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: it lets you cross the land border into Canada and Mexico without a passport. A regular Washington driver's license does not.

The EDL is issued by the Washington Department of Licensing and costs more than a standard license — currently $82 for an eight-year renewal, compared to $62 for a standard license. The extra cost covers the background check and citizenship verification that make it valid for border crossing.

You do not need an EDL for everyday driving in Washington. You need it only if you plan to drive across the U.S. land border and want to avoid carrying a passport. If you fly to Canada or Mexico, or if you never cross the border by car, a standard license is sufficient.

Key Takeaways

  • An Enhanced Driver's License allows you to cross the Canada and Mexico land borders by car without a passport, but costs $20 more than a standard Washington license.
  • You must prove U.S. citizenship with an original or certified birth certificate, passport, or naturalization document — a copy is not accepted.
  • You must have lived in Washington for at least 90 consecutive days before you can explore, and you must be a U.S. citizen or national.
  • You can explore in person at any Washington Department of Licensing office, and the EDL is mailed to you within two to three weeks after approval.
  • If you already have a valid standard Washington driver's license, you can renew it as an EDL without retaking the written or driving test.

Documents You Must Bring to explore

The Washington Department of Licensing requires proof of three things: identity, Washington residency, and U.S. citizenship. You cannot use copies or digital images — documents must be originals or certified copies.

For proof of citizenship, bring one of these: an original or certified U.S. birth certificate, a valid U.S. passport, a Certificate of Naturalization, or a Certificate of Citizenship. A hospital birth certificate or a birth certificate issued by a hospital does not count — you need one issued by the vital records office in the state or territory where you were born.

For proof of identity, bring a valid passport, a military ID, or a state ID card. If you already have a valid Washington driver's license, that counts as proof of identity.

For proof of Washington residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or property tax bill in your name with your current Washington address. The document must be dated within the last 90 days. A bank statement or credit card statement also works if it shows your name and address.

The 90-Day Washington Residency Requirement

You must have lived in Washington continuously for at least 90 days before you can explore for an EDL. This is a federal requirement tied to the Real ID Act, which governs enhanced identification documents.

The 90 days are counted from the date you first established residency in Washington — not from when you got your current driver's license. If you moved to Washington three months ago, you can explore now. If you moved two months ago, you must wait another month.

When you explore, bring a residency document dated at least 90 days before your process date. The Department of Licensing staff will verify the date and confirm you meet the requirement before processing your process.

how the process works at a Department of Licensing Office

You explore for an EDL in person at any Washington Department of Licensing office. You cannot explore by mail or online. Visit the Department of Licensing website to find the office nearest you and check its hours — some offices have limited hours or are closed certain days.

Bring all documents listed above: proof of citizenship (original or certified), proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. You will also need to sign a declaration under penalty of perjury confirming you are a U.S. citizen.

At the office, a staff member will review your documents, take a new photo, and collect the $82 fee. If you already have a valid Washington driver's license, you will not retake the written test or driving test — the EDL is straightforward a renewal with added features. If your license is expired or you are a new driver, you will need to pass the written and driving tests as usual.

After you explore, the Department of Licensing mails your EDL to the address on file within two to three weeks. You can continue using your old license until the new one arrives. If you need to cross the border before your EDL arrives, you must bring a passport.

What Happens If You Cannot Prove Citizenship

If you do not have a birth certificate, passport, or naturalization document, you cannot get an EDL. The Department of Licensing cannot issue one without original proof of citizenship.

If your birth certificate was lost or destroyed, you can request a certified copy from the vital records office in the state or territory where you were born. Each state charges a fee (usually $10 to $30) and takes one to four weeks to mail a certified copy. You can often order online or by mail without visiting in person.

If you are a naturalized citizen and cannot locate your Certificate of Naturalization, you can request a replacement from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This process takes longer — usually four to six weeks — and requires filing Form N-565. You can file online at the USCIS website.

Until you obtain proof of citizenship, you can renew or obtain a standard Washington driver's license, which does not require citizenship proof. You can switch to an EDL later once you have the required documents.

EDL Renewal and Expiration

An Enhanced Driver's License is valid for eight years from the date of issue, the same as a standard Washington license. When it expires, you can renew it as an EDL by mail, online, or in person — you do not have to go back to an office unless your address changed or your documents need updating.

If you renew by mail or online, you will pay the $82 EDL renewal fee. You will not need to bring proof of citizenship again unless the Department of Licensing asks you to (this is rare). Your new EDL will be mailed to you within two to three weeks.

If your EDL is lost or stolen, you can request a replacement at any Department of Licensing office. Bring proof of identity and residency, and pay a replacement fee (currently $20). The replacement is mailed to you within two to three weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. An Enhanced Driver's License meets the federal Real ID standard and is accepted as identification for domestic flights. You can use it at airport security instead of a passport. However, it does not replace a passport for international flights.

What if I am a permanent resident or green card holder — can I get an EDL?

No. An EDL requires proof of U.S. citizenship. Permanent residents and green card holders cannot get an EDL. They must use a passport or passport card to cross the land border into Canada or Mexico.

Do I need an EDL if I have a passport?

No. A passport is accepted at all land borders and is valid for international travel. An EDL is useful only if you want to cross the land border by car without carrying your passport. If you already have a passport, an EDL is optional.

What if my citizenship documents are from another country and I became a U.S. citizen later?

Bring your Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of Citizenship issued by USCIS. These are the official proof of U.S. citizenship for people born outside the United States. A foreign birth certificate alone is not sufficient.

Can I explore for an EDL if I have a suspended or revoked license?

No. You must have a valid, unsuspended driver's license to renew it as an EDL. If your license is suspended or revoked, you must resolve the suspension or revocation first by paying fines, completing required courses, or meeting other conditions set by the Department of Licensing.