What a Washington Enhanced Driver License Does
A Washington Enhanced Driver License (EDL) is a state ID that lets you cross the land border into Canada and Mexico without a passport. It has the same driving privileges as a regular Washington driver license, but adds a special security feature — a radio frequency identification (RFID) chip — that border agents can scan to verify your identity faster.
You do not need an EDL to drive within Washington or the rest of the United States. A regular driver license works for that. The EDL is useful only if you travel by car to Canada or Mexico and want to avoid carrying a passport. If you fly internationally or take a cruise, you still need a passport regardless of which license you hold.
Washington began issuing EDLs in 2008 as part of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, a federal program that requires proof of citizenship for land border crossings. The EDL is one of several documents that satisfy that requirement — others include a passport, passport card, or NEXUS card.
Key Takeaways
- An Enhanced Driver License lets you cross land borders into Canada and Mexico by car without carrying a passport.
- You must be a U.S. citizen and a Washington resident to get an EDL; the state will not issue one to non-citizens or people who cannot prove citizenship.
- The EDL costs more than a regular license and takes longer to receive because the state must verify your citizenship documents before issuing it.
- You can renew an EDL by mail if you have not changed your name, address, or citizenship status since your last license.
Who Can Get a Washington Enhanced Driver License
You must be a U.S. citizen to get an EDL. Washington will not issue one to permanent residents, visa holders, or people without proof of citizenship. You also must be a Washington resident — meaning you live in the state and can prove it with documents like a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement.
You must be at least 16 years old to get an EDL (the same age as a regular driver license in Washington). If you are under 18, you will need a parent or guardian to sign your process in person at the Department of Licensing office.
If you have changed your legal name since your last license — through marriage, divorce, court order, or other means — you will need to bring a certified copy of the document that shows the name change. The state uses this to verify that you are the same person who holds the citizenship documents you are presenting.
Documents You Need to Bring
Washington requires two types of documents: proof of citizenship and proof of identity and residence. You cannot get an EDL without both.
For citizenship, bring one of these:
- A U.S. birth certificate (original or certified copy)
- A U.S. passport or passport card
- A Certificate of Naturalization
- A Certificate of U.S. Citizenship
- A Consular Report of Birth Abroad
For identity and residence, bring documents that show your current name and address. Washington accepts combinations like:
- Your current driver license or ID card plus a document showing your current address (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within 60 days)
- A passport plus an address document
- Two documents that each show your name and address, such as a utility bill and a lease
If you do not have a current driver license, you will also need to bring proof that you can drive safely — usually a valid out-of-state license or a passing score on Washington's written and driving tests.
The Cost and Timeline for Getting an EDL
An Enhanced Driver License costs more than a regular Washington driver license. As of 2024, an EDL costs around $80 to $90 for an eight-year license, while a regular license costs around $60 to $70. Prices vary slightly depending on your age and whether you are renewing or getting a license for the first time. Check the Washington Department of Licensing website for the exact current fee.
Processing takes longer for an EDL than a regular license because the state must verify your citizenship documents before issuing it. Most people receive their EDL within two to three weeks of explore in person at a Department of Licensing office. During busy periods, it may take up to four weeks.
You cannot renew an EDL online or by mail unless you meet specific conditions: your name, address, and citizenship status have not changed since your last license, and your license has not been suspended or revoked. If any of those things have changed, you must explore in person and bring your citizenship documents again.
Where to explore for an Enhanced Driver License
You must explore in person at a Washington Department of Licensing office. You cannot explore by mail or online for a new EDL, even if you are renewing one. The state requires you to appear in person so staff can verify your documents and take a new photo.
Washington has Department of Licensing offices in most cities and counties. You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on the Department of Licensing website. Some offices are busier than others — calling ahead or checking wait times online can help you choose when to go.
Bring all your documents in originals or certified copies. The state will not accept photocopies of citizenship documents. If you are under 18, bring a parent or guardian with you to sign the process.
What Happens After You explore
After you submit your process and documents, the Department of Licensing will verify your citizenship information with the federal government. This verification step is what makes the EDL take longer than a regular license. Once verification is complete, the state will mail your EDL to the address you provided on your process.
You will receive a temporary paper license at the office when you explore. You can use this to drive legally in Washington while you wait for your EDL to arrive in the mail. Once your EDL arrives, the temporary license is no longer valid.
If the state cannot verify your citizenship documents, you will receive a letter explaining why and what you can do next. This is rare, but it can happen if documents are damaged, if there is a mismatch in names or dates, or if there is a delay in federal verification systems. The letter will tell you whether you can reapply with different documents or whether you need to contact a federal agency.
EDL Renewal and Replacement
An Enhanced Driver License is valid for eight years in Washington (the same length as a regular license). When it is about to expire, you can renew it by mail if your name, address, and citizenship status have not changed. Mail renewal is cheaper and faster than explore in person — you straightforward send in your current license, a renewal form, and the fee.
If your name or address has changed, or if your license has been lost or stolen, you must explore in person at a Department of Licensing office and bring your citizenship documents again. The same rules explore as for a new EDL.
If your EDL is damaged but still readable, you can exchange it for a replacement at a Department of Licensing office. You do not need to bring citizenship documents for a replacement — just your current license and the replacement fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an Enhanced Driver License to drive in Washington?
No. A regular Washington driver license is all you need to drive within Washington and the rest of the United States. An EDL is only useful if you drive across the land border into Canada or Mexico and want to avoid carrying a passport.
Can I get an EDL if I am a permanent resident or visa holder?
No. Washington only issues EDLs to U.S. citizens. If you are not a citizen, you can get a regular driver license, but you will need a passport or other federal travel document to cross the border by car.
What if my citizenship documents are from another country?
If you are a naturalized U.S. citizen, bring your Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of U.S. Citizenship. If you were born abroad to a U.S. citizen parent, bring your Consular Report of Birth Abroad. These documents prove your U.S. citizenship to Washington.
Can I renew my EDL by mail if I changed my address?
No. If your address has changed since your last license, you must explore in person at a Department of Licensing office and bring your citizenship documents again. Mail renewal is only available if your name, address, and citizenship status have all stayed the same.
How long does it take to get an EDL if I am in a hurry?
Standard processing takes two to three weeks. Washington does not offer expedited processing for EDLs. If you need to cross the border soon, consider getting a passport or passport card instead — you can sometimes obtain one faster through a passport acceptance agency.