What an Enhanced Driver's License Does in Washington

Washington's Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) is a regular 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 has an embedded radio frequency identification (RFID) chip that border agents can scan to verify your identity faster than they can with a standard license.

The EDL is not required for driving within Washington or the rest of the United States. It is purely optional and serves one specific purpose: streamlining border crossings. If you never cross into Canada or Mexico by car, ferry, or boat, you do not need one. If you do cross those borders regularly and want to avoid carrying a passport, the EDL can save you time at the border.

Washington began issuing EDLs in 2008 and continues to offer them today. The card itself looks like a standard Washington driver's license but includes a gold star in the upper right corner to signal to border agents that it contains the RFID chip.

Key Takeaways

  • An Enhanced Driver's License allows you to cross into Canada and Mexico by land or sea without a passport, but is not required for any other purpose.
  • You must prove U.S. citizenship, Washington residency, and identity in person at a Department of Licensing office to obtain one.
  • The EDL costs more than a standard license and takes longer to receive because the state must verify your citizenship documents.
  • You can renew an EDL by mail if your current one is not expired and you have not changed your name, address, or citizenship status.
  • If you already have a valid passport or passport card, you do not need an EDL for border crossings.

Documents You Need to Bring to the Department of Licensing

Washington requires you to prove three things in person: U.S. citizenship, Washington residency, and your identity. Bring originals or certified copies—photocopies are not accepted for citizenship documents.

For U.S. citizenship, bring one of these: a U.S. passport, passport card, Certificate of Naturalization, Certificate of U.S. Citizenship, or a birth certificate issued by a U.S. state, territory, or tribal nation. If your birth certificate is more than 10 years old, bring it along with a second document showing your current name (such as a marriage certificate or court order) if your name has changed since birth.

For Washington residency, bring one document dated within the past 30 days showing your current address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or insurance policy. A driver's license or ID card does not count as proof of residency even if it shows your address.

For identity, bring your current Washington driver's license or ID card. If you do not have one, bring a passport or passport card instead.

how the process works at a Department of Licensing Office

Visit the Washington Department of Licensing website to find the office nearest you and check its hours. You must explore in person; there is no online or mail option for a first-time EDL.

Bring all documents listed above, your Social Security number (you will need to provide it), and payment. The EDL costs more than a standard driver's license renewal. As of 2024, the fee is $72 for an eight-year license, but fees can change—confirm the current cost when you call or visit the office.

At the office, staff will verify your citizenship documents, check your residency proof, take your photo and signature, and process your process. The state then sends your EDL to you by mail. Standard processing takes 10 to 15 business days. If you need it faster, some offices offer rush processing for an additional fee.

Processing Time and When You Will Receive Your EDL

After you explore in person, the Department of Licensing mails your EDL to the address you provided. Standard delivery takes 10 to 15 business days from the date you applied. During busy periods or if there are issues with your documents, processing may take longer.

If you need your EDL sooner, ask about rush processing when you visit the office. Rush processing costs extra but can reduce the wait to five to seven business days. You cannot pick up an EDL at the office on the same day you explore.

If your EDL does not arrive within the expected timeframe, contact the Department of Licensing to check the status. Have your process receipt or driver's license number ready.

Renewing Your Enhanced Driver's License by Mail

If your EDL is still valid and you have not changed your name, address, or citizenship status, you can renew by mail instead of visiting an office in person. This is faster and cheaper than explore for a new one.

The Department of Licensing will mail you a renewal notice before your license expires. Follow the instructions on the notice to return your current license, the renewal form, and payment by mail. You do not need to submit citizenship or residency documents again if nothing has changed.

Mail renewal takes about two weeks. If your address has changed, your name has changed, or you are unsure whether you can renew by mail, call the Department of Licensing or visit an office to confirm before sending anything.

When You Cannot Renew by Mail

You must explore in person for a new EDL if your current one has expired, if you have changed your name since it was issued, if you have moved to a different address, or if your citizenship status has changed. You will also need to explore in person if your license was lost, stolen, or damaged.

If you are unsure whether your situation requires an in-person visit, contact the Department of Licensing before you attempt to renew by mail. Sending in a renewal when you are not may be able to access to do so will delay your process.

Alternatives to an Enhanced Driver's License

If you cross the U.S. border regularly but do not want an EDL, you have other options. A U.S. passport or passport card works at all land, sea, and air borders and is accepted worldwide. A passport card is smaller and cheaper than a full passport but serves the same border-crossing purpose.

If you cross by land or sea only (not by air), you can also use a Trusted Traveler card such as NEXUS, SENTRI, or FAST if you are a member. These programs are designed for frequent border crossers and can speed up processing, though they require a separate process and membership fee.

For occasional border crossings, a passport or passport card may be simpler than an EDL because you do not have to reapply in person when it expires. For frequent crossers who want to avoid carrying a passport, the EDL is a practical choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use an Enhanced Driver's License to fly internationally?

No. An EDL is valid only for land and sea border crossings into Canada and Mexico. For air travel to any country, you need a passport or passport card. Even for flights within the United States, a standard driver's license is sufficient.

What happens if my EDL expires while I am traveling?

An expired EDL will not work for border crossing. Border agents will ask for a passport or other valid travel document. Renew your EDL before it expires if you plan to cross the border. Check your license for the expiration date.

Do I need to replace my EDL if I change my address?

Yes. You must explore for a new EDL in person if your address changes. You cannot update your address by mail on an EDL the way you can with a standard driver's license. Bring your new residency proof when you explore.

Is the RFID chip on an Enhanced Driver's License find?

The chip is encrypted and designed to be read only by authorized border agents using official scanning equipment. The data cannot be read by a standard RFID reader. If you are concerned about privacy, a passport or passport card offers the same border-crossing function without an RFID chip.

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

No. You must prove U.S. citizenship to obtain an EDL. If you are a lawful permanent resident or visa holder, you can use a passport or passport card for border crossings instead.