What an Enhanced Driver License Is
An Enhanced Driver License (EDL) in Washington is a standard driver license with added security features that lets you cross the U.S.-Canada border by land or sea without a passport. It has a vertical gold stripe and a special marking that U.S. Customs and Border Protection recognizes. You still need your regular ID to fly anywhere, including to Canada — the EDL only works for land and water border crossings.
Washington issues EDLs through the Department of Licensing. The card itself looks like a normal driver license but costs more and requires additional documents to prove citizenship. It does not give you any special driving privileges or legal status — it is purely a travel document for border crossing.
Key Takeaways
- An Enhanced Driver License lets you cross the U.S.-Canada border by car, truck, or boat without carrying a passport.
- You must prove U.S. citizenship with an original birth certificate, naturalization papers, or a valid U.S. passport when you explore.
- The EDL costs more than a standard license and requires an in-person visit to a Department of Licensing office.
- Processing takes several weeks, so plan ahead if you have a border trip scheduled.
- An EDL does not work for air travel — you still need a passport to fly to Canada or Mexico.
Who Can Get an Enhanced Driver License
You must be a U.S. citizen to get an EDL in Washington. If you are a lawful permanent resident or have any other immigration status, you cannot get an EDL, though you may be able to get a standard driver license. You also must be at least 18 years old and meet all the normal requirements for a Washington driver license — a valid Social Security number, proof of identity, and proof of Washington residency.
If you already have a valid Washington driver license, you can upgrade to an EDL without retaking the written or driving test. You only need to provide the citizenship documents and pay the upgrade fee.
Documents You Need to Bring
Bring an original or certified copy of one of these citizenship documents: a U.S. birth certificate, a Certificate of Naturalization, a Certificate of Citizenship, or a valid U.S. passport. A photocopy or a birth certificate from a hospital does not count — it must be an official document with a raised seal or certified stamp.
You also need proof of identity (your current driver license, passport, or state ID), proof of Washington residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days), and your Social Security number. Bring the original documents, not copies, unless the Department of Licensing specifically asks for a copy.
how the process works at a Department of Licensing Office
Go to the Department of Licensing website and find the office nearest you. Most counties have at least one office, and some larger cities have multiple locations. You do not need an appointment in most offices, but some locations now use an online reservation system — check before you go.
Bring all your documents and arrive during regular business hours. Tell the staff member you want to upgrade to an Enhanced Driver License. They will verify your citizenship documents, take a new photo, and collect the fee. The fee varies but is typically $20 to $30 more than the cost of renewing a standard license. Ask the staff member how long processing will take at that specific office — it usually ranges from two to four weeks, but some offices move faster than others.
You will receive a receipt showing your process number. Keep it. Your EDL will arrive by mail at your Washington address. Do not plan a border trip until you have the card in hand.
What Happens at the Border With an EDL
When you drive to Canada, present your EDL to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer at the border crossing. They will scan it, and the system will recognize it as proof of citizenship. You do not need to carry a passport or any other document — the EDL alone is sufficient for land and water crossings.
If you are returning to the U.S. from Canada, present your EDL to the U.S. officer at the crossing. The process is the same. If you are traveling with children, each person in the car needs their own travel document — an EDL, passport, passport card, or NEXUS card. A child cannot cross on a parent's EDL.
EDL vs. Passport and Other Border Documents
| Document | Land/Water Border | Air Travel | Cost | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Enhanced Driver License | Yes | No | $20–$30 more than standard license | 2–4 weeks |
| Passport Book | Yes | Yes | $130–$165 | 6–8 weeks (routine) |
| Passport Card | Yes | No | $35–$50 | 6–8 weeks (routine) |
| NEXUS Card | Yes (expedited lane) | No | $120 (5-year membership) | Varies; requires interview |
If you fly to Canada or Mexico, you must have a passport book — an EDL will not work. If you only drive to Canada occasionally and do not fly internationally, an EDL is the cheapest option. If you fly frequently or travel to countries other than Canada, a passport book is more useful even though it costs more.
Renewing or Replacing Your EDL
An EDL expires on the same schedule as a standard Washington driver license — typically eight years after issue. When it is time to renew, you can renew by mail if you have not changed your address and your citizenship status has not changed. If you renew by mail, you do not need to bring citizenship documents again.
If your EDL is lost, stolen, or damaged, go to a Department of Licensing office and request a replacement. You will need to bring your citizenship documents again and pay a replacement fee. The replacement will be mailed to you within the same timeframe as a new EDL.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use an EDL to fly to Canada?
No. An EDL only works for land and water border crossings. To fly anywhere, including Canada, you need a passport book. A passport card also does not work for air travel.
Do I need an EDL if I already have a passport?
No. A passport works for both air and land travel, so an EDL is redundant if you already have one. An EDL is useful only if you drive to Canada frequently but do not fly internationally.
What if I lost my citizenship documents and cannot find them?
Contact the agency that issued the document. For a birth certificate, contact the vital records office in the county or state where you were born. For naturalization papers, contact U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Getting a replacement can take several weeks, so start early if you need an EDL soon.
Can I get an EDL if I am a permanent resident or have a visa?
No. EDLs are only for U.S. citizens. If you are a permanent resident, you can get a standard Washington driver license, but you will need a passport or passport card to cross the border.
How long does an EDL stay valid?
An EDL is valid for eight years from the date of issue, the same as a standard Washington driver license. After eight years, you must renew it at a Department of Licensing office.