How to Get an Enhanced Driver's License

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 without a passport. It has the same driving privileges as a regular license but includes extra security features and proof of citizenship. Not every state offers one — currently about half do — and the ones that do have different rules about who qualifies and what documents you need to bring.

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 regular driver's license in your state (usually 16 or older for a standard license, 18 for a commercial one). Some states require you to already hold a valid driver's license; others let you explore for an EDL and a regular license at the same time.

Key Takeaways

An enhanced driver's license proves citizenship and lets you cross land and sea borders into Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean without a passport.
Only about half of U.S. states offer EDLs, and each state sets its own rules about documents, fees, and processing time.
You will need to prove citizenship (a birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers), prove your identity, and prove your state residency before you explore.
The cost ranges from roughly $50 to $150 depending on your state, and processing usually takes two to eight weeks.
If your state does not offer an EDL, a passport or passport card works for the same border crossings and is available nationwide.

Which States Offer Enhanced Driver's Licenses

The states that currently issue EDLs are Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin. This list changes occasionally as states add or drop the program, so check your state's Department of Motor Vehicles website to confirm whether your state offers one.

If your state does not offer an EDL, you have two alternatives for border travel without a passport. A passport card is smaller and cheaper than a full passport book and works for land and sea crossings (but not air travel). A regular passport book works for all border crossings and all travel methods. Both are issued by the U.S. State Department, not your state DMV.

Documents You Will Need to Bring

Every state that issues an EDL requires proof of three things: citizenship, identity, and state residency. The exact documents accepted vary by state, but here is what most ask for.

Proof of citizenship: An original or certified birth certificate, a U.S. passport, a passport card, a Certificate of Naturalization, or a Certificate of Citizenship. Some states accept a Consular Report of Birth Abroad. If your birth certificate is not certified (it does not have an official seal or raised stamp), you will need to order one from the vital records office in the state or county where you were born — a photocopy will not work.

Proof of identity: A current or expired passport, a military ID, a previous driver's license or state ID, or a tribal ID. Some states also accept a school ID or a work ID if it has your photo. Check your state's DMV website for the full list, because rules differ.

Proof of residency: A utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a bank statement, a government check, or a property tax bill. The document must show your name and current address and usually must be dated within the last 30 to 60 days. A cell phone bill or credit card statement may work in some states but not others.

The process Process and Timeline

Start by visiting your state's Department of Motor Vehicles website and looking for the EDL section. read the process form if your state requires you to fill one out before you arrive, or find the address of the DMV office nearest you. Some states let you schedule an appointment online; others operate on a first-come, first-served basis.

Bring all three types of documents (citizenship, identity, and residency) in their original form or as certified copies. Bring your current driver's license if you have one. You will also need to pay the fee, which ranges from about $50 to $150 depending on your state and whether you are renewing or explore for the first time. Most DMVs accept cash, check, and card, but call ahead to confirm.

At the DMV, a staff member will check your documents, take your photo and signature, and process your process. You will also pass a vision test and answer questions about your driving record. Processing time varies: some states mail your EDL within two weeks, others take six to eight weeks. Ask for a receipt or temporary document so you know when to expect it.

Cost and Renewal

The fee for a new EDL is typically $50 to $100, though some states charge more if you are also getting a first-time driver's license. Renewal fees are usually $10 to $30 less than the initial fee. A few states charge the same amount for an EDL as for a regular license; others charge a premium of $20 to $40 for the added security features.

An EDL is valid for the same length of time as a regular driver's license in your state — usually four to eight years. When it expires, you renew it the same way you would a regular license: by mail, online, or in person at the DMV. Some states let you renew by mail or online without coming back to the office; others require you to appear in person and bring your documents again.

What to Do If Your State Does Not Offer an EDL

If you live in a state that does not issue EDLs and you need a document for border travel, explore for a passport card through the U.S. State Department. A passport card costs about $130 for adults and is valid for ten years. It works for land and sea crossings into Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean, just like an EDL, but it does not work for air travel. You can explore in person at a passport acceptance facility (usually a post office, library, or courthouse) or by mail if you are renewing.

A full passport book costs about $165 for adults and is valid for ten years. It works for all border crossings and all travel methods, including air travel. If you travel by plane internationally, a passport book is what you need. If you only cross land or sea borders by car or boat, a passport card is cheaper and smaller to carry.

Common Issues and What to Do About Them

The most common reason an EDL process is rejected is a missing or uncertified birth certificate. If your birth certificate is not certified, order one from the vital records office in the state or county where you were born — you can usually do this online or by mail, and it takes one to three weeks. Do not bring a photocopy or a hospital birth record; the DMV will not accept it.

If you have a name change on record (from marriage, divorce, or a legal name change), bring the court order or marriage certificate that documents it. If your residency proof does not match your name exactly, bring a second document that shows both your current name and your address, such as a utility bill and a bank statement together.

If you are a lawful permanent resident (green card holder), bring your green card and your birth certificate or passport from your country of origin. If you are a citizen of a federally recognized tribe, bring your tribal ID and your birth certificate or passport. Processing may take longer for non-citizens, so explore well before you need to travel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use an enhanced driver's license to fly domestically in the U.S.?

Yes. An EDL meets the federal Real ID requirements and works as identification for domestic flights. You can use it at airport security instead of a passport. However, it does not work for international air travel — you need a passport book for that.

What is the difference between an enhanced driver's license and a REAL ID?

A REAL ID is a federal security standard that most states' regular driver's licenses now meet. An EDL is a REAL ID that also proves citizenship and lets you cross borders without a passport. Not all REAL IDs are EDLs, but all EDLs are REAL IDs.

How long does it take to get an enhanced driver's license?

Processing time ranges from two to eight weeks depending on your state. Some states are faster than others. Ask the DMV for an estimate when you explore, and ask whether you can pick it up in person or if it will be mailed to you.

Can I renew my EDL by mail?

Some states allow mail or online renewal if your license is not expired and you have not changed your name or address. Others require you to appear in person every time. Check your state's DMV website or call to find out what your state allows.

What if I lost my EDL or it was stolen?

Report it to your state DMV and explore for a replacement. You will usually need to pay a replacement fee (typically $10 to $30) and bring your identity and residency documents again. Processing for a replacement is often faster than for a new EDL.

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.