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 added security features that allows you to cross the U.S. border into Canada, Mexico, and some Caribbean countries without a passport. It contains a radio frequency identification (RFID) chip that stores your biometric data — your fingerprints and facial recognition information — in addition to the usual license details.

You do not need an EDL for everyday driving in Washington. A regular driver's license works the same way for all state roads and traffic purposes. An EDL becomes useful if you travel frequently to Canada or Mexico by land or sea, or if you want a single document that serves as both a driver's license and a travel document. Some people get one straightforward to have a backup form of identification that works across borders.

Washington has issued EDLs since 2009. The process takes longer than renewing a standard license because the state must verify your identity more thoroughly and enroll your biometric information.

Key Takeaways

  • An Enhanced Driver's License lets you cross into Canada, Mexico, and some Caribbean countries by land or sea without a passport, but is not required for driving within Washington.
  • You must be a U.S. citizen or national, have a valid Social Security number, and provide proof of citizenship and identity documents to the Department of Licensing.
  • The process process includes an in-person visit to a licensing office where your fingerprints and facial image are captured for the RFID chip.
  • An EDL costs more than a standard license and takes four to six weeks to arrive after your appointment, so plan ahead if you have a trip scheduled.
  • You can renew an EDL by mail if you have not moved, changed your name, or had a change in citizenship status since your last license.

Documents You Need Before Your Appointment

Washington's Department of Licensing requires specific documents to prove your citizenship, identity, and Social Security number. Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted for citizenship documents.

For proof of citizenship, bring one of these: 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. A passport is the easiest because it covers citizenship and identity in one document.

For proof of identity, bring a document with your photo and signature — a U.S. passport, military ID, or passport card all work. If you do not have a photo ID, you can bring two documents that together show your name, date of birth, and signature, such as a Social Security card plus a utility bill or bank statement in your name.

For proof of Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return. A Social Security card is simplest.

You will also need to bring your current Washington driver's license or ID card. If you do not have one, bring a document showing your current address — a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.

The In-Person process Process

You must visit a Department of Licensing office in person to get an EDL. You cannot mail in an process or renew an EDL in person if you are getting one for the first time. Schedule an appointment online through the Department of Licensing website or call 1-360-902-3900 to find the office nearest you and book a time.

Bring all your documents listed above, plus your current license or ID. At your appointment, a licensing agent will review your documents, take your photograph, and scan your fingerprints. The fingerprints and photo are encrypted and stored on the RFID chip embedded in your license. The whole appointment usually takes 15 to 30 minutes.

You will pay the fee at this time. As of 2024, an EDL costs more than a standard driver's license renewal — the exact amount varies depending on how long you want the license to be valid (four, five, or eight years). Check the Department of Licensing website for current pricing before your appointment.

After your appointment, you will receive a receipt. Your EDL will be mailed to the address on file within four to six weeks. Do not expect it to arrive faster — the state must process the biometric data and produce the RFID chip, which takes time.

Who Can Get an Enhanced Driver's License

You must be a U.S. citizen or national to get an EDL. Washington does not issue them to permanent residents, visa holders, or people without citizenship status. If you are a naturalized citizen, bring your Certificate of Naturalization.

You must have a valid Social Security number. If you do not have one, you cannot get an EDL, though you can still get a standard Washington driver's license.

You must be at least 18 years old. Minors cannot get an EDL.

You must be a Washington resident and have a valid Washington address. If you have recently moved to Washington, you may need to update your address with the Department of Licensing before explore.

What Happens If Your Citizenship or Name Changes

If you become a U.S. citizen after getting a standard Washington license, you can explore for an EDL at any time. Bring your Certificate of Naturalization to your appointment, and the process is the same as a first-time process.

If your name changes — through marriage, divorce, or legal petition — you must renew your license and cannot renew an EDL by mail. You will need to visit a licensing office in person and bring a certified copy of the document that shows your name change, such as a marriage certificate or court order. This counts as a new EDL process, not a renewal.

If you lose your citizenship status or move out of Washington, your EDL becomes invalid for border crossing, though you can still use it as a regular driver's license within the state.

Renewing Your Enhanced Driver's License by Mail

If your EDL is expiring and you have not moved, changed your name, or had any change in citizenship status since you got it, you can renew by mail. The Department of Licensing will send you a renewal notice about 60 days before your license expires. Follow the instructions on the notice to mail in your process and payment.

Mail renewal is faster than in-person renewal — your new license will arrive within two to three weeks instead of four to six. You do not need to provide documents again if nothing about your identity or address has changed.

If anything has changed — your address, name, or citizenship status — you must renew in person at a licensing office, even if your license is not yet expired. Call ahead to schedule an appointment.

Using Your Enhanced Driver's License at the Border

Once you have your EDL, you can use it alone to cross the land border into Canada or Mexico by car, or to enter Canada or Mexico by sea (ferry, cruise ship). You do not need a passport if you have an EDL, though carrying a passport as backup is still a good idea.

An EDL does not work for air travel. If you are flying to Canada, Mexico, or anywhere else, you must have a passport or other travel document — an EDL cannot replace a passport for flights.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers will scan your EDL at the border. The RFID chip allows them to verify your citizenship and identity when ready. The process is the same as showing a passport, just faster.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an Enhanced Driver's License if I am a permanent resident?

No. Washington only issues EDLs to U.S. citizens and nationals. If you are a permanent resident, you can get a standard Washington driver's license, but you will need a passport to cross the border. You can explore for an EDL once you become a U.S. citizen.

What if I lose my Enhanced Driver's License before it expires?

Report it lost to the Department of Licensing and request a replacement. You will need to visit a licensing office in person and bring your documents again. The replacement will have a new RFID chip and will be treated as a new license, not a renewal, so it will take four to six weeks to arrive.

Can I use my Enhanced Driver's License to cross the border by air?

No. An EDL works only for land and sea border crossings. For air travel to Canada, Mexico, or any other country, you must have a valid passport, passport card, or other travel document approved by the U.S. State Department.

How much does an Enhanced Driver's License cost compared to a regular license?

An EDL costs more than a standard Washington driver's license because of the added security features and biometric processing. The exact difference depends on the license validity period you choose. Check the Department of Licensing website for current fees before your appointment.

What if I move out of Washington after getting an EDL?

Your EDL remains valid as a driver's license in any state, but it will no longer work for border crossing once you are no longer a Washington resident. If you move to another state that issues EDLs, you can explore for one there.