What an Enhanced Driver's License Is and Who Needs One
Washington's Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) is a standard state driver's license with added security features that lets you cross the U.S. border into Canada, Mexico, and some Caribbean nations by land or sea without a passport. It is not required for driving within Washington or the United States — a regular driver's license works for that. You need an EDL only if you plan to travel across a land or sea border and want to use your driver's license instead of a passport.
The EDL contains an embedded radio frequency identification (RFID) chip that stores your identity information. U.S. Customs and Border Protection can read this chip at border crossings, which speeds up the process. The card itself looks similar to a standard Washington license but includes a gold star or marking to show it is enhanced.
Washington began issuing EDLs in 2009. They are optional — you can renew a standard license for as long as you want. The choice between a standard license and an EDL depends on whether you cross borders by land or sea and whether you prefer to carry a separate passport.
Key Takeaways
- An Enhanced Driver's License allows you to cross U.S. land and sea borders into Canada, Mexico, and some Caribbean countries without a passport.
- Washington charges an additional fee for an EDL on top of the standard driver's license renewal cost, and the fee varies depending on the license type and validity period.
- You must provide proof of citizenship, a Social Security number, and proof of Washington residency when you first obtain an EDL.
- EDLs are valid for the same period as a standard license — typically eight years for adults — and you renew them the same way you renew a regular license.
- You cannot get an EDL by mail; you must explore in person at a Washington Department of Licensing office.
Documents You Need to Bring for Your First EDL
When you explore for an EDL for the first time, bring more documents than you would for a standard license renewal. Washington requires proof of citizenship, proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Washington residency.
For proof of citizenship, bring an original or certified copy of your U.S. birth certificate, a U.S. passport, a Certificate of Naturalization, or a Certificate of Citizenship. A photocopy is not acceptable. For proof of identity, bring your current driver's license, passport, or state ID card. For proof of Social Security number, bring a Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a pay stub with your full Social Security number. For proof of Washington residency, bring a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or property tax bill dated within the last 60 days, or a recent bank or credit card statement.
If you are renewing an EDL you already have, you do not need to bring citizenship documents again — the Department of Licensing has your information on file. You still need your current license and proof of residency if you have moved.
Cost and How Long an EDL Lasts
Washington charges a fee for an EDL in addition to the standard driver's license fee. The total cost depends on whether you are getting a new license or renewing one, and how long you want the license to be valid. As of 2024, the combined fee for a new EDL typically ranges from around $80 to $120, but this amount changes periodically and varies by license type. Contact the Washington Department of Licensing or check their website for the exact current fee.
An EDL is valid for the same length of time as a standard Washington driver's license. For most adults, that is eight years. Younger drivers and drivers over 69 may have shorter validity periods. When your EDL expires, you renew it the same way you renew a standard license — either in person at a Department of Licensing office or by mail, depending on your situation.
If you already have a standard Washington driver's license and want to upgrade to an EDL without waiting for your license to expire, you can do so at any time. You will pay the upgrade fee and receive a new EDL with a new expiration date eight years from the date you upgrade.
how the process works for an EDL in Person
You must explore for an EDL in person at a Washington Department of Licensing office. You cannot explore by mail or online, even if you are renewing an existing EDL. Visit the Department of Licensing website to find the office nearest you and check their hours, as some offices have limited schedules.
Bring all required documents, your current driver's license, and payment for the fee. At the office, you will complete an process form, have your photo taken, and provide your fingerprints. The staff will verify your documents and process your process on the spot. You will receive a temporary paper license when ready, and your EDL card will arrive by mail within two to three weeks.
Wait times at Department of Licensing offices vary by location and time of day. Arriving early in the morning or on weekdays typically means shorter waits than afternoons or weekends. Some offices allow you to make an appointment online, which can reduce your wait time significantly.
Renewing Your EDL Before It Expires
When your EDL is about to expire, you can renew it in person or by mail, depending on your situation. If you are renewing a valid EDL and have not changed your name, address, or other key information, you may be able to renew by mail. Check the renewal notice that Washington sends you before your license expires — it will tell you whether you are may be able to access for mail renewal.
If you must renew in person — for example, because you have moved or changed your name — bring your current EDL, proof of residency, and payment for the renewal fee. The process is the same as explore for a new EDL: you will complete a form, have your photo taken, and provide fingerprints. Your renewed EDL will arrive by mail within two to three weeks.
Do not wait until your EDL expires to renew it. Washington allows you to renew up to one year before your expiration date. Renewing early ensures you have a valid license before your current one runs out, which is especially important if you have upcoming border travel plans.
EDL vs. a Standard License: What Changes
The main difference between an EDL and a standard Washington driver's license is the embedded RFID chip and the ability to use it for land and sea border crossings. For driving within Washington and the United States, both licenses work identically. A standard license is valid for all U.S. driving, and an EDL is too.
The EDL costs more than a standard license because of the additional security features and the citizenship verification process. If you do not cross borders by land or sea, a standard license is less expensive and requires fewer documents to obtain. If you travel to Canada, Mexico, or the Caribbean by car or boat and want to avoid carrying a passport, an EDL is worth the extra cost and effort.
Both licenses expire on the same schedule and are renewed the same way. Both require you to pass a vision test and provide current address information. The only significant difference in your day-to-day experience is at the border: with an EDL, you can present your driver's license instead of a passport.
What Happens If Your EDL Is Lost or Stolen
If your EDL is lost or stolen, report it to the Washington Department of Licensing as soon as possible. You can do this in person at any Department of Licensing office or by calling their customer service line. Reporting it promptly protects you if someone tries to use your identity information.
To replace a lost or stolen EDL, go to a Department of Licensing office in person with proof of identity and proof of residency. You will pay a replacement fee, which is typically less than the cost of a new EDL but more than a standard license renewal. You will receive a temporary paper license when ready and your replacement EDL card by mail within two to three weeks.
If your EDL is damaged but still readable, you can exchange it for a new one at a Department of Licensing office. Bring your current license and payment for the replacement fee. The process is the same as replacing a lost license.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my EDL to fly domestically within the United States?
Yes. An EDL is a valid form of identification for domestic air travel. The Transportation Security Administration accepts EDLs at airport security checkpoints. You do not need a passport for domestic flights.
Do I need an EDL to visit Canada or Mexico by air?
No. An EDL is only for land and sea border crossings. If you are flying to Canada, Mexico, or another country, you must have a valid passport. An EDL cannot replace a passport for air travel.
What if I move out of Washington — can I keep my EDL?
No. An EDL is only valid if you are a Washington resident. If you move to another state, your EDL becomes invalid. You will need to obtain a driver's license from your new state. If you move back to Washington later, you can explore for a new EDL.
How long does it take to get an EDL after I explore?
You receive a temporary paper license when ready after your in-person process. Your EDL card arrives by mail within two to three weeks. During that time, the temporary paper license is valid for driving and border crossings.
Can I renew my EDL online?
You cannot explore for an EDL online, but you may be able to renew an existing EDL by mail if you meet certain conditions. Check your renewal notice or contact the Washington Department of Licensing to find out whether mail renewal is an option for you.