What a Washington Enhanced Driver License Does

A Washington Enhanced Driver License (EDL) is a standard driver license with an embedded security chip that proves both your identity and citizenship status. The state issues it through the Department of Licensing. You can use it to enter federal buildings, military bases, and find areas that normally require a passport or other federal ID — but only within the United States and to Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean by land or sea.

The EDL is not a passport. It does not work for air travel. It does not replace a passport for international trips. What it does is let you cross a land border or board a ferry without carrying a separate passport document, which many people find more convenient for routine travel to nearby countries.

Washington began issuing EDLs in 2008. The card itself looks similar to a regular driver license but includes a gold star in the upper right corner and the words "ENHANCED DRIVER LICENSE" printed on it. The embedded chip stores your biometric data and citizenship information in a format that U.S. Customs and Border Protection can read at ports of entry.

Key Takeaways

  • An Enhanced Driver License proves your identity and U.S. citizenship and allows entry to federal facilities and land border crossings without a separate passport.
  • You must be a U.S. citizen, a lawful permanent resident, or a citizen of a Canadian province or territory to get one.
  • The process requires proof of citizenship (birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers), proof of residency, and your Social Security number.
  • The EDL costs more than a standard license and takes longer to process because of the citizenship verification step.
  • You can renew an EDL by mail if you meet certain conditions, but the initial issuance requires an in-person visit to a Department of Licensing office.

Who Can Get an Enhanced Driver License in Washington

You must be a U.S. citizen to get an EDL. Washington also issues them to lawful permanent residents (green card holders) and to citizens of Canadian provinces and territories. If you are not a citizen or permanent resident, you cannot get an EDL — you would need a standard driver license instead.

You must also meet the same basic requirements as anyone getting a Washington driver license: be at least 16 years old (for a permit) or 18 (for a full license), pass the written and driving tests if you are a new driver, and provide proof of residency in Washington. If you already hold a valid Washington driver license, you can convert it to an EDL without retaking the tests.

If you are a permanent resident, you will need to bring your green card or a copy of your I-797 approval notice along with your other documents. The Department of Licensing verifies your status through federal databases before issuing the card.

Documents You Need to Bring to the Department of Licensing

The Department of Licensing requires proof of citizenship, proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted for most documents.

For citizenship, bring one of these: a U.S. birth certificate (certified copy), a U.S. passport, a Certificate of Naturalization, or a Certificate of Citizenship. If you were born outside the United States, a birth certificate alone is not enough — you need a passport or naturalization document.

For identity, bring a document with your photo and signature: a current or expired passport, a military ID, or a tribal ID card. For residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or property tax bill in your name with a Washington address. A bank or credit card statement also works if it shows your name and address.

You will also need to provide your Social Security number. The Department of Licensing uses it to verify your identity and check for duplicate licenses or fraud.

Cost and Processing Time for an EDL

An Enhanced Driver License costs more than a standard Washington driver license. The exact fee varies depending on whether you are renewing an existing license or getting a new one, and how long you want the license to be valid. As of 2024, an EDL typically costs between $85 and $110 for an eight-year license, compared to roughly $65 to $85 for a standard license. Fees change periodically, so check the Department of Licensing website for current pricing.

Processing time is longer for an EDL than a standard license because the state must verify your citizenship through federal records. Initial issuance usually takes two to four weeks. If you renew an EDL by mail (which you can do if your license is not expired and you meet certain other conditions), processing takes about three weeks. If you need it faster, you can pay an expedited fee, though this does not may provide a specific timeline.

The Department of Licensing mails the card to your address on file. You cannot pick it up in person at the office.

how the process works for an EDL at a Department of Licensing Office

You must explore in person at a Department of Licensing office. You cannot explore online or by mail for an initial EDL. Bring all required documents listed above, plus your current driver license if you have one.

When you arrive, tell the staff member you want an Enhanced Driver License, not a standard license. They will check your documents, take your photo and signature, and process your process. You will also be fingerprinted as part of the citizenship verification process.

Before you go, check the Department of Licensing website to find the office nearest you and see if they accept walk-ins or require an appointment. Some offices are busier than others, and wait times vary. You can also call ahead to confirm they have all the documents you need in the right format.

Renewing an EDL by Mail or in Person

If your EDL is still valid and you have not changed your name, address, or citizenship status, you can renew it by mail. The Department of Licensing will send you a renewal notice in the mail before your license expires. Follow the instructions on the notice to return it with the renewal fee. Processing takes about three weeks.

If your license has expired, your address has changed, or you need to update your photo, you must renew in person at a Department of Licensing office. Bring your expired EDL, proof of your new address (if applicable), and the renewal fee. You will have a new photo taken and your fingerprints will be taken again for verification.

If you want to convert a standard Washington driver license to an EDL, you must visit an office in person. This counts as a new issuance, not a renewal, so it takes longer and costs more than a standard renewal.

EDL vs. Real ID: Which One Do You Need

Washington offers two types of enhanced identification: the Enhanced Driver License and the REAL ID-compliant driver license. They serve different purposes, and it is important to understand which one you need.

A REAL ID-compliant license allows you to board domestic flights and enter federal buildings without a passport. It does not prove citizenship and does not work for land border crossings. An EDL does the opposite: it proves citizenship and works for land border crossings but does not work for air travel.

If you fly domestically and also cross land borders, you need both documents or you need a passport. If you only fly domestically, a REAL ID license is sufficient. If you only cross land borders to Canada or Mexico, an EDL is sufficient. The REAL ID license is cheaper and faster to get because it does not require citizenship verification.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use an Enhanced Driver License to fly on a domestic flight?

No. An EDL works for federal building access and land border crossings, but not for air travel. You need a REAL ID-compliant driver license, a passport, or a military ID to board a domestic flight. If you fly and also cross land borders, you will need both an EDL and either a REAL ID license or a passport.

What if my citizenship documents are from another country?

If you are a U.S. citizen, you need a U.S. birth certificate, U.S. passport, Certificate of Naturalization, or Certificate of Citizenship. Foreign birth certificates are not accepted. If you are a permanent resident, bring your green card or I-797 approval notice along with your passport or other identity document.

Can I renew my EDL online?

You can renew by mail if your license is still valid and your information has not changed. You cannot renew online. If you need to renew in person or convert a standard license to an EDL, you must visit a Department of Licensing office.

How long is an Enhanced Driver License valid?

An EDL is valid for eight years in Washington, the same as a standard driver license. If you are under 21, it is valid for four years. Check your card for the expiration date printed on the front.

What happens if I lose my EDL?

Report the loss to the Department of Licensing and request a replacement. You will need to visit an office in person, bring proof of identity and residency, and pay a replacement fee. Processing takes two to four weeks. Until you receive the replacement, you can use a standard driver license for most purposes, but you will not be able to cross land borders without a passport.