Washington State Enhanced Driver’s License Cost Set to Increase in 2022
Washington state residents who are planning to apply for an enhanced driver’s license are in for a surprise next year. The cost of obtaining an enhanced driver’s license in Washington is set to increase in 2022. The Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL) recently announced the fee increase, citing the need to cover the rising costs of production and maintenance of the enhanced driver’s licenses.
The current cost of an enhanced driver’s license in Washington is $108 for the first-time application and $123 for renewal. However, starting in January 2022, the fee will increase to $125 for new applications and $140 for renewals. This represents a significant jump in cost for residents who need an enhanced driver’s license for travel to Canada or Mexico or for entry into federal facilities.
The enhanced driver’s license, which is designated by a star in the top right corner, is an optional form of identification that allows Washington state residents to use it for official government purposes, including crossing the border into Canada by land or sea. It is also accepted as a valid form of identification by federal agencies, such as the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) for domestic flights.
The decision to increase the cost of the enhanced driver’s license was not an easy one for the DOL. “We understand that any fee increase can be a burden on our residents, especially during these challenging economic times,” said a spokesperson for the DOL. “However, the cost of producing and maintaining the enhanced driver’s licenses has been steadily increasing, and we need to ensure that we can continue to provide this service to our residents.”
The DOL also emphasized that the fee increase is necessary to cover the costs associated with the security features of the enhanced driver’s licenses. “The enhanced driver’s licenses have advanced security features, such as RFID technology, that require a significant investment in production and maintenance,” the spokesperson explained. “These security features are essential for ensuring the integrity and authenticity of the licenses and protecting our residents from identity theft and fraud.”
In addition to the cost increase, the DOL is also implementing a new process for obtaining an enhanced driver’s license in 2022. Starting next year, applicants will be required to schedule an appointment at a DOL office for an in-person interview and document verification. This new process is aimed at enhancing the security and integrity of the enhanced driver’s licenses and reducing the risk of identity theft and fraud.
The announcement of the fee increase and new process for obtaining an enhanced driver’s license has drawn mixed reactions from Washington state residents. Some residents expressed frustration over the cost increase, especially those who rely on their enhanced driver’s license for frequent travel to Canada or Mexico. “I understand the need for security and protecting our information, but the cost increase is a bit steep,” said one resident. “I rely on my enhanced driver’s license for travel, so I have no choice but to pay the higher fee.”
Others, however, are supportive of the fee increase, recognizing the importance of security and authenticity in official government documents. “I don’t mind paying a bit more if it means my information is secure and I can travel safely,” said another resident. “I think the new process for obtaining the enhanced driver’s license is a good idea, as it will help prevent identity theft and fraud.”
Despite the fee increase and new process, the DOL is committed to providing quality service to Washington state residents. “We understand that these changes may be challenging for some residents, but we are here to assist and ensure a smooth transition,” the spokesperson reassured. “Our priority is to protect the integrity and authenticity of the enhanced driver’s licenses and provide our residents with a secure form of identification for their travel and official government purposes.”
As the cost of obtaining an enhanced driver’s license in Washington state is set to increase in 2022, residents are advised to plan ahead and budget accordingly if they need to apply for or renew their enhanced driver’s license next year. The DOL will provide further information and updates on the fee increase and new process for obtaining the enhanced driver’s license on their official website and through other communication channels.
