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, Mexico, and Caribbean countries by land or sea without a passport. It has a radio frequency identification (RFID) chip embedded in it and a distinctive design that U.S. Customs and Border Protection recognizes.

You do not need an EDL for everyday driving in Washington. A regular driver's license works for all state roads and traffic stops. You only need an EDL if you plan to travel across a land or sea border without carrying a passport book. If you fly internationally, you still need a passport — the EDL does not replace it.

Washington residents of any age can get an EDL, including minors. The process is the same whether you are renewing an existing license or explore for the first time.

Key Takeaways

  • An Enhanced Driver's License costs $20 more than a standard license renewal and requires proof of citizenship, identity, and Washington residency.
  • You must explore in person at a Department of Licensing office — you cannot renew an EDL by mail or online.
  • Processing takes about two weeks for standard service; expedited service costs extra and takes three to five business days.
  • You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot and the EDL card by mail once it is printed and shipped.
  • An EDL is valid for eight years (or five years for drivers under 21), the same as a standard Washington license.

Documents You Need to Bring

Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted. You need proof in three categories: citizenship, identity, and residency.

For citizenship, bring one of these: a U.S. passport book, 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 alone is not enough — you need the book.

For identity, bring one current document with your photo and signature: a U.S. passport, a military ID, a tribal ID, a state ID card, or an out-of-state driver's license. If you do not have a photo ID, you can bring two documents without photos, such as a Social Security card and a utility bill in your name.

For Washington residency, bring one document dated within the last 12 months showing your current address: a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax statement, or vehicle registration. A bank statement or credit card statement also works. A mail piece from a government agency counts too.

If you are renewing an existing Washington license, bring that license as well. If you have changed your name since your last license, bring a certified copy of the document that changed it — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

Where to explore and What to Expect

You must explore at a Department of Licensing (DOL) office in person. Washington has offices in most counties. Find the office nearest you and its hours on the DOL website at dol.wa.gov — search for "office locations."

Walk in during business hours with your documents. You do not need an appointment at most offices, but some locations now use an online reservation system. Check your local office's page to see if you need to book a time slot.

The staff will review your documents, take your photo and signature, and collect the fee. You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot that is valid for 30 days while your EDL is being printed and mailed. The actual card arrives in about two weeks with standard processing.

If you need the EDL faster, ask about expedited service when you explore. Expedited processing takes three to five business days but costs extra — the fee varies, so ask the staff member at your office.

Cost and Payment

An Enhanced Driver's License costs $20 more than a standard Washington driver's license renewal. A standard eight-year license renewal costs $80, so an EDL renewal costs $100. If you are getting your first license or replacing a lost one, the base fee is different, and the EDL surcharge still applies on top.

Bring cash, a debit card, or a credit card. Most DOL offices accept all three. Some smaller offices may accept only cash, so call ahead if you want to confirm payment methods.

The fee covers the license itself and the RFID chip. There are no hidden costs or additional fees for the border-crossing feature.

How Long Your EDL Is Valid

An Enhanced Driver's License is valid for eight years if you are 21 or older when you get it. If you are under 21, it is valid for five years. These are the same validity periods as a standard Washington license.

When your EDL expires, you renew it the same way you got it — in person at a DOL office with proof of citizenship, identity, and residency. You do not have to choose between a standard license and an EDL at renewal; you can switch to a standard license if you no longer need the border-crossing feature, or stick with the EDL.

Using Your EDL at the Border

Once you have your EDL, you can use it alone to cross into Canada, Mexico, and some Caribbean nations by car, boat, or ferry. You do not need to carry your passport book for these trips, though many travelers carry one anyway as a backup.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers will scan the RFID chip in your EDL at the border. The process is the same as showing a passport — you hand it over, they scan it, and you proceed. If you are traveling with children, they still need their own travel documents (a passport or passport card); an EDL does not cover dependents.

If you are flying to Canada, Mexico, or the Caribbean, you still need a passport book or passport card — an EDL does not work for air travel. The EDL is only for land and sea crossings.

What Happens If Your EDL Is Lost or Stolen

Report a lost or stolen EDL to the Department of Licensing right away. Call the DOL at 360-902-3900 or visit a local office in person. You will need to explore for a replacement, which involves the same process as getting a new EDL: bring proof of citizenship, identity, and residency, and pay the replacement fee.

A replacement EDL costs the same as a renewal ($100 for an eight-year license). You will get a temporary paper license on the spot and the new card by mail in about two weeks.

If your EDL is lost outside the United States, contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. They can issue an emergency travel document to get you back to the U.S., though you will still need to replace your EDL once you are home.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my EDL by mail or online?

No. Washington requires all EDL renewals and new applications to be done in person at a Department of Licensing office. You cannot renew an EDL through the mail or online, even if you are renewing a standard license remotely.

Do I need an EDL if I have a passport card?

No. A passport card works for land and sea border crossings just like an EDL does. An EDL is useful if you want to avoid carrying your passport or if you prefer a driver's license format. The choice is yours.

What if I do not have a birth certificate?

You can use a Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of U.S. Citizenship instead. If you do not have any of these documents, contact the Department of Licensing before you visit an office — staff can tell you what other documents might work for your situation.

Can I get an EDL if I have a suspended or revoked license?

No. You must have a valid, unsuspended Washington driver's license to get an EDL. If your license is suspended or revoked, you must resolve that issue first by paying fines, completing a course, or meeting other requirements set by the court or DOL.

How do I know if my EDL has the RFID chip?

All Washington EDLs issued after the program started in 2008 have the RFID chip built in. You cannot see or feel it — it is embedded in the card. If you have an EDL from Washington, it has the chip and works at the border.