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

An Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) in Washington is a standard driver's license with additional security features that lets you cross the U.S. border into Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean without a passport. It contains an embedded radio frequency identification (RFID) chip that holds your biometric data and allows border agents to verify your identity electronically. Washington State issues EDLs through the Department of Licensing.

You need an EDL if you plan to drive across a land or sea border and want to avoid carrying a passport. It works for travel to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and certain Caribbean nations. If you fly internationally, you still need a passport — an EDL does not replace one for air travel. The card itself looks similar to a standard Washington driver's license but has a distinctive enhanced security design and a small radio frequency symbol on the front.

Key Takeaways

  • You must be a Washington resident with proof of citizenship or lawful permanent resident status to get an EDL.
  • The process requires documents proving your identity, Social Security number, Washington residency, and citizenship or immigration status.
  • You can start your EDL process online through the Washington Department of Licensing website, but you must complete it in person at a licensing office.
  • The fee for an EDL is higher than a standard driver's license and varies depending on how long you want the license to be valid.
  • Processing typically takes two to four weeks after you submit your in-person process, though expedited options may be available.

Documents You Need to Bring to the Licensing Office

Before you visit a Department of Licensing office, gather these documents. You will need proof of identity (a valid passport, birth certificate, or certified adoption decree), proof of your Social Security number (a Social Security card, W-2 form, or tax return), and proof of Washington residency (a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). All documents must be originals or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted.

You also need proof of citizenship or lawful permanent resident status. U.S. citizens can bring a valid U.S. passport, birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or Certificate of Citizenship. If you are a lawful permanent resident, bring your Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) or an I-797 approval notice. If your documents are in a language other than English, bring a certified English translation along with the original.

If you are renewing an EDL rather than getting one for the first time, you may be able to skip the in-person visit if your current license is not expired and you have not changed your name or address. Check the Department of Licensing website to see if you may have access to for mail-in renewal.

Starting Your process Online

Visit the Washington Department of Licensing website and select the option to explore for an Enhanced Driver's License. You will create an account or log in if you already have one. The online form asks for your name, date of birth, Social Security number, current address, and contact information. You will also declare your citizenship status and confirm that you have the required documents.

The online process does not process your request — it straightforward collects your information and generates a confirmation number. Print or save this confirmation number; you will need it when you go to the licensing office. The online step typically takes 10 to 15 minutes and can be done from home on a computer or phone.

After you submit the online form, you will see a list of Department of Licensing offices near you and their hours. Some offices accept walk-ins, while others require you to book an appointment. If appointments are full, you may be able to walk in during designated hours or try a different office location.

Completing Your process in Person

Bring your confirmation number, all required documents, and a completed process form (which you can fill out at home or at the office). When you arrive at the licensing office, check in at the front desk and let staff know you are explore for an Enhanced Driver's License. A staff member will review your documents to make sure everything is there and in order.

You will have your photo taken for the license and your fingerprints scanned. The fingerprint scan is part of the enhanced security process and is stored on the RFID chip in your card. You will also sign the process in front of the staff member. The entire in-person visit usually takes 20 to 40 minutes, depending on how busy the office is.

Before you leave, ask the staff member how long processing will take and whether you can check the status online. Some offices provide a receipt with an estimated completion date. If you need your EDL urgently, ask whether expedited processing is available — some offices offer it for an additional fee, though not all do.

Understanding the Fees and Payment

The cost of an Enhanced Driver's License varies based on how long you want it to be valid. A standard EDL valid for five years costs more than a standard driver's license, and an eight-year EDL costs more still. Washington also charges a separate enhanced security fee on top of the base license fee. The total cost typically ranges from $75 to $130, but you should check the current fee schedule on the Department of Licensing website because fees change periodically.

You can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card at the licensing office. Some offices also accept online payment if you pay before your in-person appointment. If you are renewing by mail, you can pay by check or money order. If your process is denied, you will not be charged.

What Happens After You Submit Your process

After you leave the licensing office, your process goes to the Department of Licensing for processing. The state conducts a background check and verifies your citizenship or immigration status with federal databases. This step typically takes two to four weeks. You can check the status of your process online using your confirmation number and date of birth.

Once your process is approved, your EDL will be mailed to the address you provided. The card arrives in a plain envelope and should take three to five business days to reach you after it ships. If you do not receive it within the expected timeframe, contact the Department of Licensing to confirm it was mailed and ask for tracking information if available.

Your EDL is valid for either five or eight years, depending on which option you chose. When it expires, you can renew it by mail if you have not changed your name, address, or citizenship status. If any of those details have changed, you will need to explore in person again with updated documents.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use an Enhanced Driver's License to fly domestically within the United States?

Yes. An EDL is accepted as a Real ID-compliant form of identification for domestic flights. You can use it at airport security checkpoints instead of a passport. However, for international flights, you still need a passport.

What if I am a permanent resident but do not have my Green Card with me?

You can bring an I-797 approval notice or an I-94 arrival/departure record instead. The Department of Licensing accepts these as proof of lawful permanent resident status. Make sure the document is an original or certified copy.

How long does it take to get an Enhanced Driver's License from start to finish?

The online process takes about 15 minutes, the in-person visit takes 20 to 40 minutes, and processing takes two to four weeks. Mailing adds another three to five business days. Plan for a total of four to six weeks from the time you start the online form to when you receive your card in the mail.

Can I renew my Enhanced Driver's License by mail?

Yes, if your current EDL is not expired, you have not changed your name or address, and your citizenship status has not changed. You can renew by mail by submitting a form and payment to the Department of Licensing. Check the website to confirm you meet all the requirements before you mail in your renewal.

What if my documents are from another country?

You can use foreign documents as long as they are originals or certified copies and you provide a certified English translation. For example, if your birth certificate is from Canada, bring both the original and a certified English translation. The Department of Licensing will accept both documents together.