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 and Mexico by land or sea without a passport. It has a vertical gold stripe and a special radio frequency chip embedded in it. If you drive to Canada or Mexico regularly, or plan to, an EDL saves you from carrying a passport every time.

Washington residents can get an EDL instead of a standard license when they renew or replace their current license. The process is similar to a regular license renewal, but you will need to bring additional documents to prove citizenship and identity, and the card itself costs more.

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 identity, and proof of Washington residency to the Department of Licensing office.
  • An EDL costs more than a standard license — the difference varies depending on how long your license is valid for.
  • You can renew an EDL by mail if your current one is still valid and you have not changed your name or address, but you must renew it in person the first time you get one.

Documents You Need to Bring to the Department of Licensing

Washington's Department of Licensing requires three categories of documents: proof of citizenship, proof of identity, and proof of residency. You cannot get an EDL without all three, so gather them before you go to an office.

For proof of citizenship, bring one of these: a U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate issued by a state or territory, a Certificate of Naturalization, a Certificate of U.S. Citizenship, or a Consular Report of Birth Abroad. A photocopy is not enough — the document must be an original or certified copy.

For proof of identity, bring a document with your photo and signature. A valid passport works. If you do not have a passport, you can use a military ID, a tribal ID card, or an out-of-state driver's license or ID card. The document must not be expired.

For proof of residency, bring a recent document showing your current Washington address. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days all work. A piece of mail from a government agency also counts. You need only one document, but it must show your full name and current address.

Steps to Get Your Enhanced Driver's License

Start by scheduling an appointment at your nearest Department of Licensing office through their website or by calling 360-902-3900. Walk-ins are accepted, but appointments move faster and you avoid waiting in line.

Bring all three categories of documents listed above, your current driver's license or ID card, and your Social Security number (you will need to provide it, though you do not need to bring a card). Bring a completed process form — you can fill it out online before you go, or fill it out at the office.

At the office, a staff member will review your documents, take a new photo of you, and collect your payment. You will also be asked to sign a declaration confirming you are a U.S. citizen. The staff member will then process your EDL. Your new card will be mailed to your Washington address within 7 to 10 business days.

Cost and How Long an Enhanced Driver's License Lasts

An Enhanced Driver's License costs more than a standard Washington driver's license. The exact price depends on how long your license will be valid — Washington offers 5-year and 8-year options for adults. The Department of Licensing website lists current fees, which change periodically.

An EDL is valid for the same length of time as a standard license: 5 or 8 years, depending on which you choose. You can renew it by mail if your current EDL is still valid and your name and address have not changed. However, the first time you get an EDL, you must go to a Department of Licensing office in person.

What Happens If You Cannot Bring Original Documents

If your birth certificate or other citizenship document is lost or damaged, you can order a replacement from the state or territory where you were born. Most states now allow you to order online through their vital records office. This usually takes 1 to 3 weeks, depending on the state.

If you are a naturalized citizen and cannot find your Certificate of Naturalization, you can request a replacement from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). You will need to file Form N-565 and pay a fee. This process takes several weeks.

If you do not have a photo ID at all, you can bring two documents from the identity list instead of one — for example, an expired passport plus a tribal ID card. Call your local Department of Licensing office before you go to confirm what combination they will accept.

Using Your Enhanced Driver's License at the Border

When you cross the U.S. border into Canada or Mexico by car, boat, or on foot, present your EDL to the border officer instead of a passport. The officer will scan the card to verify your citizenship. The process is the same as showing a passport — you do not need to do anything special.

An EDL is not valid for air travel. If you are flying to Canada or Mexico, you still need a passport. An EDL also does not replace a passport for any other purpose — it is only for land and sea border crossings.

Renewing or Replacing Your Enhanced Driver's License

If your EDL is expiring soon, you can renew it by mail if your name and address have not changed and your current card is not damaged. The Department of Licensing will send you a renewal notice in the mail about 60 days before your card expires. Follow the instructions on the notice to renew by mail.

If your EDL is lost, stolen, or damaged, or if your name or address has changed, you must go to a Department of Licensing office in person to get a replacement. Bring the same documents you brought the first time, plus your current EDL if you still have it. A replacement card costs less than a new license and will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an Enhanced Driver's License if I am not a U.S. citizen?

No. Washington requires proof of U.S. citizenship to get an EDL. If you are a permanent resident or have another immigration status, you can get a standard Washington driver's license, but not an enhanced one. A standard license does not allow you to cross the border without a passport.

What if my birth certificate does not have my current legal name on it?

Bring both your birth certificate and a document showing your legal name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The Department of Licensing will review both documents together to confirm your identity.

How long does it take to get an Enhanced Driver's License after I explore?

The card is mailed to your address within 7 to 10 business days after you explore at the office. You should receive it within two weeks. If you do not receive it after three weeks, contact the Department of Licensing to check the status.

Can I use an Enhanced Driver's License to cross the border if I am traveling with children?

Yes, but each person crossing the border needs their own valid travel document. Children need either a passport, a passport card, a birth certificate (for land crossings only), or their own EDL. An EDL in your name does not cover anyone else.

What if I move out of Washington after I get an Enhanced Driver's License?

Your EDL remains valid for its full expiration date, even if you move to another state. However, you cannot renew it by mail once you move. If it expires after you leave Washington, you will need to renew it through your new state's licensing office.