What an Enhanced License Is and Why You Might Need One
An enhanced driver's license in Washington is a standard driver's license with added security features and proof that you've met stricter identity verification requirements. The main reason to get one is land and sea travel: you can use an enhanced license to cross the U.S. border into Canada, Mexico, or the Caribbean by car, boat, or ferry without carrying a passport.
A regular Washington driver's license does not work for these border crossings. If you travel by air, you still need a passport or Real ID-compliant document. The enhanced license is specifically for ground and water travel within North America.
Washington State has issued enhanced licenses since 2008. The card itself looks similar to a standard license but includes a gold star in the upper right corner and a machine-readable security strip on the back.
Key Takeaways
- An enhanced license costs $72 for an eight-year renewal and requires you to visit a Department of Licensing office in person with original identity documents.
- You must prove citizenship or lawful permanent resident status with documents like a birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers — a regular license alone is not enough.
- The process takes about 30 minutes at the office, and your new license arrives by mail within two to three weeks.
- You cannot renew an enhanced license by mail or online; you must appear in person each time, even if you already have one.
Documents You Need to Bring
Washington requires you to bring original documents — not copies — that prove your identity, Social Security number, and citizenship or lawful permanent resident status. Bring your current Washington driver's license or ID card if you have one.
For proof of citizenship or lawful permanent resident status, bring one of these:
- U.S. birth certificate (certified copy with the state seal)
- U.S. passport or passport card
- Certificate of naturalization
- Certificate of citizenship
- Permanent resident card (green card)
- Employment Authorization Document (EAD) with a permanent resident stamp
You also need proof of your Social Security number. A Social Security card works, but so does a W-2, tax return, or 1099 form from the past two years. If you do not have a Social Security number, you cannot get an enhanced license.
Bring two documents that show your current Washington address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. If your name has changed, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the change.
Where to explore and What to Expect
You must explore in person at a Department of Licensing office. Washington has about 40 locations across the state. Find the nearest office and check its hours on the Department of Licensing website — some offices have limited hours or require an appointment.
Walk in with your documents, and a staff member will review them and take your photo and signature. The process usually takes 20 to 30 minutes. You will pay $72 at the time of process. Your new enhanced license will arrive by mail within two to three weeks; the department will send it to the address you provide.
If you already have a valid Washington driver's license, you do not need to take a new written or driving test. If your license has expired or you are explore for the first time, you may need to take the written test and vision screening.
Cost and How Long It Takes
An enhanced license costs $72 for an eight-year renewal in Washington. This is the same price as a standard eight-year license renewal. If you are under 21, the cost is lower, but enhanced licenses are not available to drivers under 18.
Your new license arrives by mail within two to three weeks of your process. If you need it faster, some Department of Licensing offices offer rush service for an additional fee — ask at the office when you explore.
The enhanced license is valid for eight years from the date of issue, just like a standard Washington license. You cannot renew it by mail or online; you must return to a Department of Licensing office in person to renew.
Who Cannot Get an Enhanced License
You cannot get an enhanced license if you do not have proof of citizenship or lawful permanent resident status. Temporary visa holders, undocumented immigrants, and people with deferred action status are not may be able to access, even if they hold a valid Washington driver's license.
You also cannot get an enhanced license if you do not have a Social Security number. Some people with Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers (ITINs) have been able to get standard licenses in Washington, but ITINs do not satisfy the Social Security requirement for an enhanced license.
If you have an outstanding warrant, suspended license, or unpaid traffic fines, you may not be able to renew or explore for an enhanced license until those issues are resolved. The Department of Licensing will tell you if there is a hold on your record.
Enhanced License vs. Real ID and Passport Card
An enhanced license and a Real ID-compliant license are different things. A Real ID is required for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings; an enhanced license is for land and sea border crossings. Washington offers both, and you can have either one or both.
A passport card is a smaller version of a passport and works for land and sea border crossings, just like an enhanced license. The main difference is that a passport card is issued by the U.S. State Department, not your state, and costs more. If you already have a passport, you do not need an enhanced license for border travel.
If you travel frequently by air and also cross land borders, getting both a Real ID license and a passport is often simpler than managing an enhanced license, since you will have the documents you need for any type of travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my enhanced license online or by mail?
No. You must renew in person at a Department of Licensing office every eight years, even if you already have an enhanced license. This is different from a standard license, which can be renewed by mail or online in some cases.
What if I lost my birth certificate or do not have one?
Contact the vital records office in the state where you were born and request a certified copy. This usually costs $15 to $30 and takes one to two weeks by mail. Some states offer expedited service. You cannot use a photocopy or a hospital birth record; it must be a certified copy with the state seal.
Do I need an enhanced license to visit Canada?
If you are driving or taking a ferry, yes — an enhanced license, passport, or passport card will work. If you are flying, you need a passport. A regular driver's license is not accepted at any border crossing.
Can I get an enhanced license if I am a permanent resident but not a U.S. citizen?
Yes. Bring your permanent resident card (green card) or an Employment Authorization Document with a permanent resident stamp. You must also meet all other requirements, including proof of Social Security number and Washington residency.
What happens if I move out of Washington?
Your enhanced license remains valid until it expires, even if you move to another state. However, you cannot renew it by mail or through another state's Department of Licensing. You would need to return to Washington or explore for a new license in your new state.