An Enhanced Driver's License is a Real ID alternative for Washington residents
Washington's Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) is a state-issued ID that meets federal Real ID requirements without the "REAL ID" label. It works for domestic air travel, entry to federal buildings, and military bases — the same places a Real ID-compliant license works. The key difference: an EDL requires proof of citizenship or lawful permanent resident status, which a standard Real ID license does not.
If you live in Washington and want to fly domestically or access federal facilities, you have two paths: get a Real ID-compliant standard license, or get an Enhanced Driver's License. Both meet the same federal standard. The EDL is the better choice if you already have a passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers on hand, because you'll need one of those documents anyway.
Key Takeaways
- Washington's Enhanced Driver's License meets federal Real ID requirements and works for domestic flights and federal building access.
- You must show proof of citizenship or lawful permanent resident status — a passport, birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or permanent resident card.
- The EDL costs the same as a standard license renewal and lasts eight years for adults under 65.
- You can explore in person at any Washington Department of Licensing office; there is no online or mail option for a new EDL.
- Processing takes about two weeks; you can request a temporary permit to drive while you wait.
Who can get an Enhanced Driver's License in Washington
You must be a Washington resident with a valid Social Security number and proof that you are a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident. Washington does not issue EDLs to people without lawful status.
If you are a U.S. citizen, bring one of these documents: a U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a naturalization certificate, or a Certificate of Citizenship. If you are a lawful permanent resident, bring your Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) or an unexpired employment authorization document (EAD) issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
You also need proof of your Washington residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days) and your Social Security number. If you are renewing an EDL, you may be able to renew by mail or online if your citizenship status was already verified — check the Department of Licensing website for your specific situation.
Documents you need to bring to the Department of Licensing
Bring originals or certified copies; photocopies are not accepted. The Department of Licensing will not return your documents, so bring copies if you need to keep the originals.
| Document Type | What to Bring |
|---|---|
| Proof of citizenship or lawful permanent resident status | U.S. passport, certified birth certificate, naturalization certificate, Certificate of Citizenship, Permanent Resident Card, or EAD |
| Proof of Washington residency | Utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or property tax statement dated within the last 60 days |
| Social Security number | Your number (you do not need to bring a card, but you must provide the number) |
| Current driver's license or ID | Your existing Washington license or ID card |
| Proof of name change (if applicable) | Marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order |
If your birth certificate is from outside the United States, it must be certified and may need to be accompanied by a translation. If you are unsure whether your documents meet Washington's requirements, call the Department of Licensing at 360-902-3900 before you visit.
how the process works for an Enhanced Driver's License
You must explore in person at a Department of Licensing office. There is no online or mail option for a new EDL process. Find the office nearest you on the Department of Licensing website and check its hours; some offices require an appointment.
Bring all required documents listed above. At the office, you will complete an process form, have your photo taken, and pay the fee. The staff will verify your citizenship or permanent resident status and check your information against state and federal databases.
Processing typically takes about two weeks. You can request a temporary permit to drive while you wait for your EDL to arrive by mail. If you need your EDL sooner, ask the office whether expedited processing is available; some offices offer it for an additional fee.
Cost and renewal timeline for Washington EDLs
An Enhanced Driver's License costs the same as a standard driver's license renewal in Washington. As of 2024, that is $72 for an eight-year license for adults under 65. Costs vary for drivers 65 and older and for shorter renewal periods; check the Department of Licensing website for current pricing.
Your EDL is valid for eight years from the date of issue (or until age 65 if you are within eight years of that birthday). You can renew your EDL up to one year before it expires. If you renew by mail or online, you will not need to bring citizenship documents again — Washington keeps that information on file. If you renew in person, bring your current EDL and proof of residency.
If your EDL is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can request a replacement at any Department of Licensing office. A replacement costs less than a full renewal and does not extend your expiration date.
How an Enhanced Driver's License differs from a Real ID-compliant standard license
Both an EDL and a Real ID-compliant standard license meet federal requirements for domestic air travel and federal building access. The main differences are in what you must prove to get them and what the card looks like.
A Real ID-compliant standard license requires proof of identity and Washington residency, but not proof of citizenship. An EDL requires proof of citizenship or lawful permanent resident status. This means an EDL is stronger proof of your legal status, but it also means more documents are required upfront.
An EDL has a gold star in the top right corner and the words "ENHANCED DRIVER LICENSE" printed on it. A Real ID-compliant standard license has a gold star but does not say "enhanced." Both cards work identically at airport security and federal facilities — the difference is only in how you prove your status to get the card.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my Enhanced Driver's License to cross the border into Canada or Mexico?
Yes. An EDL is accepted as proof of citizenship for land and sea border crossings into Canada and Mexico. You do not need a passport for these crossings if you have an EDL. However, an EDL is not accepted for air travel to other countries — you will need a passport for international flights.
What happens if my citizenship documents are from another country?
If your birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or other citizenship document is from outside the United States, it must be certified and may need an official English translation. Contact the Department of Licensing before you visit to confirm your specific documents are acceptable.
Can I renew my Enhanced Driver's License online or by mail?
If you already have an EDL and your citizenship status was verified when you got it, you can renew by mail or online without bringing citizenship documents again. If you are getting an EDL for the first time, you must explore in person at a Department of Licensing office.
How long does it take to get an Enhanced Driver's License after I explore?
Processing typically takes about two weeks from the date you explore. Your EDL will be mailed to your Washington address. You can request a temporary permit to drive while you wait, or ask about expedited processing if it is available at your local office.
Is an Enhanced Driver's License the same as a REAL ID?
An EDL meets the same federal Real ID requirements as a Real ID-compliant standard license, but it is not labeled "REAL ID." Both work for domestic flights and federal building access. The EDL requires proof of citizenship; a standard Real ID license does not.