Early indications are starting to show that demand for Washington’s Enhanced Driver License is returning to normal levels following the large upward spike that followed the June 1 implementation of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative.
That’s not say that some offices aren’t experiencing unusually long wait times. They are. In short, a lot of people are opting for the convenience and affordability of an EDL instead of a passport.
Now, here’s a look at the latest average wait time numbers. These figures represent average wait times at DOL offices on July 7, 2009:
- Bellingham: 58 minutes
- Bothell: 1 hour, 4 minutes
- Everett: 46 minutes
- Kennewick: 57 minutes
- Lacey: 1 hour, 20 minutes
- Lynnwood: 39 minutes
- Mt. Vernon: 60 minutes
- Parkland: 1 hour, 10 minutes
- Renton: 3 hours, 2 minutes
- Seattle (west): 53 minutes
- Seattle (east): 2 hours, 4 minutes
- Smokey Point: 1 hour, 3 minutes
- Spokane: 45 minutes
- Vancouver (north): 41 minutes
- Wenatchee: 48 minutes
EDL SCREENINGS UNDERWAY BEFORE DOORS OPEN
In a July 6 news release, DOL announced immediate actions to reduce wait times at several locations. Those actions included, “Screening applicants waiting outside beginning at 7:15 am.”
Since that news release went out, we’ve learned some customers thought DOL would open office doors at 7:15am. That’s not the case. The screenings are taking place outside and prior to regularly-scheduled business hours.
The outside screenings are taking place at DOL offices in:
- Lacey
- Kennewick
- Mount Vernon
- Parkland
- Renton
- Smokey Point
- Spokane
- West Seattle
Due to low volume, the DOL’s Wenatchee office is no longer offering screenings prior to normal business hours.
