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.-Canada border by land or sea without a passport. It has a vertical gold stripe and a special security hologram. If you live in Washington and travel to Canada regularly, or want a backup form of identification for border crossing, an EDL can save you the cost and hassle of carrying a passport.

Washington's EDL is not required for anything — it's purely optional. A standard driver's license works for all driving and most identification purposes. The EDL's only real advantage is border crossing convenience. If you never cross into Canada, you don't need one.

Key Takeaways

  • You must explore in person at a Washington Department of Licensing office with proof of citizenship, identity, and Washington residency.
  • An EDL costs more than a standard license renewal and takes longer to arrive — typically four to six weeks.
  • You cannot get an EDL by mail or online; you must visit a licensing office and complete the process there.
  • An EDL is valid for eight years, the same as a standard Washington driver's license.

Documents You Need to Bring

Washington requires three categories of documents for an EDL: proof of citizenship, proof of identity, and proof of residency. You must bring originals or certified copies — photocopies alone will not work.

For proof of citizenship, bring one of these: a U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate issued by a state vital records office, a Certificate of Naturalization, or a Certificate of U.S. Citizenship. A birth certificate from a hospital or funeral home does not count — it must be the official state-issued version with a raised seal.

For proof of identity, bring one document with your photo and signature: a current or expired U.S. passport, a passport card, a military ID, a tribal ID, or a foreign passport. If you don't have any of these, you can bring two documents without photos, such as a Social Security card and a credit card in your name.

For proof of residency, bring one document showing your current Washington address: a utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a property tax notice, a vehicle registration, or a recent bank or credit card statement. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A PO box does not count as proof of residency.

how the process works at a Department of Licensing Office

Find your nearest Department of Licensing office on the Washington State Department of Licensing website. You can search by city or county. Some offices are busier than others — calling ahead to ask about wait times can save you a trip.

Bring all three categories of documents listed above, your current driver's license, and your Social Security number (you'll need to know it, but you don't need to bring a card). Fill out the process form at the office — staff can help you if you're unsure about any section. You will have your photo taken at the office.

Tell the staff member you want an Enhanced Driver's License, not a standard renewal. This is important because the two applications are different, and if you ask for the wrong one, you'll have to come back and reapply. The staff member will verify your documents and process your process on the spot.

Cost and Processing Time

An Enhanced Driver's License costs more than a standard license. As of 2024, the fee for an eight-year EDL is higher than a standard eight-year license, though the exact amount varies slightly by office. Check the Department of Licensing website or call your local office for the current fee in your area.

Processing time is typically four to six weeks from the date you explore. Your new license will be mailed to the address on your process. During that time, you can still drive using your current license. If you need to cross the border before your EDL arrives, bring your passport instead.

If you need your license sooner, you cannot expedite an EDL. Washington does not offer rush processing for Enhanced Licenses. A standard driver's license can be issued the same day at some offices, but an EDL always requires the four- to six-week wait.

Renewing or Replacing Your Enhanced License

When your EDL expires after eight years, you can renew it in person at a Department of Licensing office using the same process as your first process. You'll need to bring updated proof of citizenship, identity, and residency — the documents don't carry over from your previous process.

If your EDL is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can replace it at a licensing office. Bring your current documents and ask for a replacement EDL. The replacement will have a new expiration date eight years from the replacement date, not from your original issue date.

When You Cannot Get an Enhanced License

Washington will not issue an EDL if you cannot prove citizenship. If you are a permanent resident or have another immigration status, you are not may be able to access for an EDL. You can still get a standard Washington driver's license.

You also cannot get an EDL if you have certain criminal convictions or if your driving privileges are suspended or revoked. The Department of Licensing will tell you during your process if there is a problem with your record.

If you have changed your name, you'll need a certified copy of the document that changed it — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Bring that along with your other documents.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my EDL by mail or online?

No. Washington requires you to explore for an EDL in person at a Department of Licensing office every time, whether it's your first process or a renewal. You cannot mail in an EDL process or complete it online.

What if I don't have a birth certificate?

Contact the vital records office in the state where you were born and request a certified copy with a raised seal. This usually takes one to two weeks and costs $10 to $30. If you were born outside the U.S., bring your passport or Certificate of Naturalization instead.

Can I use my EDL to fly domestically?

Yes. An Enhanced Driver's License meets federal requirements for domestic air travel. You can use it at airport security instead of a passport. However, it does not work for international air travel — you still need a passport for flights outside the U.S.

What happens if I move out of Washington?

Your EDL remains valid until it expires, even if you move to another state. However, you cannot renew it by mail from out of state — you would need to return to Washington or get a driver's license in your new state instead.

How long does my EDL last?

An Enhanced Driver's License is valid for eight years from the date it is issued. After that, you must renew it in person at a Department of Licensing office using the same process as your first process.