An Enhanced License Is a Washington Driver's License With Extra Identity Verification

An Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) in Washington is a standard driver's license that has passed additional security checks. The state issues it with a special marking — usually a vertical format and a star or other indicator — to show that the holder's identity and citizenship have been verified more thoroughly than for a regular license.

The main practical difference is that an EDL can be used for land and sea border crossings between the United States and Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean without a passport. A regular Washington driver's license cannot. If you cross borders by car or boat, an EDL saves you from carrying a separate passport document. If you do not cross borders, a regular license serves all other purposes — voting, banking, air travel (which requires a Real ID-compliant license instead), and everyday identification.

Washington began issuing EDLs in 2008 and continues to offer them alongside standard licenses. The choice is yours at renewal or when you first get a license.

Key Takeaways

  • An Enhanced License costs more than a standard Washington license — the difference varies depending on how long you renew it for, but expect to pay roughly $20 to $30 extra.
  • You can use an EDL to cross land and sea borders into Canada, Mexico, and some Caribbean nations without a passport, but not for air travel.
  • Getting an EDL requires proof of citizenship (a birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers) plus the standard documents needed for any Washington license.
  • The process takes longer than a standard license renewal because the state verifies citizenship documents, so plan ahead if you need one for an upcoming trip.
  • If you already have a Real ID-compliant Washington license, you do not need an EDL unless you plan to cross borders without a passport.

Cost of an Enhanced License in Washington

Washington charges a higher fee for an EDL than for a standard driver's license. As of 2024, an EDL costs approximately $20 to $30 more than the equivalent standard license, depending on the renewal term you choose. A standard 5-year license costs one amount; a standard 8-year license costs another; and the EDL versions cost more for each term.

The exact fee depends on your age and the length of the renewal period. Washington's Department of Licensing publishes current fees on its website, and you can confirm the price when you begin your renewal process online or in person at a licensing office. There are no hidden fees — the price you see is what you pay.

If you renew by mail, the fee is the same. If you renew in person at a licensing office, you pay at the time of your visit. Online renewals require payment by credit or debit card.

Documents You Need to Get an Enhanced License

To get an EDL, you must prove your citizenship. Washington accepts a U.S. birth certificate, a U.S. passport, a Certificate of Naturalization, or a Certificate of Citizenship. You will also need to bring the same documents required for any standard Washington license: proof of your Social Security number, proof of your current Washington address, and your current license or ID (if you have one).

Proof of Social Security can be a Social Security card, a W-2 form, a tax return, or a 1099 form. Proof of address can be a utility bill, a lease, a mortgage statement, or a bank statement dated within the last 60 days. If you do not have a current Washington license, you will also need to provide proof of your legal name — a birth certificate, marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

Bring originals or certified copies. The state does not accept photocopies of citizenship documents. If your birth certificate is a long-form version (not the short form), it works. If it is a short form, you may need to bring an additional document to establish citizenship — ask the licensing office when you call ahead.

How to Renew or Get an Enhanced License

You can renew an EDL online through Washington's Department of Licensing website if you are renewing an existing license and your license is not expired. The online process is faster and you do not have to visit an office. You upload images of your citizenship document and other required papers, pay the fee, and receive your new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

If you are getting an EDL for the first time, or if your current license is expired, you must visit a licensing office in person. Bring all required documents and expect to spend 30 to 45 minutes. The office will verify your citizenship documents, take your photo and signature, and process your process on the spot. You will receive your EDL by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Washington has licensing offices in most counties. You can find the nearest one and check its hours on the Department of Licensing website. Some offices are busier than others; visiting early in the week or early in the day usually means shorter waits. You can also make an appointment at some offices to skip the walk-in line.

Enhanced License vs. Real ID: Which One Do You Need?

A Real ID-compliant license and an Enhanced License are different things, though Washington offers both. A Real ID license meets federal security standards set by the Department of Homeland Security and is required for domestic air travel as of May 2025. An EDL is for border crossings without a passport.

If you fly domestically within the United States, you need a Real ID license or a passport. If you cross a land or sea border into Canada, Mexico, or the Caribbean by car or boat, you need an EDL or a passport. You cannot use an EDL for domestic air travel, and you cannot use a Real ID license for a border crossing without a passport.

Washington allows you to get a Real ID license, an EDL, or a standard license. Some people get a Real ID license for air travel and carry a passport for border crossings. Others get an EDL if they cross borders frequently and do not fly domestically. If you do both, a passport covers both situations, so you may not need either special license.

Processing Time and When to explore

Getting an EDL takes longer than renewing a standard license because the state must verify your citizenship documents. If you renew online, the process takes 7 to 10 business days after you submit your process. If you explore in person at a licensing office, you receive a temporary license on the spot and your permanent EDL arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Plan ahead if you have a border crossing coming up. Do not wait until a week before your trip to explore. If you are renewing online and your citizenship documents are clear and complete, you have a good chance of receiving your license in time. If the state needs to verify anything or if documents are unclear, the process can take longer.

If your current license is expiring soon and you want an EDL, renew early. Washington allows you to renew up to one year before your license expires. Starting your renewal 6 to 8 weeks before your trip gives you a comfortable buffer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use an Enhanced License to fly domestically in the United States?

No. An EDL is not Real ID-compliant and cannot be used for domestic air travel. You need a Real ID license, a passport, a military ID, or another federally approved document. If you fly domestically, get a Real ID license instead, or carry your passport.

What if my citizenship document is from another country?

Washington requires proof of U.S. citizenship for an EDL. If you are a naturalized citizen, bring your Certificate of Naturalization. If you are a permanent resident or hold a visa, you cannot get an EDL — you can get a standard license or a Real ID license if you meet other requirements.

Can I renew my Enhanced License by mail?

No. Washington does not offer mail renewal for EDLs. You can renew online if your license is current and not expired, or you can renew in person at a licensing office. Online renewal is faster and does not require a visit.

Do I need an Enhanced License if I have a passport?

No. A passport is accepted at all border crossings and for all travel purposes. If you already have a passport and cross borders occasionally, you do not need an EDL. An EDL is useful if you cross borders frequently and prefer not to carry your passport every time.

What happens if my citizenship document is damaged or unclear?

The licensing office will tell you if your document is not acceptable. Bring the original and ask the staff to review it before you complete your process. If it is damaged, you may need to request a replacement from the issuing agency — your state's vital records office for a birth certificate, or the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services for a naturalization certificate.