How to Get a Washington State Enhanced Driver's License

What an Enhanced Driver's License Is and Who Needs One

A Washington State Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) is a standard driver's license with additional security features that lets you cross the U.S.-Canada border by land or sea without a passport. It has a vertical gold or silver stripe and a special security hologram. You can use it for domestic air travel, but a regular license works for that too — the EDL's main value is border crossing.

You need an EDL if you travel to Canada, Mexico, or the Caribbean by car, boat, or ferry and want to avoid carrying a passport. If you fly internationally or rarely cross land borders, a regular license is sufficient. Washington residents who live near the Canadian border or frequently visit Canada find the EDL most practical.

The EDL costs more than a standard license and requires additional documents to prove citizenship. The process takes longer because the state verifies your identity more thoroughly. You cannot renew an EDL by mail — you must appear in person at a licensing office.

Key Takeaways

An Enhanced Driver's License allows you to cross the U.S.-Canada border by land or sea without a passport, but costs more and requires proof of U.S. citizenship.
You must bring an original or certified birth certificate, passport, or naturalization documents to prove citizenship — a regular license or state ID does not count.
The process process requires an in-person visit to a Washington Department of Licensing office; you cannot renew an EDL by mail.
An EDL is valid for eight years if you are under 62, and five years if you are 62 or older, the same as a standard Washington license.
If you already have a valid Washington driver's license, you can upgrade to an EDL without retaking the written or driving test.

Documents You Must Bring to the Licensing Office

Washington requires proof of U.S. citizenship for an EDL. Bring one of these original documents or certified copies: a U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate issued by the state or county where you were born, a Certificate of Naturalization, a Certificate of Citizenship, or a Consular Report of Birth Abroad. A photocopy of your birth certificate does not work — it must be certified by the issuing vital records office.

You also need proof of your Social Security number. A Social Security card, W-2 form, or 1099 form all work. Bring your current Washington driver's license or state ID if you have one. If you do not have a license yet, bring two documents showing your name and date of birth, such as a school ID and a bank statement.

Bring proof of your current Washington address: a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. A cell phone bill does not count. If you recently moved, bring your old address document plus your new one.

Steps to explore for an Enhanced Driver's License

First, visit the Washington Department of Licensing website and find your nearest licensing office. Not all offices issue EDLs — the site lists which ones do. Call ahead or check online to confirm the office is open and has availability, because some offices require appointments.

Bring all required documents listed above. At the office, tell the staff you want an Enhanced Driver's License. They will verify your citizenship documents, take a new photo, and collect your fee. If you already hold a valid Washington license, you will not retake the written or driving test — the upgrade is straightforward.

The staff will ask you to sign an affidavit confirming you are a U.S. citizen. This is a legal statement; lying on it carries penalties. Pay the fee at the counter. Processing takes about 10 business days. Your new EDL will arrive by mail at the address you provided.

Cost and How Long It Takes

An Enhanced Driver's License costs more than a standard Washington license. The exact fee varies depending on how long you want the license valid — typically between $85 and $100 for an eight-year license if you are under 62. Check the Department of Licensing website for the current fee, as it changes periodically.

Processing normally takes 10 business days from the date you explore. Your new EDL arrives by mail. If you need it faster, some licensing offices offer rush processing for an additional fee, but this is not may provide at every location — call your local office to ask.

Your EDL is valid for eight years if you are under 62, and five years if you are 62 or older. You cannot renew it by mail; you must return to a licensing office in person when it expires and bring proof of citizenship again.

Upgrading From a Regular License to an EDL

If you already have a valid Washington driver's license, upgrading to an EDL is simpler than getting one from scratch. You still need proof of U.S. citizenship and proof of your Social Security number, but you skip the written and driving tests. Your current license will be replaced with the EDL.

The upgrade process takes the same 10 business days. You pay the same fee as a new EDL. Your old license becomes invalid once you receive the new one, so plan accordingly if you need a valid ID for other purposes during the waiting period.

If your current license is expiring soon, you can upgrade to an EDL at the same time. The new EDL will have a fresh expiration date based on your age at the time of process.

What Happens If Your Citizenship Documents Are Lost or Damaged

If you cannot locate your birth certificate, contact the vital records office in the state or county where you were born. Most states allow you to order a certified copy online or by mail for a small fee, usually $10 to $25. This takes one to three weeks. The National Association for Public Health Statistics and Information Systems website lists contact information for every state's vital records office.

If you have a U.S. passport, bring that instead — it proves citizenship and is accepted in place of a birth certificate. If you do not have a passport and cannot get a birth certificate in time, you may be able to use a Consular Report of Birth Abroad or Certificate of Citizenship if you have one. Call the Washington Department of Licensing before your appointment to confirm what documents they will accept in your specific situation.

Using Your EDL at the Border

Your EDL allows you to enter Canada by car, truck, boat, or ferry without a passport. You cannot use it for air travel to Canada — you still need a passport for that. The same applies to Mexico and the Caribbean: an EDL works for land and sea crossings but not flights.

Canadian border agents may ask additional questions even with an EDL, such as the purpose of your visit or what you are carrying. An EDL does not may provide entry; it only proves your citizenship and identity. Bring it with you every time you cross, just as you would a passport.

If you lose your EDL while traveling, contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. You can also contact the Washington Department of Licensing to report it lost and request a replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. An EDL is acceptable identification for domestic flights, the same as a regular driver's license. You do not need a passport for domestic air travel. If you are flying internationally, you will need a passport regardless of whether you have an EDL.

What if I was born outside the United States but am a U.S. citizen?

Bring your Certificate of Naturalization, Certificate of Citizenship, or Consular Report of Birth Abroad. These documents prove your citizenship status. If you have a U.S. passport, that works too. Call the Department of Licensing ahead of time if you are unsure whether your documents will be accepted.

Can I renew my Enhanced Driver's License by mail?

No. EDLs must be renewed in person at a licensing office because the state needs to verify your citizenship documents again. Regular Washington licenses can be renewed by mail, but EDLs cannot. Plan to visit an office before your EDL expires.

What if I move out of Washington after getting an EDL?

Your EDL remains valid until it expires, even if you move to another state. If you move to another state and want a driver's license there, you will need to explore for that state's license. You cannot transfer a Washington EDL to another state.

How do I replace a lost or stolen Enhanced Driver's License?

Visit a Washington Department of Licensing office and bring proof of citizenship again, just as you did for the original process. You will pay a replacement fee, which is typically lower than the original EDL fee. Processing takes about 10 business days.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.