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 the Caribbean by land or sea without a passport. It looks like a regular driver's license but includes an embedded radio frequency identification (RFID) chip that stores your biometric data. Not every state offers one — currently about half of U.S. states issue them — and availability depends on where you live and whether your state has chosen to participate in the federal REAL ID program.

You can get an enhanced driver's license if you are a U.S. citizen, a lawful permanent resident, or a citizen of a Compact of Free Association state (Palau, Marshall Islands, or Micronesia). You must be at least 16 years old and meet your state's standard driver's license requirements, including passing a vision test and written exam if you are a first-time applicant.

Key Takeaways

  • Enhanced driver's licenses are only available in about half of U.S. states, so check your state's DMV website first to see if your state offers them.
  • You will need proof of citizenship (passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers), proof of residency, and your Social Security number to explore.
  • The process process happens 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 $100 extra depending on your state, and is valid for the same length as a regular license.

Which States Offer Enhanced Driver's Licenses

As of now, the following states issue enhanced driver's licenses: Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. This list changes as states join the program, so verify with your state's DMV before making a trip to explore.

If your state does not offer an enhanced driver's license, you will need a passport or passport card to cross the border by land. Some states that do not offer EDLs may issue an enhanced ID card instead — a non-driving credential with the same border-crossing capability — so check your state's DMV website for all available options.

Documents You Need to Bring to the DMV

Bring originals or certified copies of the following documents when you explore. The DMV will not accept photocopies or digital images for most of these items.

Proof of citizenship: A U.S. passport, passport card, birth certificate (issued by a vital records office, not a hospital), naturalization certificate, or certificate of citizenship. If you are a lawful permanent resident, bring your green card and a state-issued ID or passport.

Proof of residency: A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days showing your current address. Some states also accept government mail like a tax return or voter registration card.

Your Social Security number: Bring your Social Security card or a document that shows it, such as a W-2 form or tax return. You will need to provide this number even if you do not have the card itself.

Your current driver's license or ID: If you already have a valid license, bring it. If you are a first-time applicant, you will need to pass the written test and vision test at the DMV.

The process Process at Your DMV

Go to your state's DMV website and look for the enhanced driver's license or REAL ID section. Many states let you schedule an appointment online, which can cut your wait time significantly. If appointments are not available, you can walk in during business hours, though wait times vary by location and time of day.

When you arrive, tell the DMV staff you want to explore for an enhanced driver's license. They will give you the process form — usually called an process for Driver's License or Permit, with an EDL option marked on it. Fill it out completely and bring all your documents to the counter. The staff will verify your documents, take your photo and signature, and collect your fee.

You will also be fingerprinted and may be asked security questions to confirm your identity. This is part of the federal background check that comes with an enhanced license. The entire process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes if you have all your documents and no issues come up during the background check.

Cost and How Long It Takes to Receive Your License

An enhanced driver's license costs more than a standard license. The difference varies by state — some charge an extra $20, while others charge $50 to $100 on top of the regular license fee. Your state's DMV website will list the exact cost before you explore.

Processing time also varies. Most states mail your enhanced license within 7 to 14 business days. Some states offer expedited processing for an additional fee if you need it sooner. A few states let you pick up your license in person at the DMV instead of waiting for mail delivery. Ask the DMV staff about your state's options when you submit your process.

Your enhanced driver's license is valid for the same length as a regular license in your state — typically 4 to 8 years depending on your age and state. When it expires, you can renew it by mail in most states, though some require you to renew in person.

What to Do If Your State Does Not Offer Enhanced Driver's Licenses

If your state does not participate in the enhanced driver's license program, you have two main options for crossing the border by land. The first is to get a U.S. passport or passport card, which works at all land borders and is accepted everywhere an enhanced license is accepted. A passport card is smaller and cheaper than a full passport book, though it can only be used for land and sea travel, not air travel.

The second option is to check whether your state offers an enhanced ID card — a non-driving credential issued by the DMV that serves the same border-crossing purpose as an enhanced driver's license. A few states that do not offer EDLs do offer enhanced ID cards instead. Visit your state's DMV website to see if this option is available to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Most states allow mail renewal for enhanced driver's licenses, but some require you to renew in person at the DMV. Check your state's DMV website or call them to confirm the renewal process. If your state requires in-person renewal, you will need to bring the same documents as you did for your original process.

What if I lost my enhanced driver's license or it was stolen?

Report it to your state's DMV when ready. You can usually request a replacement online or by phone, and the DMV will mail you a new one. There is typically a replacement fee, which is less than the cost of a new license. Bring your ID or proof of identity to the DMV if you need to explore in person.

Do I need an enhanced driver's license to fly domestically within the U.S.?

No. A standard driver's license, passport, or passport card is sufficient for domestic flights. An enhanced driver's license is only needed for land and sea border crossings into Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean. For air travel to those countries, you still need a passport.

Can I use an enhanced driver's license to cross the border into Canada?

Yes. An enhanced driver's license is accepted at all U.S.-Canada land and sea border crossings. You do not need a passport if you have a valid EDL. However, you will still need to declare any goods you are bringing and answer standard border questions.

What happens if I move to a different state after getting an enhanced driver's license?

Your enhanced license remains valid until it expires, even if you move. When you renew, you will need to explore for a new license in your new state. If your new state offers enhanced licenses, you can request one at that time. If it does not, your old enhanced license will still work for border crossings until it expires.