What an Enhanced Driver's License Is and Why You Might Need One

An Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) in Washington is a regular driver's license with added security features that lets you cross the U.S. border into Canada, Mexico, and some Caribbean countries without a passport. It has an embedded radio frequency identification (RFID) chip that border agents can scan, plus extra security printing and holograms that make it harder to counterfeit.

You need an EDL if you want to drive across a land or sea border and don't want to carry a passport. Washington residents can use an EDL at the U.S.-Canada border (by car, boat, or on foot) and at some sea ports. If you fly internationally, you still need a passport — an EDL does not replace one for air travel.

The EDL costs more than a standard license and takes longer to get because Washington Department of Licensing (DOL) has to verify your citizenship and identity more thoroughly. The process involves an in-person visit, document review, and a waiting period.

Key Takeaways

  • You must be a U.S. citizen or national to get an Enhanced Driver's License in Washington.
  • You need to bring proof of citizenship (passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers), proof of residency, and proof of identity to your DOL appointment.
  • The EDL costs about $82 for an eight-year license (prices vary by license type and renewal status), compared to roughly $62 for a standard license.
  • Processing takes about two weeks after your in-person visit, so plan ahead if you need it for a specific border crossing date.
  • You must renew an EDL in person at a DOL office, not online or by mail like a standard license.

Documents You Need to Bring to the DOL

Washington requires three categories of documents for an EDL: proof of citizenship, proof of identity, and proof of residency. Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies alone will not work.

Proof of citizenship can be a U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate issued by the state or county where you were born, a Certificate of Naturalization, a Certificate of U.S. Citizenship, or a Consular Report of Birth Abroad. If you were born outside the U.S., a birth certificate from your country of origin is not enough on its own — you need a U.S. document that shows you became a citizen.

Proof of identity must be a document with your photo and signature. A current or expired passport works. A current military ID, tribal ID, or federal employee ID also works. An expired driver's license or state ID from Washington or another state is acceptable if it expired less than five years ago.

Proof of residency shows you live in Washington. A utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or property tax bill dated within the last 60 days works. A bank or credit card statement also counts if it is dated within 60 days. If you do not have a document in your name, you can bring a letter from your landlord or a family member you live with, signed and dated, plus a document showing their residency.

How to Schedule and Complete Your In-Person Visit

You cannot get an EDL by mail or online — you must visit a DOL office in person. Go to the Washington Department of Licensing website and use their office locator to find the nearest location. You can schedule an appointment online or call the office directly. Appointments fill up weeks in advance, especially in urban areas, so book early.

Bring all three categories of documents listed above, your current driver's license or state ID, and your Social Security number. The DOL staff will review your documents, take a new photo and signature, and ask you to confirm your address and other information. They will also collect your fingerprints for the citizenship verification process.

The visit itself usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. You will pay the fee at this appointment — bring a debit card, credit card, or check. The DOL does not accept cash at all locations, so call ahead if you want to confirm payment methods.

Processing Time and When You Can Use Your EDL

After your appointment, the DOL sends your documents to the federal government for citizenship verification. This step typically takes two weeks, though it can take longer if there are questions about your documents. You will receive your EDL by mail once verification is complete.

You cannot use your EDL for border crossing until it arrives in the mail. If you have a border trip planned, do not wait until the last minute to explore — schedule your appointment at least three to four weeks before you need to travel. If your appointment is less than two weeks before your trip, ask the DOL staff whether they think processing will be fast enough; they sometimes can tell you based on current backlogs.

Once you receive your EDL, it is valid for eight years (or four years if you are under 21). You can use it when ready for land and sea border crossings to Canada, Mexico, and some Caribbean nations.

Cost and How It Compares to a Standard License

An Enhanced Driver's License costs more than a standard Washington driver's license because of the extra security features and federal verification. The exact price depends on whether you are getting a new license, renewing an existing one, or replacing one. As of 2024, an eight-year EDL is roughly $82, while a standard eight-year license is roughly $62. Prices can change, so confirm the current fee when you schedule your appointment.

If you already have a standard Washington driver's license and want to upgrade to an EDL, you do not have to wait for your current license to expire. You can get an EDL at any time, and your old license will be replaced. You will pay the full EDL fee, not a reduced upgrade price.

Renewing Your EDL and What Happens If It Expires

Unlike a standard Washington driver's license, you cannot renew an EDL online or by mail. You must visit a DOL office in person every time your EDL expires. Bring the same documents you brought for your first EDL — proof of citizenship, identity, and residency — plus your current EDL.

If your EDL expires and you do not renew it, you can still drive in Washington, but you cannot use it for border crossing. You would need to carry a passport to cross the border instead. If you let your EDL expire and then want to cross the border, renew it at a DOL office before your trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an EDL if I am a permanent resident or have a green card?

No. Washington only issues EDLs to U.S. citizens and nationals. If you are a permanent resident, you must use a passport to cross the border. Once you become a U.S. citizen through naturalization, you can get an EDL by bringing your Certificate of Naturalization to a DOL office.

What if I was born outside the U.S. but am a citizen?

You can get an EDL, but you need a U.S. citizenship document, not just a foreign birth certificate. Bring your passport, Certificate of Naturalization, Certificate of U.S. Citizenship, or Consular Report of Birth Abroad. A birth certificate from your country of origin alone will not work.

Do I need an EDL if I have a passport?

No. A passport works for all border crossings, including air travel. An EDL is only useful if you want to avoid carrying a passport for land and sea border trips. Some people get both for convenience — they carry the EDL for quick car trips and the passport for flights.

What if my documents are expired?

An expired passport or birth certificate still counts as proof of citizenship. An expired driver's license or state ID counts as proof of identity if it expired less than five years ago. Proof of residency must be dated within 60 days, so it cannot be expired.

Can I get an EDL if I have a suspended or revoked license?

No. You must be may be able to access to hold a valid Washington driver's license to get an EDL. If your license is suspended or revoked, you need to resolve that issue first by paying fines, completing required programs, or waiting out the suspension period. Once your driving privilege is restored, you can explore for an EDL.