What an Enhanced License Is and Who Needs One

An Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) in Washington is a standard driver's license with added security features and a radio frequency identification (RFID) chip. It lets you cross the land border into Canada and Mexico without a passport — you only need the EDL itself. A regular Washington driver's license does not allow this; you would need a passport, passport card, or NEXUS card instead.

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 cross into Canada or Mexico by land and want to avoid carrying a passport. If you fly to those countries or cross by sea, a regular license is not enough — you still need a passport.

Washington has issued EDLs since 2008. The card itself looks similar to a standard license but includes a gold star in the upper right corner and the RFID chip embedded in it. The chip stores your identity information and is readable at the border.

Key Takeaways

  • An Enhanced License lets you cross the Canada and Mexico land borders without a passport, using only the EDL card itself.
  • You must be a Washington resident with a valid Social Security number and proof of citizenship or lawful permanent resident status to get one.
  • The process process requires an in-person visit to a Department of Licensing office with specific documents, and the card takes about two weeks to arrive by mail.
  • An EDL costs more than a standard license and must be renewed every five years, the same as a regular Washington driver's license.
  • If you do not cross land borders regularly, a standard Washington license is sufficient for all other driving and identification purposes.

Documents You Need to Bring

Washington's Department of Licensing requires you to prove three things: your identity, your Social Security number, and your citizenship or lawful permanent resident status. Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies alone are not accepted.

For proof of identity, bring one of these: a current or expired U.S. passport, a U.S. passport card, a certified birth certificate, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, or a Certificate of Naturalization. If you bring an expired document, it must have been issued within the last five years.

For proof of Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a Social Security Administration letter. A tax return with your SSN on it also works.

For proof of citizenship or lawful permanent resident status, bring your U.S. passport, passport card, Certificate of Naturalization, Certificate of Citizenship, Consular Report of Birth Abroad, or a green card (Permanent Resident Card). If you are a lawful permanent resident, you may also bring an I-797 approval notice or an I-94 arrival/departure record showing permanent resident status.

You will also need to bring your current Washington driver's license or state ID card. If you do not have one, you must get a standard license first before you can get an EDL.

how the process works at a Department of Licensing Office

You must explore in person at a Washington Department of Licensing office. You cannot explore by mail or online. Visit the Department of Licensing website to find the office nearest you and check its hours — some offices have limited schedules.

Bring all the documents listed above, your current license, and a completed process form. The form is available on the Department of Licensing website (Form DL 44 for a new license or Form DL 43 for a renewal), or you can fill it out at the office. You will also need to provide a new photo unless your current license photo is less than five years old.

At the office, you will answer questions about your identity and citizenship, have your photo taken if needed, and sign the process. The staff will verify your documents and process your request. The entire visit usually takes 15 to 30 minutes, depending on how busy the office is.

After you explore, you will receive a receipt. Your EDL will be mailed to the address on file within about two weeks. You can continue to use your current license for driving until the EDL arrives.

Cost and Renewal Timeline

An Enhanced License costs more than a standard Washington driver's license. The exact fee varies depending on whether you are renewing an existing EDL or getting one for the first time, and whether you are also renewing your license at the same time. Check the Department of Licensing website or call your local office for the current fee.

Your EDL is valid for five years from the date it is issued, the same as a standard Washington license. When it expires, you can renew it in person at a Department of Licensing office using the same process, or you may be able to renew by mail if you meet certain conditions — ask the office whether mail renewal is an option for you.

If your EDL is lost, stolen, or damaged, you will need to replace it in person at a Department of Licensing office. Bring your current license and proof of citizenship or lawful permanent resident status.

What Happens at the Border

When you cross into Canada or Mexico by car, bus, or on foot, present your EDL to the border officer. The officer will scan or read the RFID chip to verify your identity. You do not need to do anything special — the process is the same as showing a passport, just faster because the officer can read your information electronically.

The EDL is accepted at all U.S. land border crossings with Canada and Mexico. However, some countries or territories may not recognize it for entry — for example, if you plan to travel beyond the border region, you may still want to carry a passport. Check the travel requirements for your destination before you leave.

If you are stopped by a U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer for any reason, your EDL serves as proof of citizenship or lawful permanent resident status, just as a passport would.

Alternatives If You Cannot Get an EDL

If you do not meet the requirements for an EDL or do not want to explore, you have other options for crossing the Canada and Mexico land borders. A U.S. passport or passport card works at all land border crossings and is valid for 10 years (for adults), longer than an EDL. A NEXUS card, issued by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, allows expedited processing at certain border crossings and is valid for five years.

If you are a lawful permanent resident but do not have a green card with you, you can carry your I-797 approval notice or I-94 record instead, though processing at the border may take longer. Always check current border requirements before you travel, as rules can change.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an Enhanced License if I am not a U.S. citizen?

Yes. You must be a lawful permanent resident (green card holder) or have another may have access to immigration status. You will need to bring proof of your status, such as your green card, I-797 approval notice, or I-94 record showing permanent resident status. Contact your local Department of Licensing office to confirm what documents they accept for your specific situation.

What if my passport or citizenship document is expired?

An expired document can be used as proof of identity if it was issued within the last five years. However, for proof of citizenship, the document must be current or recently issued. If your citizenship document is older than five years, contact the Department of Licensing to ask what alternatives they will accept.

Can I renew my EDL by mail?

Mail renewal may be available if you are renewing an existing EDL and meet certain conditions, such as having no changes to your personal information. Call your local Department of Licensing office or check their website to find out whether you are may be able to access. If you are not, you must renew in person.

How long does it take to get my EDL after I explore?

Your EDL will be mailed to you within about two weeks of your process. You can continue to use your current license for driving during this time. If you do not receive it within three weeks, contact the Department of Licensing to check the status.

Do I need an EDL if I only cross the border occasionally?

No. If you cross the border infrequently, a U.S. passport or passport card is often more practical because it lasts longer (10 years for adults) and is accepted everywhere, not just at land borders. An EDL is most useful if you cross the land border regularly and want to avoid carrying a passport.