What an Enhanced Driver's License Does in Washington

An Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) in Washington lets you cross the land border into Canada and Mexico without a passport. It has a special security feature — a radio frequency identification (RFID) chip — that border agents can scan to verify your identity faster than they can with a standard license. You can still use it as a regular Washington driver's license for driving and identification within the United States.

The EDL costs more than a standard license and takes longer to get because Washington must verify your citizenship and identity more thoroughly. If you travel by land to Canada or Mexico regularly, or want a backup to your passport, it may be worth the extra steps. If you fly to those countries or rarely cross by land, a standard license works fine.

Key Takeaways

  • An Enhanced Driver's License lets you enter Canada and Mexico by land without a passport, using the RFIC chip for faster border processing.
  • You must prove U.S. citizenship with an original birth certificate, naturalization papers, or passport, plus standard identity documents.
  • The EDL costs more than a standard license and the process takes several weeks because Washington verifies your citizenship in person.
  • You can renew an EDL by mail if you have not changed your address, name, or appearance, but new EDLs always require an in-person visit.

Documents You Need to Bring

Washington requires proof of citizenship that most people do not carry to the licensing office. Bring an original birth certificate (not a photocopy), a Certificate of Naturalization if you were not born in the U.S., or a valid U.S. passport. You will also need the same documents as a standard license: proof of identity (passport, military ID, or state ID), proof of Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and proof of current Washington address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days).

The birth certificate must be an official certified copy from the state or county where you were born. Hospital-issued birth certificates and photocopies will not work. If you were born outside the U.S., bring your naturalization certificate or passport showing your citizenship status. Bring originals, not copies — the licensing office will return them to you after verifying them.

how the process works in Person

Visit a Washington Department of Licensing office in person. You cannot start an EDL process online or by mail. Search for the office nearest you on the Department of Licensing website, then check its hours and current wait times before you go. Bring all your documents in a folder so you do not lose them during the visit.

At the office, tell the staff member you want an Enhanced Driver's License. They will verify your citizenship documents, take a new photo, and collect your fingerprints. The office will also run a background check. The whole process usually takes 30 to 45 minutes, though wait times vary by location and time of day. You will pay the fee at the end — Washington charges more for an EDL than a standard license, and the amount depends on how long you want it to be valid.

You will receive a temporary paper license to drive with when ready. Your actual EDL card will arrive by mail in two to four weeks. Do not throw away the temporary license — you need it until the card arrives.

Cost and How Long It Lasts

An Enhanced Driver's License costs more than a standard Washington license because of the citizenship verification and the RFID chip. The exact price depends on how many years you want the license to be valid for — Washington offers 4-year, 6-year, and 8-year options. Prices change annually, so check the Department of Licensing website for the current fee before you go to the office.

The EDL is valid for the number of years you choose at the time of issue. You can renew it by mail if your address, name, and appearance have not changed, but you cannot renew an EDL online. If anything about you has changed, you must go back to the office in person.

Renewing Your Enhanced Driver's License by Mail

If your EDL is expiring and you have not moved, changed your legal name, or had significant changes to your appearance, you can renew by mail. Washington will send you a renewal notice about 60 days before your license expires. The notice includes a form and instructions for mailing it back with your fee.

Mail renewal takes about two to three weeks from the time the Department of Licensing receives your form. Your temporary paper license will be valid during that time. If you need the license sooner, you can renew in person at any licensing office instead.

When You Must Go Back to the Office

You cannot renew by mail if you have changed your legal name, moved to a different address, or had changes to your appearance that would make your photo unrecognizable. You also cannot renew by mail if your citizenship status has changed or if your Social Security number has changed. In any of these cases, you must visit a licensing office in person with your updated documents.

If your EDL is lost, stolen, or damaged, you must replace it in person at a licensing office. Bring your Social Security card or other proof of your number, and a document showing your current address. You will not need to bring your citizenship documents again unless your status has changed.

Using Your Enhanced Driver's License at the Border

When you cross into Canada or Mexico by land or sea, present your EDL to the border agent just as you would a passport. The agent will scan the RFID chip to verify your identity. The process is usually faster than showing a passport because the agent does not have to flip through pages or type information manually.

An EDL does not replace a passport for air travel — you still need a passport to fly to Canada or Mexico. If you lose your EDL while traveling, you can still return to the U.S. with other proof of citizenship like a passport or birth certificate, but border agents may ask more questions and the process will take longer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an Enhanced Driver's License if I was born outside the U.S.?

Yes, if you are a U.S. citizen. Bring your Certificate of Naturalization or a valid U.S. passport showing your citizenship. If you have a green card but are not yet a citizen, you cannot get an EDL — you would need a passport instead for border crossing.

What if I do not have an original birth certificate?

Contact the vital records office in the state or county where you were born and request an official certified copy. This usually takes one to two weeks and costs $10 to $30. Some states let you order online; others require a form by mail. Start this process before you visit the licensing office.

Can my teenager get an Enhanced Driver's License?

Yes, if they are old enough to get a standard Washington driver's license. They will need to bring the same citizenship and identity documents as an adult, and a parent or guardian must be present. The process is the same as for adults.

What happens if my EDL is denied?

Washington will tell you why during your in-person visit or by mail afterward. Common reasons include a background check issue, a Social Security number mismatch, or documents that do not match your process. You can ask the Department of Licensing to explain the specific reason and whether you can fix it and reapply.

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

No. You can cross the land border with a passport, passport card, NEXUS card, or other approved travel document. An EDL is one option, but not the only one. A standard Washington driver's license is not enough for border crossing — you would need one of the documents listed above.