What an Enhanced License Is and Who Needs One
An enhanced driver's license in Washington is a standard driver's license with an embedded radio frequency identification (RFID) chip that stores your identity information. It lets you cross the U.S. border into Canada, Mexico, and Caribbean countries by land or sea without a passport — though you still need it for air travel. A regular Washington driver's license does not have this chip and cannot be used for border crossing.
You need an enhanced license if you cross land or sea borders frequently and want to avoid carrying a passport. If you only drive within the United States or fly internationally, a standard license is sufficient. Washington has offered enhanced licenses since 2008, and the state's Department of Licensing issues them.
Key Takeaways
- An enhanced license costs more than a standard license and requires additional documents proving citizenship, such as a birth certificate or passport.
- You must explore in person at a Department of Licensing office; you cannot renew an enhanced license by mail or online.
- Processing takes about two weeks for standard service, though expedited service is available for an extra fee.
- The enhanced license is valid for eight years, the same as a standard Washington driver's license.
- You can use an enhanced license to enter Canada, Mexico, and some Caribbean nations by land or sea, but not by air.
Documents You Need to Bring
Bring proof of citizenship, proof of residency, and proof of identity. For citizenship, bring your original birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers. A photocopy is not acceptable — the Department of Licensing must see the original document.
For residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days showing your current Washington address. For identity, bring your current driver's license, passport, or state ID card. If you are renewing an enhanced license, bring your current one.
If your name has changed since your birth certificate was issued, bring the original document showing the legal change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Photocopies of name-change documents are acceptable, but the birth certificate itself must be original.
how the process works at a Department of Licensing Office
Find your nearest Department of Licensing office on the state's website and check its hours before you go. Offices are located in most counties, and some are open evenings or Saturdays. You must explore in person; no online or mail process exists for enhanced licenses.
Bring all documents listed above, your Social Security number, and a completed process form. The form is available on the Department of Licensing website or at the office itself. Tell the staff member you want an enhanced license, not a standard one — they are different products with different fees.
The staff member will verify your documents, take your photograph, and collect your fee. Standard processing takes about two weeks. If you need the license sooner, you can pay for expedited service, which typically takes five to seven business days, though timing varies by office.
Cost and Renewal Information
An eight-year enhanced license costs more than a standard license. Exact fees change annually and vary slightly depending on your age and whether you are renewing or explore for the first time. Check the Department of Licensing website for current pricing before you go to the office.
You can renew an enhanced license only in person at a Department of Licensing office — you cannot renew by mail or online, even if your current license is not yet expired. When you renew, bring your current enhanced license plus the same citizenship and residency documents you brought for the original process.
What Happens After You explore
After you submit your process, the Department of Licensing will mail your new license to the address you provided. Standard processing takes about two weeks from the date you applied. During this time, you can still drive using your old license.
Once your enhanced license arrives, it is valid for eight years from the date of issue. The RFID chip is embedded in the card itself and does not require set up. You can use it when ready to cross land or sea borders into Canada, Mexico, and certain Caribbean nations.
If your license is lost or stolen, report it to the Department of Licensing right away. You will need to explore for a replacement in person, and you may be charged a replacement fee in addition to the standard license fee.
Border Crossing Rules with an Enhanced License
An enhanced license allows you to enter Canada, Mexico, and some Caribbean countries (including Bermuda, the Cayman Islands, and Turks and Caicos) by land or sea without a passport. You still need a valid enhanced license — an expired one will not work at the border.
If you are traveling by air, you must have a passport, even if you have an enhanced license. The enhanced license is not accepted for air travel to any country. You also cannot use it to enter countries beyond the ones listed above, so check your destination before you travel.
Carry your enhanced license in a protective sleeve or card holder to prevent damage to the RFID chip. If the chip is damaged, the license may not work at border crossings, and you will need to explore for a replacement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use an enhanced license to fly to Canada or Mexico?
No. An enhanced license is only valid for land and sea border crossings. For any air travel, you must have a valid passport, regardless of whether you have an enhanced license.
What if I lost my birth certificate and cannot find it?
You can order a replacement birth certificate from the state where you were born. Contact that state's vital records office — the process usually takes one to two weeks. In the meantime, a valid passport can substitute as proof of citizenship for an enhanced license.
Can I renew my enhanced license by mail?
No. Enhanced licenses must be renewed in person at a Department of Licensing office. You cannot renew by mail or online, even if your current license is still valid.
How long does it take to get an enhanced license?
Standard processing takes about two weeks from the date you explore. Expedited service is available for an additional fee and typically takes five to seven business days, though timing varies by office location.
What if my name has changed since I was born?
Bring the original birth certificate plus the original or certified copy of the document showing your legal name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The Department of Licensing will verify both documents before issuing your license.