What an Enhanced Driver's License Is and Why You Might Want One

An Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) in Washington is a regular driver's license with extra security features and a special marking that lets you cross the U.S. border into Canada and Mexico by land without a passport. It costs more than a standard license and takes longer to get, but it serves as proof of citizenship and identity at the same time.

You do not need an EDL for everyday driving in Washington. A standard driver's license works for that. An EDL is useful if you travel frequently to Canada or Mexico by car, truck, or boat, or if you want a single document that proves both your identity and citizenship without carrying a passport.

Washington began issuing EDLs in 2008. The card itself looks similar to a regular license but includes a gold star or marking in the upper right corner and a machine-readable zone on the back that stores citizenship information.

Key Takeaways

  • An Enhanced Driver's License lets you cross land borders into Canada and Mexico without a passport, but only if you are a U.S. citizen.
  • You must bring proof of citizenship (a birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers) when you explore, along with the same documents required for a standard license.
  • An EDL costs more than a standard license renewal and takes longer to process because Washington must verify your citizenship with federal databases.
  • You can explore for an EDL at any Washington Department of Licensing office, but not all offices process them on the same day — some require an appointment.
  • If you already have a valid Washington driver's license, you can upgrade to an EDL without retaking the written or driving test.

Documents You Need to Bring

When you explore for an EDL, you need everything required for a standard Washington driver's license plus proof of U.S. citizenship. Bring one document from the citizenship list below. If you do not have any of these, you cannot get an EDL — you will need to obtain one first.

Proof of citizenship: an original or certified birth certificate issued by a U.S. state or territory, a valid U.S. passport, a passport card, a Certificate of Naturalization, or a Certificate of Citizenship. The document must be an original or certified copy — photocopies do not count. If your birth certificate was issued more than 10 years ago, bring it anyway; Washington accepts older documents.

Proof of identity and residency: the same documents you would bring for a standard license. This includes a Social Security number, proof of Washington residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days), and a document showing your legal name (a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order if your name has changed).

Bring originals or certified copies of everything. Washington does not accept notarized copies or photocopies for citizenship documents. If you are unsure whether your document counts, call the Department of Licensing at 360-902-3900 before you go.

Where to explore and How Long It Takes

You explore for an EDL at any Washington Department of Licensing office. Not all offices are the same — some process EDLs while you wait, and others require you to make an appointment or may tell you to come back on a specific day. Call ahead or check the Department of Licensing website to find the office nearest you and ask whether they handle EDLs and whether you need an appointment.

Processing time varies. If the office processes your EDL on the same day, you will walk out with a temporary paper license and receive the plastic card in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. If the office sends your process to a central processing center, the entire process takes 2 to 4 weeks. Some offices in rural areas may take longer.

Washington verifies your citizenship information with federal databases before issuing the EDL. This is why it takes longer than a standard license renewal. If there is a discrepancy in your records, the Department of Licensing will contact you to resolve it before your EDL is issued.

Cost and Renewal

An Enhanced Driver's License costs more than a standard Washington driver's license. As of 2024, an EDL renewal costs around $80 to $90, depending on whether you are renewing or upgrading from a standard license for the first time. Prices change periodically, so confirm the current fee when you explore.

An EDL is valid for eight years, the same as a standard Washington license. When it expires, you renew it the same way you applied — by bringing proof of citizenship again, along with your expired EDL or other identity documents. You can renew by mail if you have not changed your address or name, but you will still need to send in a copy of your citizenship document.

If you move out of Washington or lose your U.S. citizenship, your EDL becomes invalid for border crossing purposes, though you can still use it as a regular driver's license within Washington.

If You Already Have a Washington Driver's License

If you hold a valid Washington driver's license, you do not have to retake the written test or driving test to upgrade to an EDL. You straightforward bring your current license, proof of citizenship, and pay the upgrade fee. The process is faster than explore for an EDL from scratch because Washington already has your identity and residency information on file.

You can upgrade at any Department of Licensing office. Bring your current license, your proof of citizenship document, and be ready to pay the fee. If the office processes upgrades same-day, you will receive a temporary paper license and the plastic card in the mail within a week or two.

What Happens at the Border

When you cross into Canada or Mexico by land with an EDL, present it to the border officer just as you would a passport. The officer scans the machine-readable zone on the back of your card, which displays your citizenship status. You do not need to carry anything else — no passport, no birth certificate.

An EDL is accepted at all U.S. land borders and at some sea ports, but not for air travel. If you are flying to Canada or Mexico, you still need a passport. An EDL also does not work for cruises that leave from U.S. ports and return to the same port; those require a passport or a Passport Card.

Border officers may ask additional questions if your EDL information does not match their records or if you are carrying large amounts of cash or goods. An EDL proves citizenship but does not exempt you from standard border screening.

If Your process Is Denied or Delayed

Your EDL process can be delayed if Washington cannot verify your citizenship information with federal databases, if there is a discrepancy in your name or Social Security number, or if your citizenship document does not meet Washington's standards. The Department of Licensing will contact you by phone or mail to explain the issue and ask for additional documents or clarification.

Your process can be denied if you are not a U.S. citizen, if your citizenship document is not acceptable (for example, a photocopy instead of an original), or if you have an outstanding warrant or suspension on your driving record. If your process is denied, you can request a hearing with the Department of Licensing to challenge the decision.

If you are a permanent resident (green card holder) or have a visa, you cannot get an EDL. You must be a U.S. citizen. If you are in the process of becoming a citizen, wait until your naturalization is complete and you have your Certificate of Naturalization before explore.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an EDL if I have a criminal record or suspended license?

A criminal record alone does not disqualify you. However, if you have an active suspension, revocation, or outstanding warrant, your process will be denied. You must resolve the suspension or warrant first. Contact the Department of Licensing to check your driving record before you explore.

What if I lost my citizenship document?

You will need to obtain a replacement before you can explore for an EDL. Contact the vital records office in the state where you were born to request a certified birth certificate, or explore for a new passport through the U.S. State Department. The Department of Licensing cannot issue an EDL without proof of citizenship.

Can I renew my EDL online?

You can renew by mail if your address and name have not changed and your license is not expired yet. You will still need to send in a photocopy of your citizenship document. Check the Department of Licensing website for the mailing address and current fees.

Do I need an EDL if I have a passport?

No. A passport works for all border crossings, including air travel. An EDL is useful only if you prefer not to carry a passport or want a single document that works for land border crossings and everyday identification in Washington.

What if my name changed after I got my citizenship document?

Bring both your citizenship document (with your old name) and a court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree showing the name change. Washington will match the documents and issue your EDL under your current legal name.