What an Enhanced Driver's License Is and Why You Might Want One
A Washington State Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) is a standard driver's license with added security features that allows you to cross the U.S. border into Canada, Mexico, and some Caribbean countries by land or sea without a passport. It costs more than a regular license and takes longer to obtain, but it serves as both your driver's license and a travel document.
You do not need an EDL for everyday driving in Washington. A regular driver's license works the same way behind the wheel. The EDL is useful only if you plan to travel across a land or sea border and want to avoid carrying a passport. If you fly internationally, you still need a passport — the EDL does not replace it for air travel.
Key Takeaways
- An Enhanced Driver's License requires proof of citizenship, a valid passport or birth certificate, and proof of Washington residency, all presented in person at a Department of Licensing office.
- The EDL costs between $97 and $127 depending on how long you want it valid, compared to $65 for a standard license renewal.
- Processing takes about two weeks after you submit your documents, so plan ahead if you have a border trip scheduled.
- You must renew an EDL in person every five or eight years (depending on your age), whereas a regular license can be renewed by mail or online.
Documents You Need to Bring to the Department of Licensing
Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies alone will not work. You need three categories of documents: proof of citizenship, proof of identity, and proof of Washington residency.
For proof of citizenship, bring either a valid U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate issued by the state or county where you were born, a Certificate of Naturalization, or a Certificate of U.S. Citizenship. A passport card counts. A hospital birth certificate does not — it must be the official document from the vital records office.
For proof of identity, bring your current Washington driver's license, a valid passport, a military ID, or a tribal ID card. If you do not have any of these, you can bring a combination of documents like a Social Security card plus a credit card in your name, or a student ID plus a utility bill.
For proof of Washington residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or vehicle registration in your name. The document must show your current address and be dated within the last 60 days. A utility bill is the easiest option.
Where to Go and How to Schedule Your Appointment
Visit a Department of Licensing office in person — you cannot get an EDL by mail or online. Washington has about 60 offices statewide. Find the one nearest you and its hours at dol.wa.gov. Some offices are in county courthouses, some in standalone buildings, and some in shared government centers.
You can walk in without an appointment at most offices, but wait times vary widely. During lunch hours and late afternoons, offices are often crowded. Early morning or mid-week visits usually mean shorter waits. Some offices accept online appointment reservations through the Department of Licensing website — check your local office's page to see if yours does.
Bring all your documents in a folder or envelope so they stay together. Arrive 15 minutes early to allow time to find parking and locate the office. If you are renewing an EDL that has expired, bring the expired license with you.
The Cost and How Long It Takes
An Enhanced Driver's License costs $97 if you want it valid for five years, or $127 if you want it valid for eight years. These prices are higher than a standard license renewal, which costs $65 for five years or $85 for eight years. You pay at the time you submit your documents.
Processing takes about two weeks. The Department of Licensing will mail your new EDL to the address on file. If you need it faster, some offices offer expedited processing for an additional fee, but this is not may provide and depends on office workload. Plan to explore at least three weeks before a border trip to be safe.
If you lose your EDL or it is stolen, you can report it and request a replacement at any Department of Licensing office. A replacement costs the same as a new one and takes the same amount of time.
Age Requirements and Renewal Rules
You must be at least 18 years old to get an EDL. If you are under 21, your license will have restrictions on it (no alcohol-related driving), but you can still get an EDL.
Unlike a regular driver's license, you cannot renew an EDL by mail or online. You must go to a Department of Licensing office in person every five or eight years, depending on which term you chose when you first got it. Bring the same documents you brought the first time: proof of citizenship, proof of identity, and proof of residency. Your expired EDL counts as proof of identity, so you do not need a second ID document if you bring it.
If your EDL expires and you do not renew it, you can still drive with it for a grace period, but it will not work for border crossing. Renew it before it expires if you plan to travel.
What Happens at the Office and What to Expect
When you arrive, check in at the front desk and tell the staff member you want an Enhanced Driver's License. They will give you a form to fill out — it is a standard process asking for your name, address, date of birth, and whether you have any medical conditions that affect your driving. Answer honestly.
A staff member will review your documents, take a new photo of you, and collect your payment. The photo is taken against a plain background, similar to a passport photo. Wear something you do not mind being photographed in. You will not be able to smile with your teeth showing — it is a neutral expression photo, like a passport.
The staff member will confirm your address and ask you to sign the process. They will tell you when to expect your EDL in the mail. Keep your receipt — it shows your process was submitted. If you do not receive your EDL within three weeks, contact the Department of Licensing to check the status.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
The most common reason applications are rejected is bringing a photocopy of a birth certificate instead of a certified original. The Department of Licensing will not accept a copy. If you do not have your original birth certificate, order a certified copy from the vital records office in the state or county where you were born — this takes one to two weeks, so plan ahead.
Another frequent mistake is bringing a utility bill or other residency document that is older than 60 days. Check the date on your document before you go. If your bill is too old, bring a recent lease agreement, mortgage statement, or property tax bill instead.
Do not bring a hospital birth certificate or a birth announcement. These are not official documents and will not work. Only a certified vital records birth certificate counts.
If you are renewing and your address has changed since your last license, bring proof of your new address. The Department of Licensing will update your file, but you need to show them the new address in writing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use an EDL to fly to Canada or Mexico?
No. An EDL works only for land and sea border crossings. If you fly to another country, you must have a valid passport. The EDL is not a travel document for air travel.
What if my passport is expired but I want to use it as proof of citizenship?
An expired passport still counts as proof of citizenship for an EDL. You do not need a valid passport — you just need to prove you are a U.S. citizen. An expired passport does that.
Can I get an EDL if I have a suspended or revoked driver's license?
No. You must have a valid, non-suspended driver's license to get an EDL. If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot get an EDL until your driving privileges are restored.
Do I need an appointment, or can I just walk in?
Most Department of Licensing offices accept walk-ins, but some allow online appointment reservations. Check your local office's website to see if appointments are available. Walk-ins may have longer waits, especially during busy hours.
What if I move out of Washington after I get an EDL?
Your EDL remains valid until it expires, even if you move to another state. However, you cannot renew it by mail or online from out of state. If it expires while you live elsewhere, you would need to return to Washington or contact the Department of Licensing about other options.