EDL/ID facts

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Enhanced Driver Licenses/ID Cards (EDL/ID)

Am I required to get an EDL?
No, the Enhanced Driver License Program is completely voluntary.
How long will it take to get my EDL/ID?
You should receive your EDL/ID within 2–3 weeks after your application is approved.
How secure is my personal information?
We are dedicated to protecting your privacy. For information about the security measures we’ve taken, see Security and privacy protection.
Do I need an EDL/ID to re-enter the U.S. if I am younger than 16?
No, minors under age 16 are exempt from federal Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) requirements, and only need to present a certified birth certificate to re-enter the U.S. at land and sea border crossings. However, you may choose to get an Enhanced ID Card for faster identification checks when you cross the border.
Can I get an EDL/ID if I have a green card or work visa?
No, only United States citizens who can provide proof of citizenship are eligible for an EDL/ID.
Do I need to pass the knowledge or driving tests to get an Enhanced Driver License?
  • If you want to get an EDL for your first Washington State driver license, you must pass both the knowledge test and the driving test.
  • If you already have a valid Washington State driver license or a valid license from another state, you don’t need to pass the knowledge or driving test unless you have a medical or physical condition that indicates testing is required.
  • If you have an expired driver license from another state, you must pass the both the knowledge test and the driving test.
Can I get an EDL/ID if I live outside of Washington?
No, you must be a resident of Washington State and show us proof of residency when you apply.
Can I apply for an EDL/ID online or by mail?
No, you must apply in person at one of our EDL/ID office locations so you can be interviewed by our staff, provide documents to prove your citizenship, identity, and residence, and have your photograph taken.
Can I get an Enhanced Driver License if I have a license from another state but am living in Washington while on active military service?
No, you must be a resident of Washington State and be able to show us proof of residency when you apply.
Why is Washington State issuing EDL/IDs?
The federal government recently passed the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), which requires a passport or other federally-approved identification or proof-of-citizenship document for all travel into the United States. To preserve travel, trade, and cultural ties with British Columbia and increase security at the border, we are offering EDL/ID Cards to Washington residents who choose to participate. The EDL/ID meets federal requirements, and is an approved alternative to a passport for re-entry into the U.S at land and sea borders between the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean.

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Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)

What is RFID?
Radio Frequency Identification is a wireless technology that stores and retrieves data remotely. An RFID system typically includes an RFID tag with a microchip and antenna embedded in a card or other item, an RFID reader, and a database.
How does it work?
  1. The RFID tag embedded in your EDL/ID contains a unique reference number. At the border crossing station, an RFID reader uses electromagnetic waves like the waves coming to your car radio to energize the tag and collect this reference number.
  2. The reader converts the radio waves reflected back from the RFID tag into digital information and transmits it to the Customs and Border Protection network. Data encryption, secure networks, and firewalls protect the information while it is being transmitted.
  3. The reference number is compared to our records to verify that your identity matches the information printed on the front of your EDL/ID card.
Does the EDL/ID use a special kind of RFID tag?
To provide added security and convenience when crossing the border, an ultra-high frequency passive vicinity RFID tag is embedded in each EDL/ID. We use this type of tag because:
  • Ultra-high frequencies typically offer better range and can transfer data faster.
  • Passive RFID tags are more secure because they don’t have a power source, and cannot transmit information until they get power from the RFID reader.
  • Vicinity RFID tags are faster and easier to use because they can be read from several feet away from the reader.
Why does my EDL/ID card need an RFID tag?
To speed up identification checks at the border, the federal government requires RFID technology in identification cards used to re-enter the United States. To meet this federal requirement and follow best practices for card security, each EDL/ID contains an RFID tag like the one used in U.S. passports.
Can someone use the RFID tag in my EDL/ID to get my personal information?
No. The passive RFID tag embedded in your EDL/ID doesn’t contain any personal identifying information, just a unique reference number. In addition, the tag doesn’t have a power source and cannot transmit data unless it is activated by an RFID reader. When you get an EDL/ID, we will give you a security sleeve to protect the RFID tag from being activated when you are not at a border crossing station. For more information about RFID security, see Security and privacy protection.

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Biometric identification

What is biometric identification?
Biometrics is the use of digital technology to identify individuals based on their unique physical features. Facial biometric technology focuses on facial features that aren’t easy to alter, such as eye sockets, cheekbones, and the sides of the mouth. It measures facial characteristics such as the distance between pupils, and the size and shape of facial features.
How does it work?
When you get an EDL/ID, we will take a digital photo of you to print on the front of your card. Facial biometric identification software reduces this photo to a digital code, or template. Then, the software analyzes the template for certain facial features and compares them to other facial templates in the database to verify your identity.
Why do you need to use facial biometric identification?
It is a non-invasive method of confirming your identity when you apply for an EDL/ID. This helps prevent identity theft and the creation of duplicate IDs.
Is my biometric information kept private?
We protect your biometric information with the best security practices of the travel card security industry, including encryption of all transmitted data. For more information about the security measure we take, see Security and privacy protection.

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