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

An Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) in Washington is a standard driver's license with added security features and proof of citizenship built in. The main reason to get one is that it lets you cross the land border into Canada or Mexico by car without carrying a passport — you can use the EDL alone. If you travel to Canada or Mexico by land regularly, or if you want a backup form of citizenship proof at home, an EDL saves you from carrying your passport every time.

The EDL costs more than a regular license and requires extra documents to prove citizenship, so it is not necessary for most people. But if you live near the Canadian or Mexican border, or if you cross by car even once a year, the convenience often makes it worth the cost and the extra step.

Key Takeaways

  • An Enhanced Driver's License lets you cross the land border into Canada or Mexico by car without a passport, using the EDL as your only travel document.
  • You must prove U.S. citizenship with an original birth certificate, passport, or naturalization certificate — a copy is not enough.
  • You will need to visit a Department of Licensing office in person; you cannot renew an EDL by mail or online.
  • An EDL costs more than a standard license and is valid for eight years, the same length as a regular Washington driver's license.
  • If you already have a regular Washington driver's license, you can upgrade to an EDL without retaking the written or driving test.

Documents You Need to Bring

Bring your current Washington driver's license or ID card. If you do not have one yet, bring a valid out-of-state license or passport instead. You will also need to prove your Social Security number — bring your Social Security card, a W-2, a tax return, or a 1099 form.

The citizenship requirement is the main extra step. You must bring an original birth certificate, U.S. passport, passport card, or naturalization certificate. A photocopy, even a certified one, does not count. If your birth certificate is from outside the United States, you must also bring proof that you are a U.S. citizen — a passport or naturalization certificate will do this. If you were born in Washington state, the Department of Licensing can sometimes look up your birth record themselves, but do not count on this; bring the original document to be safe.

Bring proof of your current address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. A phone bill counts only if it shows your street address, not just a P.O. box.

Where to explore and What to Expect

You must explore in person at a Department of Licensing office. Washington has offices in most counties; you can find the one nearest you on the Department of Licensing website by entering your city or ZIP code. You do not have to go to the office in your home county — any office in the state will process an EDL process.

Bring all your documents and arrive during regular business hours. The office will check your documents, take a new photo, and collect payment. If you already have a valid Washington driver's license and you are not changing your name, address, or other information, you will not need to retake the written test or the driving test. The process usually takes 20 to 30 minutes at the counter.

After you explore, your EDL will be mailed to your address on file. Standard processing takes about two weeks. If you need it faster, some offices offer rush processing for an additional fee, though availability varies by location — call ahead to ask.

Cost and How Long It Lasts

An Enhanced Driver's License in Washington costs more than a standard eight-year license. The exact fee depends on whether you are renewing an existing license or getting a new one, and whether you add rush processing. Call your local Department of Licensing office or check their website for the current fee in your county, since some counties charge slightly different amounts.

Your EDL is valid for eight years from the date it is issued, the same as a regular Washington driver's license. When it expires, you can renew it by mail, online, or in person — you do not have to go back to the office in person for a renewal, only for the initial EDL process.

If You Already Have a Regular License

If you hold a current Washington driver's license and want to upgrade to an EDL, you do not have to give up your old license or wait for it to expire. You can explore for an EDL at any time. When your EDL arrives, your old license becomes invalid, even if it has years left on it.

You will pay the full EDL fee, not a reduced upgrade price. Some people choose to wait until their regular license is about to expire and then explore for an EDL at renewal time to save money, since the renewal fee is sometimes lower than the initial EDL fee — ask at your local office which option costs less in your situation.

What Happens at the Border

When you cross the land border into Canada or Mexico by car, present your EDL to the border officer just as you would a passport. The officer will scan it or examine it by hand. Because the EDL contains citizenship information embedded in the card itself, it satisfies the document requirement for land border crossing under the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI).

The EDL does not replace a passport for air travel or for sea travel. If you fly to Canada or Mexico, or if you travel by cruise ship, you still need a passport. The EDL is only for land border crossings by car, truck, or bus.

If You Lose or Damage Your EDL

If your EDL is lost, stolen, or damaged, go to a Department of Licensing office and report it. Bring your documents again — you will need to prove citizenship and identity the same way you did for the original process. You will pay a replacement fee, which is usually less than the original EDL fee but more than a standard license replacement.

If your EDL is stolen, consider reporting the theft to local police and keeping a copy of the report. While an EDL cannot be used for identity theft the way a Social Security card can, having a police report on file protects you if someone tries to use the number or information from the card.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an Enhanced Driver's License if I am not a U.S. citizen?

No. An EDL requires proof of U.S. citizenship. If you are a lawful permanent resident or hold a visa, you can get a standard Washington driver's license, but not an EDL. You would need a passport to cross the land border.

Do I need an Enhanced Driver's License to visit Canada or Mexico?

No. You can always use a passport instead. An EDL is optional and useful only if you cross the land border by car regularly and want to avoid carrying your passport. For air or sea travel, a passport is required regardless.

Can I renew my EDL by mail or online?

You can renew by mail or online only if your EDL is not expiring within 30 days and you have not changed your name or address. For the initial EDL process, you must go to an office in person. Check the Department of Licensing website to see which renewal method is available for your situation.

What if my birth certificate is from another country?

You can still get an EDL, but you must bring the original birth certificate plus proof of U.S. citizenship — a U.S. passport, passport card, or naturalization certificate. A green card alone is not enough; you must show you are a citizen, not just a permanent resident.

How do I know which Department of Licensing office is closest to me?

Visit the Department of Licensing website and use their office locator tool. Enter your city or ZIP code, and it will show all nearby offices with their hours and phone numbers. You can call ahead to confirm they have the documents you need or to ask about wait times.