September 14, 2009

Department of Licensing issues 100,000 Enhanced Driver Licenses

OLYMPIA — The Department of Licensing's Enhanced Driver License and ID Card Program reached a milestone this week when the number of cards issued reached 100,141.

Enhanced driver licenses and ID cards, commonly known as the EDLs, were introduced in January 2008. Enhanced licenses and ID cards are special because in addition to their regular uses, they have been approved for use as a border crossing document at all U.S. land and sea border crossing stations.

“The EDL program has proven to be immensely popular for Washington residents that regularly drive over the Canadian border,” DOL Director Liz Luce said. “Creating this new product was a real challenge, so all of us at DOL are thrilled that Washington residents are embracing it.”

In addition to making car and boat trips to Canada easier for Washington citizens, our EDL/ID program has been used as a model for several other states and Canadian provinces.

Here in Washington, enhanced licenses and ID cards cost just $15 more than a regular driver license and are valid for five years. Participation is voluntary. EDL/ID is not approved for international flights.

DOL began developing the enhanced licenses and ID cards at the direction of Governor Chris Gregoire in the summer of 2006. Governor Gregoire anticipated that the federal Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), which requires all travelers to present a passport or alternative citizenship document when entering the U.S. from Canada, would limit the trade and tourism opportunities for Washington residents.

Fourteen Licensing Service Offices across the state offer EDL/ID, some offices require an appointment to apply. You must apply in person and you must bring documentation proving U.S. citizenship. Please check dol.wa.gov to find your nearest location and to ensure you have the proper paperwork before you go.

For more information on WHTI, please visit getyouhome.gov.