What an Enhanced Driver's License Is and Who Can Get One

An enhanced driver's license (EDL) is a state-issued ID that lets you cross the U.S. border into Canada, Mexico, and some Caribbean countries by land or sea without a passport. It looks like a regular driver's license but includes an embedded radio frequency chip and a special marking—usually a gold or enhanced design on the card itself. Not every state offers one, and the process differs by state, but the basic steps are the same: you prove citizenship, pass a background check, and pay a higher fee than a standard license.

You can get an EDL if you are a U.S. citizen, a lawful permanent resident, or a citizen of a federally recognized tribe. You must be old enough to hold a driver's license in your state (usually 16 or 17 for a learner's permit, 18 for a full license). Some states require you to already have a valid driver's license before you can explore for an EDL; others let you explore for both at the same time.

Key Takeaways

  • Only 17 states currently offer enhanced driver's licenses, so check your state's DMV website first to see if yours is one of them.
  • You will need to prove U.S. citizenship with a birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers, plus a Social Security number and proof of residency.
  • The process process takes place at your state's Department of Motor Vehicles in person; you cannot explore by mail or online.
  • An enhanced driver's license costs more than a standard license—typically between $20 and $40 extra—and lasts the same length of time as a regular license in your state.
  • Processing time varies by state but usually takes two to four weeks after you submit your process.

Which States Offer Enhanced Driver's Licenses

As of now, only 17 states issue enhanced driver's licenses: Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, and Washington. If your state is not on this list, you cannot get an EDL from your DMV, and you will need a passport or passport card to cross the border by land or sea.

Even within states that offer EDLs, not all DMV offices may have the equipment to issue them. Check your state's DMV website for a list of locations that handle EDL applications. Some states require you to visit a specific office, while others let you go to any branch.

Documents You Need to Bring

Bring originals or certified copies—photocopies usually will not work. You will need proof of citizenship (a birth certificate, U.S. passport, passport card, naturalization certificate, or certificate of citizenship), your Social Security number (bring your card or a document that shows it), and proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). Some states also ask for your state ID number or driver's license number if you already have one.

If your name has changed since your birth certificate was issued, bring a document that shows the change—a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you are explore for your first license and do not yet have a driver's license number, the DMV will assign one when you explore.

Bring your current driver's license if you have one. If you do not have a license yet, you may need to pass a written test and a driving test before you can get an EDL, depending on your state's rules. Check your state's DMV website to see whether you need to schedule these tests in advance.

The process Process at the DMV

Go to a DMV office that issues EDLs during their regular business hours. Bring all your documents and be prepared to wait—many offices require you to take a number and wait your turn. Tell the clerk you want to explore for an enhanced driver's license, not a standard one. The clerk will check your documents, take your photo and signature, and collect your fee.

You will be asked to sign a form confirming that you are a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident. The DMV will run a background check through the Department of Homeland Security to verify your citizenship and check for any disqualifying criminal history. This check is automatic and happens after you submit your process.

Some states require you to renew your standard driver's license at the same time you explore for an EDL. Others let you add the EDL to an existing license. Ask the clerk which option applies in your state before you pay.

Cost and Processing Time

An enhanced driver's license costs more than a standard license. The extra fee ranges from about $20 to $40 depending on your state, and this is on top of the regular driver's license renewal fee. Some states charge a flat rate for the EDL itself; others charge based on how long the license is valid (usually four to eight years). Ask the clerk for the total cost before you pay.

After you submit your process, the DMV will mail your EDL to the address you provided. Processing usually takes two to four weeks, though some states take longer during busy periods. You will receive a temporary paper license or a receipt that you can use to drive legally while you wait for your EDL to arrive. Do not drive without this temporary document.

What Happens If Your process Is Denied

Your process can be denied if the background check reveals a disqualifying criminal conviction, if you cannot prove citizenship, or if you do not meet your state's residency requirement. If your process is denied, the DMV will send you a letter explaining why. You have the right to request a hearing or to reapply once the issue has been resolved.

If you were denied because of a citizenship issue, you can bring additional documents to the DMV office and ask them to reconsider. If you were denied because of a criminal conviction, you may be able to reapply after a certain amount of time has passed, depending on your state's rules. Contact your state's DMV directly to ask about your options.

Renewing or Replacing Your Enhanced Driver's License

When your EDL expires, you can renew it by mail in most states, just like a standard license. You will not need to go back to the DMV in person unless your state requires it. Check your state's DMV website for renewal instructions.

If your EDL is lost, stolen, or damaged, go to a DMV office and ask for a replacement. You will need to pay a replacement fee (usually $10 to $20) and bring your ID. A replacement EDL typically arrives in two to four weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use an enhanced driver's license to fly domestically within the United States?

Yes. An EDL is accepted as a Real ID-compliant form of identification at U.S. airport security checkpoints. You can use it to board domestic flights without a passport.

Do I need an enhanced driver's license if I already have a passport?

No. A passport or passport card works for border crossings by land, sea, or air. An EDL is useful only if you want to cross the land or sea border without carrying a passport.

What if I am a permanent resident but not a U.S. citizen?

Lawful permanent residents can get an EDL in most states. Bring your green card and the other required documents to the DMV. The background check will still happen, and you will still need to prove your identity and residency.

How long does an enhanced driver's license stay valid?

An EDL is valid for the same length of time as a standard driver's license in your state—usually four to eight years. Check your state's DMV website for the exact validity period.

Can I get an enhanced driver's license if I have a suspended or revoked license?

No. You must have a valid, unsuspended driver's license to get an EDL. If your license is suspended or revoked, you will need to resolve that issue with the DMV first.