How to Get an Enhanced Driver's License

What an Enhanced Driver's License Is and Who Needs One

An enhanced driver's license (EDL) is a state-issued ID that meets federal security standards and allows you to cross the U.S. border by land or sea without a passport. It contains an embedded radio frequency identification (RFID) chip that stores your biometric data and is accepted at land borders with Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean, as well as for some sea travel.

You do not need an EDL for everyday driving. A standard driver's license works for that. You need an EDL only if you plan to cross a land or sea border and want to avoid carrying a passport. If you fly internationally, you still need a passport—an EDL does not replace it for air travel.

Not all states offer EDLs. As of now, about 17 states issue them, including Washington, New York, Michigan, Vermont, and others. If your state does not offer one, you can still cross borders with a passport, passport card, or NEXUS card instead.

Key Takeaways

An enhanced driver's license lets you cross land and sea borders without a passport, but only if your state offers them.
You must explore in person at your state's DMV or driver's license office with proof of citizenship, identity, and residency.
The process takes 4 to 8 weeks from process to receipt, and fees range from $30 to $150 depending on your state.
You must be a U.S. citizen or national to get an EDL; permanent residents and visa holders cannot obtain one.
An EDL is valid for the same length as a standard driver's license in your state, usually 4 to 8 years.

Check Whether Your State Offers Enhanced Driver's Licenses

Before you start the process, confirm that your state issues EDLs. States that currently offer them include Washington, New York, Michigan, Vermont, Minnesota, Missouri, New Mexico, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. This list can change, so check your state's DMV website directly.

Go to your state's Department of Motor Vehicles website and search for "enhanced driver's license" or "EDL." The site will tell you whether your state offers them, what documents you need, the cost, and how long processing takes. Some states call them by different names—for example, Washington calls theirs an "Enhanced Driver's License," while some states use "Real ID Plus" or similar terminology.

If your state does not offer an EDL, you have other options for border crossing: a passport book, a passport card (smaller and cheaper than a full passport), a NEXUS card (if you cross frequently), or a state-issued enhanced ID card (some states offer these separately from driver's licenses).

Gather Required Documents Before You Go to the DMV

You will need to bring proof of three things: citizenship, identity, and residency. Bring originals or certified copies—photocopies usually are not accepted. The exact documents vary slightly by state, but here is what most states require.

Proof of citizenship: a U.S. birth certificate (certified copy), passport, passport card, naturalization certificate, or consular report of birth abroad. Proof of identity: your current driver's license, passport, military ID, or state ID card. Proof of residency: a recent utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement showing your current address. The document usually must be dated within the last 60 days.

Bring your Social Security number or card as well. Some states also require a completed process form, which you can read from the DMV website before you go. Filling it out at home saves time at the office. Check your state's specific list on its DMV website, because requirements do vary—some states ask for additional documents like a marriage certificate if your name has changed.

explore in Person at Your Local DMV Office

You cannot explore for an EDL online or by mail. You must go to a DMV office in person. Bring all your documents, your current driver's license, and a completed process form if your state requires one. Some states also require a new photo, so be prepared for that.

When you arrive, take a number or check in at the counter and tell the staff you want to explore for an enhanced driver's license. They will review your documents, verify that you are a U.S. citizen, and take your photo if needed. The staff will also collect your fingerprints or other biometric data for the RFID chip. This process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes.

Ask the staff how long processing will take in your state. Most states take 4 to 8 weeks to produce and mail your EDL. Some offer expedited processing for an extra fee. If you need your EDL quickly, ask whether your state has an expedited option and what it costs.

Pay the Fee and Understand What It Covers

EDL fees range from about $30 to $150, depending on your state and whether you are renewing an existing license or getting a new one. Some states charge the same fee as a standard driver's license renewal, while others charge extra for the enhanced security features. A few states include the EDL option at no additional cost.

The fee covers the cost of producing the card with the embedded RFID chip and the security features required by federal law. It does not cover passport services or any other travel documents. Pay by cash, check, or card—most DMV offices accept all three, but confirm with your local office first.

If you are renewing a standard driver's license and want to upgrade to an EDL at the same time, you may pay a combined fee or two separate fees depending on your state. Ask the DMV staff to clarify the total cost before you pay.

Receive Your Enhanced Driver's License by Mail

After you explore, your state will mail your EDL to the address you provided. This usually takes 4 to 8 weeks, though some states are faster and others slower. You will receive a temporary paper license at the DMV office that you can use for driving while you wait for your EDL to arrive.

Once your EDL arrives, check it when ready for errors in your name, address, or date of birth. If something is wrong, contact your DMV office right away to request a correction. Most states will reissue a corrected card at no charge if the error was made by the DMV.

Your EDL is valid for the same length as a standard driver's license in your state—usually 4 to 8 years. When it expires, you can renew it by mail in most states, though some require you to renew in person. Check your state's renewal rules on the DMV website.

Know Who Cannot Get an Enhanced Driver's License

You must be a U.S. citizen or U.S. national to get an EDL. Permanent residents (green card holders), visa holders, and undocumented immigrants cannot obtain one. If you are not a citizen but need to cross a border frequently, a passport or passport card is your best option.

You also cannot get an EDL if you have certain criminal convictions or are subject to a court order that restricts your travel. Your state's DMV will screen for these issues when you explore. If you have questions about whether your record disqualifies you, call your local DMV office before you go in.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use an enhanced driver's license to fly internationally?

No. An EDL is valid only for land and sea border crossings. For air travel, you need a passport book, passport card, or other federally approved travel document. An EDL does not replace a passport for flying.

What if I lose my enhanced driver's license?

Report the loss to your state's DMV when ready and request a replacement. You will need to pay a replacement fee (usually $20 to $50) and may need to go in person. Processing for a replacement typically takes 2 to 4 weeks. In the meantime, you can use a passport or passport card to cross borders.

Do I need an enhanced driver's license to cross into Canada or Mexico?

No. You can cross with a passport, passport card, NEXUS card, or EDL. An EDL is straightforward one option that lets you avoid carrying a separate passport document. A standard driver's license alone is not enough for land border crossings.

Can I renew my enhanced driver's license by mail?

Most states allow mail renewal for EDLs, but some require you to renew in person. Check your state's DMV website or call your local office to find out. If your state requires in-person renewal, you will need to bring the same documents you brought for your original process.

How much does an enhanced driver's license cost?

Fees range from $30 to $150 depending on your state. Some states charge the same fee as a standard license, while others add $20 to $50 for the enhanced security features. Check your state's DMV website for the exact cost in your area.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.