Learn About Washington State Enhanced Licenses

What Is a Washington State Enhanced License?

A Washington State Enhanced License is a special type of driver's license that serves two purposes. It works as both a regular driver's license for driving and as an acceptable form of identification for federal purposes. The key difference between an Enhanced License and a standard Washington driver's license is what the Enhanced License allows you to do.

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Washington introduced the Enhanced License program in 2008 to meet federal requirements for identification. The Department of Licensing (DOL) issues these licenses. An Enhanced License displays a gold enhanced identifier marking on the front of the card. This marking is what distinguishes it from a regular license.

The main reason people obtain an Enhanced License is to cross the land border between the United States and Canada without carrying a passport. Since 2009, the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) required travelers crossing land borders to show proof of citizenship. An Enhanced License satisfies this requirement. A standard driver's license does not.

Other acceptable documents for land border crossing include a passport, a passport card, a NEXUS card, a SENTRI card, or an Enhanced Tribal Card. However, an Enhanced License is convenient because you use it for daily driving and don't need to carry additional documents for border crossing.

It's important to understand that an Enhanced License does not allow you to fly domestically within the United States. For air travel, you still need a regular passport or other TSA-approved identification. An Enhanced License works only for land and sea border crossings with Canada and Mexico.

Practical Takeaway: An Enhanced License is useful if you drive across the US-Canada border regularly and want one document for both driving and border crossing.

Requirements for Getting an Enhanced License

To obtain an Enhanced License from Washington State, you must meet several requirements. First, you must be a United States citizen. This is not optional—non-citizens cannot receive an Enhanced License, regardless of their immigration status. You will need to prove your citizenship when you request one.

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Second, you must be a Washington State resident. This means you must live in Washington and be able to show proof of residency. Washington accepts documents such as utility bills, lease agreements, mortgage statements, or bank statements dated within the last 90 days as proof of residency. Your address must match your current residence.

Third, you must have a valid Social Security number. You will need to provide your Social Security number during the application process. Washington uses this to verify your identity and check your background.

Fourth, you must be of legal age to drive in Washington. You must be at least 16 years old. If you are under 18, you must follow Washington's graduated licensing requirements, which means you may need to hold a valid instruction permit first.

Fifth, you must pass the vision test and medical requirements that apply to regular driver's licenses. You will need to see clearly enough to drive safely. If you wear glasses or contacts, you must wear them during your vision test if you normally wear them while driving.

Sixth, you must have no disqualifying criminal history. Washington checks your background for certain crimes. Felony convictions related to security or identity fraud can make you ineligible. DUI convictions do not automatically disqualify you, but serious traffic violations might affect your status.

Finally, you must have a valid passport or passport card. You will need to show your passport or passport card during the process. This allows Washington to verify your citizenship and identity.

Practical Takeaway: Gather your Social Security number, passport, proof of residency, and proof of citizenship before visiting a DOL office to request an Enhanced License.

Documents You Need to Bring

When you visit a Washington Department of Licensing office to request an Enhanced License, you need to bring specific documents. Having the right documents ready makes the process faster and prevents delays.

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Proof of Citizenship: You must bring your valid U.S. passport or passport card. This is the primary document that proves you are a citizen. Your passport must not be expired. If your passport has been lost or stolen, you cannot use an Enhanced License as a substitute—you would need to replace your passport first through the U.S. State Department.

Proof of Social Security Number: Bring a Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return. You need to prove your Social Security number through an official document. A written note with your Social Security number is not acceptable.

Proof of Washington Residency: Bring a recent document showing your current address. Acceptable documents include utility bills (electric, gas, water, phone, internet), lease agreements, mortgage statements, property tax bills, or bank statements. The document must be dated within the last 90 days and show your current address. You need at least one document that proves where you live now.

Proof of Identity: If your passport is your main citizenship document, it also serves as proof of identity. You may bring additional forms of ID such as a valid driver's license from another state, a military ID, or an Enhanced Tribal Card.

Current Washington Driver's License or Instruction Permit: If you already have a Washington driver's license, bring it. If you are a new driver under 18, bring your instruction permit. If you do not have a Washington license yet, you may need to take a written test and driving test depending on your age and driving history.

Medical Certification: You do not need to bring a separate medical form unless you have a medical condition that affects your driving. Washington staff will conduct a basic vision test during your visit.

Practical Takeaway: Make copies of all documents before your DOL visit. Keep originals with you, and leave copies at home as backup in case something is lost.

The Process of Getting an Enhanced License

The process of getting an Enhanced License involves several steps that take place at a Washington Department of Licensing office. You cannot complete this process online or by mail—you must visit an office in person.

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Step 1: Schedule an Appointment or Walk In Most Washington DOL offices accept walk-in customers, but you may wait longer during busy times. You can check the DOL website to find an office near you and see if you can schedule an appointment ahead of time. Scheduling an appointment may reduce your wait time significantly.

Step 2: Check In at the Office When you arrive, you will check in at the front desk or a kiosk. You will tell staff that you want to request an Enhanced License. Staff will give you a number and let you know approximately when you will be called.

Step 3: Meet with a DOL Representative A DOL staff member will call your number and take you to a window or desk. This person will review your documents and answer any questions. They will verify that you brought all required documents and that they are acceptable.

Step 4: Complete Application Information You will provide information for the application. This includes your full legal name, date of birth, address, Social Security number, and citizenship status. You will confirm that the information is accurate.

Step 5: Vision Test You will read an eye chart to prove you can see well enough to drive. If you wear glasses or contacts, you must wear them during this test if you normally wear them while driving. You must be able to read the chart accurately.

Step 6: Photograph A photograph will be taken for your Enhanced License. The photo must meet federal standards. You will be asked to remove hats, sunglasses, and similar items. You must face the camera and have a neutral expression.

Step 7: Pay the Fee As of 2024, the cost for an Enhanced License is $86 for an eight-year license if you are 21 or older. Younger drivers have different fee structures. Washington accepts cash, checks, and credit or debit cards. You will receive a receipt as proof of payment.

Step 8: Receive Your Temporary Document You will receive a temporary document that allows you to drive while your Enhanced License is being produced. This temporary document is valid for a short period, usually 30 to 45 days.

Step 9: Wait