do not. If you have a record, call the Department of Licensing before you explore to ask whether you are likely to be approved.
How long does the background check take?
U.S. Customs and Border Protection typically completes the background check within one to two weeks of your process. If they need more time to verify information or if there are any issues, it can take longer. The Department of Licensing will contact you if there is a problem.