What an Enhanced 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 that lets you cross the U.S. border into Canada, Mexico, and some Caribbean countries without a passport. It has an embedded radio frequency identification (RFID) chip that border agents can scan, plus a special marking on the card itself. If you travel by land or sea to these countries regularly, an EDL saves you from carrying a passport every time.
The EDL costs more than a regular license and requires extra steps to obtain, so it makes sense only if you actually cross the border. If you never leave the country or always fly (where you need a passport anyway), a standard license is sufficient. Washington residents who live near the Canadian border or take frequent road trips to Mexico often find the EDL worth the extra cost and effort.
Key Takeaways
- An Enhanced Driver's License requires proof of citizenship, a valid passport or birth certificate, and proof of Washington residency — documents you must bring in person to the Department of Licensing.
- The EDL costs more than a standard license renewal and takes longer to process because the state must verify your citizenship documents before issuing the card.
- You can only get an EDL in person at a Department of Licensing office; you cannot renew it by mail or online even if your current license is still valid.
- The EDL is valid for eight years, the same as a standard Washington driver's license, but you cannot convert an existing license — you must explore for a new one.
Documents You Need to Bring
Bring originals or certified copies of three categories of documents to your Department of Licensing appointment. First, proof of citizenship: a U.S. passport, passport card, birth certificate (original or certified copy), naturalization certificate, or Certificate of Citizenship. A driver's license or state ID alone does not count as proof of citizenship.
Second, proof of Washington residency: a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or government mail addressed to you at your current address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A PO box does not count as a residence address.
Third, your current driver's license or ID and your Social Security number. If you do not have a current Washington license, bring a valid out-of-state license or passport instead. You will also fill out an process form at the office, so you do not need to print anything beforehand.
How to Schedule and Complete Your In-Person Visit
Go to the Washington Department of Licensing website and use their online scheduler to book an appointment at the office nearest you. You can also call 1-360-902-3900 to schedule by phone. In-person visits are required; there is no mail-in or online option for an EDL. Appointments typically fill up weeks in advance, especially in border counties, so schedule as soon as you know you need one.
Bring all documents listed above, your current license, and your Social Security number. The appointment itself takes 15 to 30 minutes. A staff member will verify your citizenship documents, take a new photo, and collect your fee. They will also scan your documents and enter your information into the state system. Ask the staff member how long processing typically takes at that office — some locations have a backlog of several weeks.
You will leave with a receipt showing your process was submitted. Your EDL will arrive by mail once processing is complete. Do not plan to drive across the border until you have the physical card in hand; a receipt is not valid at the border.
Cost and Processing Time
An Enhanced Driver's License costs more than a standard eight-year license. The exact fee varies slightly by office location, but expect to pay roughly $20 to $30 more than you would for a regular renewal. Ask the staff member for the exact amount when you call to schedule, since fees can change.
Processing time ranges from two to six weeks under normal conditions, though some offices experience longer delays during peak travel seasons or if there is a backlog. The Department of Licensing must verify your citizenship documents with federal databases before issuing the card, which is why it takes longer than a standard license. Once your EDL arrives, it is valid for eight years from the date of issue.
What Happens If Your Citizenship Documents Are Missing or Expired
If your birth certificate is missing, you can order a certified copy from the vital records office in the state or country where you were born. This process takes one to three weeks depending on the state. If your passport is expired, you can still use it as proof of citizenship for an EDL — an expired passport still proves you are a U.S. citizen. However, if you plan to fly internationally, you will need to renew your passport separately.
If you cannot locate any citizenship document, a naturalization certificate or Certificate of Citizenship from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is an alternative, though obtaining one takes several weeks. Start gathering documents as soon as you decide to get an EDL, because delays in obtaining proof of citizenship will delay your appointment and processing.
Using Your EDL at the Border
Once you have your EDL, you can use it alone to cross the land or sea border into Canada, Mexico, and certain Caribbean nations. You do not need to carry a passport when you have the EDL, though many travelers carry both for safety. At the border, present your EDL to the agent just as you would a passport. The agent may scan the RFID chip or straightforward inspect the card visually.
An EDL does not replace a passport for air travel — you still need a passport to fly internationally. It is useful only for land and sea crossings. If you lose your EDL while traveling, you will need a passport to return to the United States, so some travelers keep a passport with them anyway.
Renewing Your EDL When It Expires
When your EDL is about to expire, you cannot renew it by mail or online. You must visit a Department of Licensing office in person and repeat the same process: bring proof of citizenship, proof of residency, and your expiring EDL. Schedule an appointment using the online scheduler or by phone. The renewal process is identical to the initial process, and the new card will be valid for another eight years.
Start the renewal process at least two months before your EDL expires if you travel frequently, because processing can take several weeks. If your EDL expires while you are traveling, you can still return to the United States with it — an expired EDL is still valid for border crossing purposes — but you should not wait until the last minute to renew.
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 flights and can be used at airport security checkpoints. However, for international flights, you still need a passport — the EDL works only for land and sea border crossings.
What if I lost my birth certificate and cannot get a certified copy in time?
A U.S. passport, passport card, naturalization certificate, or Certificate of Citizenship all count as proof of citizenship. If you have any of these documents, you can use it instead. If you have none of these, contact the vital records office in the state where you were born and ask about expedited processing, which some states offer for an additional fee.
Do I need an EDL if I have a passport?
No. A passport works for all border crossings and international travel. An EDL is useful only if you cross the land or sea border frequently and want to avoid carrying a passport every time. If you fly internationally or cross the border rarely, a standard license and passport are sufficient.
Can I convert my existing driver's license to an EDL without getting a new one?
No. You must explore for a new EDL in person. Your current license will be replaced, and you will receive a new card with a new expiration date eight years from the issue date. You cannot straightforward upgrade an existing license.
What if I move out of Washington after getting an EDL?
Your Washington EDL remains valid for border crossing as long as it has not expired. However, if you move to another state, you will eventually need to get a driver's license in that state. Some states offer their own enhanced licenses, so check with your new state's licensing office if you continue to cross the border frequently.