What an Enhanced 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 or sea without a passport. It costs more than a standard license and requires additional documents to prove citizenship, but it serves as both your driver's license and a travel document.
You do not need an EDL for everyday driving in Washington. You need one only if you plan to travel to Canada or Mexico by car, boat, or land crossing and want to use it instead of a passport. If you already have a passport or passport card, an EDL is optional. If you travel frequently to the border and do not want to carry a passport, an EDL can be more convenient.
Key Takeaways
- An Enhanced License requires proof of U.S. citizenship, a state ID or birth certificate, and proof of Washington residency — documents you must bring in person to a licensing office.
- The fee for an Enhanced License is higher than a standard license; the exact cost depends on how long you want it valid and whether you are renewing or getting a new one.
- You can use an Enhanced License to cross into Canada and Mexico by land or sea, but not by air — you still need a passport for flights.
- Processing takes longer for an Enhanced License than a standard one because the state verifies your citizenship documents before issuing it.
- You can renew an Enhanced License by mail if you have not changed your address, name, or appearance, but you must renew in person if any of those have changed.
Documents You Need to Bring
Washington requires specific documents to prove citizenship and identity. Bring one document from each of these categories:
Proof of U.S. citizenship: a U.S. passport, passport card, birth certificate (original or certified copy), Certificate of Naturalization, or Certificate of U.S. Citizenship. If your birth certificate is a photocopy, it must be certified by the vital records office that issued it.
Proof of identity: a current or expired Washington driver's license, Washington ID card, U.S. passport, military ID, or tribal ID. If you do not have any of these, bring a certified birth certificate or a combination of documents like a Social Security card plus a school or work ID.
Proof of Washington residency: a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days showing your current Washington address. A bill addressed to you at your current address works; a bill addressed to "Resident" does not.
Bring originals or certified copies. The licensing office will not accept photocopies of citizenship documents unless they are certified by the issuing agency. If you are changing your name, also bring a court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree showing the name change.
The Steps to Get an Enhanced License
Start by going to the Washington Department of Licensing website to find the licensing office nearest you and check its hours. Some offices take walk-ins; others require you to schedule an appointment online. During busy seasons, wait times can be long, so arriving early or booking an appointment ahead saves time.
Bring all your documents in person. You cannot start an Enhanced License process online or by mail — the state must verify your citizenship documents in person. At the office, tell the staff you want an Enhanced License, not a standard one. They will check your documents, take a new photo, and collect the fee.
You will answer questions about your address, name, and any medical conditions that affect driving. You will also sign a declaration stating you are a U.S. citizen. The staff will not mail your documents back to you — they keep them on file.
After you pay and finish the process, you will receive a receipt. Your Enhanced License will arrive by mail within two to three weeks in most cases, though it can take longer if the state needs to verify your citizenship documents further.
Cost and How Long It Is Valid
An Enhanced License costs more than a standard Washington driver's license. The exact fee depends on how long you want it valid — you can choose 4 years, 6 years, or 8 years. Longer terms cost more per year but save money overall. Renewal fees are lower than the initial fee.
If you are under 21, your license will expire on your 21st birthday regardless of the term you choose, and you will need to renew it in person at that time. If you are 21 or older, your license will expire on the date you choose.
Washington does not publish exact fees on its website because they change periodically. Call your local licensing office or check the Department of Licensing website for the current cost before you go in.
Renewing Your Enhanced License
If your Enhanced License is expiring and you have not changed your address, legal name, or appearance significantly, you can renew by mail. The state will send you a renewal notice about 60 days before your license expires. Follow the instructions on the notice to mail in your renewal process and fee.
If you have changed your address, name, or appearance, you must renew in person at a licensing office. Bring the same documents you brought for your initial Enhanced License — proof of citizenship, identity, and current residency. The office will take a new photo and verify your information before issuing the renewed license.
If you let your Enhanced License expire, you cannot renew it by mail. You will have to explore for a new one in person, which takes longer and costs more than a renewal.
Using Your Enhanced License at the Border
An Enhanced License is valid for land and sea border crossings into Canada and Mexico. You can use it to drive across the border at places like the Peace Arch crossing near Blaine, Washington, or to board a ferry or cruise ship to Canada or Mexico.
An Enhanced License does not work for air travel. If you are flying to Canada or Mexico, you still need a passport or passport card. An Enhanced License also does not work for entering the U.S. from abroad — you need a passport for that.
When you cross the border, have your Enhanced License ready along with any other documents the border officer asks for. The officer will scan it to verify it is real. Border rules change, so check the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website before your trip to confirm what documents you need.
What Happens If You Lose or Damage Your Enhanced License
If your Enhanced License is lost, stolen, or damaged, go to a licensing office in person to request a replacement. Bring proof of identity and proof of residency. You do not need to bring citizenship documents again — the state already has them on file from your initial process.
The replacement fee is lower than the original fee. You will receive a new license by mail within two to three weeks. If you need to cross the border before your replacement arrives, you can use a passport instead.
If your license is stolen, you can also report it to local police, though this is not required to get a replacement. A police report can be useful if someone tries to use your license fraudulently.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get an Enhanced License if I am not a U.S. citizen?
No. An Enhanced License requires proof of U.S. citizenship. If you are a permanent resident or have another immigration status, you can get a standard Washington driver's license but not an Enhanced License. You can use a passport or passport card to cross the border instead.
Do I need an Enhanced License to drive in Washington?
No. A standard Washington driver's license is legal for all driving in the state. An Enhanced License is only useful if you plan to cross the U.S. border by land or sea. For everyday driving, a standard license works fine.
Can I renew my Enhanced License online?
You cannot explore for an Enhanced License online, but you can renew one by mail if your address, name, and appearance have not changed. If any of those have changed, you must renew in person. Check the renewal notice the state sends you to see which option applies to you.
How long does it take to get an Enhanced License?
After you explore in person, your Enhanced License arrives by mail within two to three weeks in most cases. Processing can take longer if the state needs additional time to verify your citizenship documents. You will receive a receipt at the office that you can use as a temporary license while you wait.
What if my citizenship document is from another country?
Washington accepts a U.S. birth certificate, U.S. passport, Certificate of Naturalization, or Certificate of U.S. Citizenship. If you were born outside the U.S., a birth certificate from another country does not count — you need a U.S. birth certificate or a Certificate of Naturalization showing you became a U.S. citizen. Contact the licensing office if you are unsure whether your document qualifies.