June 22, 2009

High demand for new Enhanced Driver Licenses creating long waits in the Kennewick driver licensing office

KENNEWICK — Officials at the Kennewick Licensing Service Office (LSO) urge customers to come prepared when applying for the new Enhanced Driver License (EDL) or Identification Card. Staff in this office are sending many people back home for additional documentation when applying for these new cards.

The new enhanced licenses and ID cards meet new federal travel requirements under the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), which requires travelers crossing the U.S. border at a land or sea border crossing station to have a U.S. Passport or other WHTI compliant document. WHTI went into effect June 1, 2009.

“Summertime is always the busiest time of the year with people moving and teens getting permits and new licenses, but the additional rush of people applying for EDLs has made the Kennewick office unusually busy.” said DOL District Manager Pamela Byrd. “We’re helping everyone as quickly as possible, but they can also help themselves by making sure they have all of the documents they need before they come in.”

To apply for an EDL/ID, people must bring proof of U.S. citizenship, Washington residency, and identity. For a complete list of acceptable documents, please visit http://www.dol.wa.gov/driverslicense/edlproof.html.

If you do not have plans to travel soon, waiting a few months to come in for your enhanced license or ID card could significantly reduce the amount of time you have to spend in the DOL office.

Kennewick residents are also reminded many licensing express services are available online, such as renewing your driver license or ID card and requesting a duplicate driver license or ID card. See if you can conduct your transaction online before visiting the Kennewick office by going to dol.wa.gov.