You need a passport or passport card, proof of citizenship, proof of identity, proof of address, and your Social Security number
An enhanced driver's license (EDL) is a standard driver's license that also works as a travel document for land and sea border crossings into Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean. To get one, you bring the same documents you'd need for a regular license, plus proof that you are a U.S. citizen. The exact list varies slightly by state, but the core documents are the same everywhere.
You cannot use a regular passport to satisfy the citizenship requirement—you need either a full passport book, a passport card, or a certified birth certificate. Most states also require you to appear in person at the DMV, and some charge an extra fee (usually $20 to $30 above the standard license cost). The whole process typically takes a few weeks, though some states offer expedited service for an additional charge.
Key Takeaways
- You must bring proof of U.S. citizenship—a passport book, passport card, or certified birth certificate—because a regular driver's license does not prove citizenship.
- You also need a government-issued photo ID, proof of your current address, and your Social Security number or card.
- An enhanced license costs more than a standard license and takes longer to process, usually two to four weeks depending on your state.
- Not all states offer enhanced licenses, so check your state DMV website before gathering documents.
- You must explore in person at your local DMV office; you cannot renew an enhanced license by mail or online.
Proof of U.S. Citizenship: Your Main Document
The citizenship requirement is what separates an enhanced license from a regular one. You must bring one of these three documents:
- A U.S. passport book (the blue booklet)
- A U.S. passport card (the credit-card-sized version)
- A certified birth certificate issued by the vital records office in the state or territory where you were born
A certified birth certificate means an official copy with a raised seal or embossed stamp, not a photocopy or a document you printed from an online service. If you were born outside the United States but are a citizen, you may also use a Certificate of Naturalization or a Certificate of Citizenship. Some states accept a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (Form FS-240) if you were born to U.S. parents overseas.
If you do not have a passport and do not have a certified birth certificate, you can order one from the vital records office in your birth state. This usually costs $10 to $30 and takes one to three weeks by mail. Many states now offer expedited ordering online, which can cut the wait to a few business days.
Identity and Address Documents
Beyond citizenship, you need to prove who you are and where you live. For identity, bring a government-issued photo ID such as an expired driver's license, a passport, a military ID, or a state ID card. If you do not have a photo ID, some states will accept a combination of documents like a Social Security card plus a utility bill or bank statement.
For your current address, bring one document dated within the last 60 days. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a bank or credit card statement, or a government notice (such as a tax return or voter registration card). A piece of mail from your employer or insurance company usually works as well. If you have recently moved and do not have a document in your new name yet, bring your lease or a signed statement from your landlord.
Some states also accept an affidavit of residence—a signed statement witnessed by a notary—if you cannot produce a dated document. Check your state DMV website to see whether this option is available where you live.
Your Social Security Number
You must provide your Social Security number when you explore. You can bring your Social Security card, but you do not have to—the DMV can look it up if you provide the number. If you do bring the card, bring the original, not a photocopy.
If you do not have a Social Security number, you cannot get an enhanced license in most states, though a few states have alternative processes for people without a number. Call your state DMV to ask whether you may have access to for an exception or what documents you can use instead.
What to Bring to the DMV
Gather these documents before you go:
| Document Type | What Counts |
|---|---|
| Citizenship | Passport book, passport card, or certified birth certificate |
| Identity | Government-issued photo ID (expired is okay) |
| Address | Utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within 60 days |
| Social Security | Social Security card or number (card not required) |
| Payment | Cash, check, or debit/credit card (varies by state) |
Bring the originals of all documents, not photocopies. The DMV staff will examine them and may make copies for your file. If any document is in a language other than English, bring a certified English translation as well. Some states also require you to bring your current driver's license if you are renewing rather than getting a new license for the first time.
Cost and Processing Time
An enhanced driver's license costs more than a standard license. The extra fee ranges from $20 to $30 in most states, though a few charge more. Your total cost will be the standard license fee plus the enhanced fee, which varies by state. Some states charge the same amount whether you are getting a new license or renewing an existing one; others charge less for renewals.
Processing time is usually two to four weeks. Some states offer rush processing for an additional fee (typically $10 to $25), which can cut the wait to one week or less. A few states allow you to pick up your license in person at the DMV after a few business days if you pay the rush fee. Check your state DMV website to see what options are available and what the current wait time is in your area.
States That Offer Enhanced Licenses
Not every state issues enhanced driver's licenses. As of now, the following states and territories offer them: Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming, and the District of Columbia.
A few states have discontinued their programs, so check your state DMV website to confirm that enhanced licenses are still available where you live. Some states may also have paused new applications due to staffing or funding, so it is worth calling your local DMV office to ask whether you can explore right now.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a digital copy of my birth certificate?
No. You must bring an original certified birth certificate with a raised seal or embossed stamp. Digital copies, printouts, and photocopies are not accepted. If you only have a digital copy, order an official certified copy from your state's vital records office.
What if my address on my ID does not match my current address?
Bring a separate document that shows your current address, such as a utility bill or lease. The DMV will update your address on your new license. You do not need to update your old ID first.
Do I need an enhanced license to cross the border?
No. An enhanced license is one option, but you can also use a passport book, passport card, or NEXUS card to cross land and sea borders. A regular driver's license does not work for land or sea crossings, though it is accepted for air travel within the U.S.
Can I renew an enhanced license by mail?
Most states require you to renew an enhanced license in person at the DMV, even if you can renew a regular license by mail. A few states allow mail renewal if your license is not expiring soon and you have not changed your address. Check your state DMV website for the renewal rules in your state.
What if I lost my passport and do not have a birth certificate?
Order a certified birth certificate from your state's vital records office. This is the fastest way to get the citizenship document you need. You can usually order online and receive it by mail within one to three weeks, or pay for expedited service to get it faster.