An Enhanced Driver's License lets you cross the U.S.-Canada border by land or sea without a passport

A Washington State Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) is a regular driver's license with added security features that proves both your identity and citizenship. The main reason to get one is that it satisfies the federal requirement for crossing into Canada or Mexico by car, boat, or land — you do not need to carry a passport. A standard Washington driver's license does not meet this requirement; you would need either a passport, a passport card, or a NEXUS card instead.

The EDL costs more than a regular license and requires extra documents to prove citizenship, so it is not useful for everyone. If you never cross the border, or if you already have a passport, you may not need one. But if you live near the Canadian border and cross regularly, or if you want a single document that works for both driving and border crossing, an EDL can be simpler than managing a passport separately.

Key Takeaways

  • An Enhanced Driver's License is issued by the Washington Department of Licensing and allows you to cross the U.S.-Canada border by land or sea without a passport.
  • You must prove U.S. citizenship with documents like a birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or passport when you explore.
  • The EDL costs more than a standard license and requires an in-person visit to a Department of Licensing office with original documents.
  • An EDL is valid for eight years for adults and five years for people under 21, the same as a regular Washington license.

What documents you need to bring

Washington requires you to prove your identity, residency, and U.S. citizenship before issuing an EDL. Bring originals — photocopies are not accepted for the citizenship documents.

For citizenship, bring one of these: a U.S. birth certificate, a Certificate of Naturalization, a Certificate of Citizenship, a U.S. passport, or a Consular Report of Birth Abroad. If your birth certificate is from outside the U.S., it does not count as proof of citizenship; you need one of the other documents instead.

You also need to prove your identity (a passport, military ID, or previous Washington license) and your current Washington address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). Bring your Social Security number or a document showing it. If you have changed your name, bring a court order or marriage certificate showing the change.

Where to explore and what it costs

You must explore in person at a Department of Licensing office — you cannot mail in an EDL process or renew one by mail. Find your nearest office on the Washington Department of Licensing website; there are locations in most towns and cities across the state.

An EDL costs $72 for an eight-year license (for adults 21 and older) or $36 for a five-year license (for people under 21). A standard Washington driver's license costs $72 for eight years, so an EDL costs the same. If you are renewing an existing EDL, the cost is the same as the initial issuance.

Processing usually takes a few weeks. You will receive your EDL by mail at the address you provide. If you need it faster, some offices offer rush processing for an additional fee — ask when you visit.

How an EDL differs from a passport or passport card

An EDL and a passport both let you cross the border, but they serve different purposes. A passport is a federal travel document issued by the U.S. State Department and works for air travel, sea travel, and land crossings anywhere in the world. An EDL is a state-issued document that works only for land and sea crossings between the U.S. and Canada or Mexico — it does not work for air travel.

A passport card is smaller and cheaper than a full passport ($130 versus $165 for a new adult passport) and works for land and sea border crossings, just like an EDL. The main difference is that a passport card is federal and works at any U.S. border, while an EDL is Washington-specific. If you travel internationally by air or to countries other than Canada and Mexico, you need a full passport; neither an EDL nor a passport card will work.

If you already have a passport, you do not need an EDL — your passport is sufficient for border crossing. An EDL is most useful if you want a single document for both driving and border crossing and do not want to carry a passport.

Renewing or replacing an EDL

You can renew an EDL by mail if your current license is not expired and you have not changed your name or address. Mail your current license, the renewal fee, and a completed process form to the Department of Licensing. The form is available on their website.

If your EDL is expired, you have changed your name or address, or you lost it, you must renew or replace it in person at a Department of Licensing office with the same documents you brought for the original process. Bring proof of citizenship again — the Department requires it even for renewals.

What happens if you lose your EDL

Report the loss to the Department of Licensing as soon as you can. You can do this by phone, mail, or in person at any Department of Licensing office. Once you report it, the lost license is deactivated and cannot be used for border crossing.

To get a replacement, visit a Department of Licensing office in person with your proof of identity, residency, and citizenship — the same documents as for an original process. The replacement fee is the same as the cost of a new license. You will receive your replacement by mail.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use an EDL to fly domestically within the United States?

Yes. An EDL is a valid form of identification for domestic air travel. You can use it at airport security the same way you would use a regular driver's license. It does not work for international air travel.

Do I need an EDL if I have a NEXUS card?

No. A NEXUS card is a trusted traveler program that lets you cross the border faster and does not require a passport. If you have NEXUS, you do not need an EDL. NEXUS is issued by U.S. Customs and Border Protection and requires a separate process and background check.

Can I get an EDL if I am not a U.S. citizen?

No. An EDL requires proof of U.S. citizenship. If you are a permanent resident or have another immigration status, you can use a passport or passport card to cross the border instead.

How long does it take to get an EDL after I explore?

Most EDLs arrive by mail within two to three weeks of your in-person process. Some Department of Licensing offices offer rush processing for an additional fee if you need it sooner — ask at the office when you explore.

What if my birth certificate is from another country?

A foreign birth certificate does not count as proof of U.S. citizenship for an EDL. You need a Certificate of Naturalization, Certificate of Citizenship, U.S. passport, or Consular Report of Birth Abroad instead. Bring the original document to your appointment.