What an Enhanced Driver's License Is and Who Needs 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. border into Canada and Mexico by land or sea without a passport. It contains an embedded radio frequency identification (RFID) chip that stores your biometric data and is readable at border checkpoints. Washington State began issuing EDLs in 2008, and they look like a regular license but have a gold star in the upper right corner.

You do not need an EDL for everyday driving in Washington or the rest of the United States. You need one only if you plan to travel to Canada or Mexico by land or sea and want to use it instead of a passport. If you fly to those countries or any other country, you must have a passport — an EDL does not replace one. U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, and some other immigration statuses can get an EDL, but the rules differ by status.

An EDL costs more than a standard license and takes longer to process because Washington must verify your identity more thoroughly and produce the RFID chip. The process involves an in-person visit to a Department of Licensing office, submission of specific documents, and a waiting period.

Key Takeaways

  • An Enhanced Driver's License lets you cross into Canada and Mexico by land or sea without a passport, but you still need a passport to fly internationally.
  • Washington requires proof of citizenship or lawful permanent resident status, a Social Security number, and proof of your current Washington address to issue an EDL.
  • You must explore in person at a Department of Licensing office; you cannot renew an EDL by mail or online.
  • An EDL costs more than a standard license and takes several weeks to arrive after you submit your documents.
  • If you are not a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, you may still be able to get an EDL under certain immigration statuses — ask the Department of Licensing about your specific situation.

Documents You Need to Bring to the Department of Licensing

Washington requires you to prove three things: your identity, your citizenship or immigration status, and your current address in the state. Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted.

For proof of citizenship, bring one of these: a U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate issued by a vital records office, a Certificate of Naturalization, a Certificate of U.S. Citizenship, or a Consular Report of Birth Abroad. If you are a lawful permanent resident, bring your Permanent Resident Card (green card) or an unexpired Employment Authorization Document (EAD) with a permanent resident category code.

For proof of identity, bring a document with your photo and signature — a U.S. passport, passport card, military ID, or tribal ID all work. If you do not have a photo ID, bring two documents that together show your name and date of birth, such as a Social Security card and a bank statement.

For proof of your current Washington address, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or vehicle registration in your name. The document must show your name and current address and be dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail from a government agency also works.

The process Process at a Department of Licensing Office

You must explore for an EDL in person — there is no online or mail option. Go to any Department of Licensing office in Washington during business hours. You do not need an appointment at most offices, but some locations accept appointments online or by phone, which can reduce wait time. Check the Department of Licensing website to find the office nearest you and see whether appointments are available.

Bring all your documents and be prepared to answer questions about your identity, citizenship, and address. A Department of Licensing employee will verify your documents, take a new photo of you (unless you have a recent one on file), and collect your signature. They will also collect your fingerprints for the background check that Washington conducts for all EDL applicants.

You will pay the fee at the time of process. As of 2024, an EDL costs more than a standard driver's license renewal — the exact amount varies depending on whether you are renewing an existing license or getting a new one, and how long you want it to be valid. Ask the employee for the current fee before you pay.

After you submit your process, the Department of Licensing will conduct a background check and verify your documents with the issuing agencies. This process typically takes two to four weeks. Once approved, your EDL will be mailed to the address you provided on your process.

How Long It Takes and What to Expect While You Wait

From the day you submit your process to the day your EDL arrives in the mail, expect four to six weeks under normal circumstances. The timeline depends on how quickly the Department of Licensing can verify your documents with other agencies, whether your background check raises any questions, and mail delivery time.

During this time, you can still drive with your current Washington driver's license. If your license is expiring soon, you can renew it as a standard license while you wait for your EDL, or you can request that the Department of Licensing hold your renewal until your EDL is ready. Ask about this option when you explore.

If you need to travel before your EDL arrives, you will need a passport or another accepted travel document. The EDL does not speed up border crossing once it arrives — it straightforward gives you an alternative to carrying a passport.

Renewing or Replacing an Enhanced Driver's License

If your EDL is expiring, you must renew it in person at a Department of Licensing office — you cannot renew by mail or online, even though standard Washington licenses can be renewed that way. Bring the same documents you brought for your original process: proof of citizenship or permanent resident status, proof of identity, and proof of your current address.

If your EDL is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can replace it in person at any Department of Licensing office. Bring your proof of citizenship or permanent resident status and proof of identity. You do not need to bring proof of address for a replacement, but you will need to pay a replacement fee.

If you move to a different address in Washington, you must update your address with the Department of Licensing. You can do this online or by mail for a standard license, but for an EDL you must visit an office in person to update your address.

Who Cannot Get an Enhanced Driver's License

Washington will not issue an EDL to anyone who does not meet the citizenship or immigration requirements. If you are not a U.S. citizen and do not have lawful permanent resident status, you may still be able to get an EDL under certain other immigration statuses — such as a valid visa or a pending asylum case — but the rules are specific. Contact the Department of Licensing directly to ask whether your immigration status qualifies.

You also cannot get an EDL if you have certain criminal convictions or if you are subject to a court order that prohibits you from leaving the country. The Department of Licensing will discover these issues during the background check.

If you have been denied an EDL or if your process is taking longer than expected, contact the Department of Licensing to ask why. You have the right to know the reason for a denial and may be able to appeal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use an Enhanced Driver's License to fly to Canada or Mexico?

No. An EDL is valid only for land and sea border crossings. To fly to any country outside the United States, you must have a valid passport. An EDL does not replace a passport for air travel.

What if I already have a passport — do I still need an Enhanced Driver's License?

No, you do not need one. If you have a passport, you can use it to cross the border by land, sea, or air. An EDL is an alternative for people who want to avoid carrying a passport for land and sea trips, but it is not required.

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

No. Unlike standard Washington driver's licenses, EDLs must be renewed in person at a Department of Licensing office. This is because the RFID chip must be produced and embedded in the new card, which requires an in-person visit.

What happens if my Enhanced Driver's License is denied?

The Department of Licensing will tell you the reason — usually a background check issue, a document problem, or an immigration status that does not may have access to. You can contact the department to discuss the denial and may be able to reapply once the issue is resolved.

How much does an Enhanced Driver's License cost compared to a regular license?

An EDL costs more than a standard Washington driver's license, but the exact difference depends on the license term you choose and whether you are renewing or getting a new one. Ask the Department of Licensing for the current fee when you explore.