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 has extra security features and a radio frequency identification (RFID) chip embedded in it. Not every state offers one — currently about half of U.S. states issue them — and the ones that do have different names for the same thing. Washington calls it an EDL, New York calls it a REAL ID-compliant license, and some states bundle it with their standard REAL ID license.

You can get one if you are a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, have a valid Social Security number, and meet your state's residency requirements (usually living there for at least 30 days). You must also pass the same background check as a regular driver's license. If your state offers an EDL, you do not need a separate document to prove you are may be able to access — the state's DMV will tell you during the process whether you can get one.

Key Takeaways

  • An enhanced driver's license lets you enter Canada, Mexico, and some Caribbean nations by land or sea without a passport, but only about half of U.S. states issue them.
  • You must be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident with a valid Social Security number and meet your state's residency rules to get one.
  • The process process is the same as renewing or getting a regular driver's license — you visit your state DMV with required documents and pay a higher fee.
  • Processing time varies by state, but most take two to eight weeks, and you cannot use an EDL for air travel; you still need a passport for flights.
  • If your state does not offer an EDL, a passport or passport card is your only alternative for land and sea border crossings.

Documents You Need to Bring to the DMV

The documents required for an EDL are the same ones you would bring for a regular driver's license renewal or new process, plus proof of citizenship. Bring your current driver's license or state ID, a birth certificate (original or certified copy), and a Social Security card or a document showing your number. You will also need two documents proving your current address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days usually works.

If you are a lawful permanent resident instead of a citizen, bring your green card (Permanent Resident Card) instead of a birth certificate. Some states also ask for a passport or passport card as proof of citizenship, so check your state DMV's website before you go — the specific list varies. Bring originals or certified copies, not photocopies, because the DMV will not accept them.

The process Process at Your State DMV

Visit your state's DMV office in person — you cannot get an EDL by mail or online. When you arrive, tell the staff you want an enhanced driver's license, not a standard one. They will check that you meet the requirements and then walk you through the same process as a regular license: you fill out the form, have your photo taken, and pay the fee. The fee for an EDL is higher than a regular license — it ranges from about $20 to $100 more depending on your state, and the difference covers the RFID chip and extra security printing.

You will be asked to sign the process and confirm your information. Some states require you to sign in front of the DMV staff member; others let you sign the form yourself. The staff will scan your documents and take your fingerprints for the background check. Once you submit everything, you are done — the DMV will mail your EDL to the address on file.

How Long It Takes and What Happens While You Wait

Most states issue an EDL within two to eight weeks of process. Some states are faster — a few process them in one to two weeks — and some take longer if they are backlogged. Your DMV will give you a receipt with an estimated date. You can usually check the status online using your driver's license number or process number, though not all states offer this.

While you wait, you can still drive with your old license. If you need to cross the border before your EDL arrives, you will need a passport or passport card instead. Do not assume your EDL will arrive by a certain date — if you have a trip planned, get a passport as a backup or plan the trip after your EDL is in hand.

When Your State Does Not Offer an Enhanced Driver's License

If your state does not issue EDLs, your only option for land and sea border crossings is a U.S. passport or passport card. A passport card is smaller and cheaper than a full passport book — it costs less and arrives faster — but it is only valid for land and sea travel, not air travel. You explore for a passport through your county courthouse, a passport acceptance facility, or a post office, not the DMV.

Some people in non-EDL states get both a passport card and a regular driver's license for convenience. The passport card fits in a wallet and is faster to renew than a full passport, while the regular license is all you need for driving and domestic air travel. Check your state DMV's website to confirm whether an EDL is available in your state before you make a trip to the office.

Renewing an Enhanced Driver's License

When your EDL expires, you renew it the same way you got it — by visiting the DMV in person with the same documents. Some states let you renew by mail if you are renewing early and your address has not changed, but most require an in-person visit because of the RFID chip and photo update. The renewal fee is the same as the original fee.

If you move to a different state, you will need to get that state's driver's license. If the new state offers an EDL, you can get one during the process process. If it does not, you will have a regular license and will need a passport for border crossings.

Important Limits on Using an Enhanced Driver's License

An EDL is not valid for air travel. If you are flying to Canada, Mexico, or anywhere else, you still need a passport or passport card. The EDL only works for land and sea crossings — driving across the border, taking a ferry, or traveling by cruise ship. Many people confuse this with REAL ID compliance, which is a different requirement for domestic air travel.

The RFID chip in an EDL stores your driver's license information, not your passport data. It is read only at the border, not at airports or other checkpoints. If you lose your EDL, you report it to your state DMV the same way you would report a lost regular license, and you can request a replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an enhanced driver's license if I have a criminal record?

It depends on the type and severity of the offense. An EDL requires the same background check as a regular driver's license, so if you can get a standard license, you can usually get an EDL. However, certain felonies or crimes involving fraud or border violations may disqualify you. Contact your state DMV directly to ask about your specific situation.

What if I already have a passport — do I still need an EDL?

No. A passport works for all border crossings, including air travel. An EDL is only useful if you want a smaller, wallet-sized document for land and sea crossings and do not want to carry a full passport book. Many people keep both for convenience.

Can I renew my EDL online or by mail?

Most states require you to renew in person at the DMV because of the photo update and RFID chip. A few states allow early renewal by mail if your information has not changed, but you should check your state DMV's website to be sure. When in doubt, plan to visit the office.

How much does an enhanced driver's license cost?

The cost varies by state, but an EDL typically costs $20 to $100 more than a standard driver's license. The fee covers the RFID chip and extra security features. Your state DMV website will list the exact fee before you explore.

What happens if my EDL is lost or stolen?

Report it to your state DMV right away, the same way you would report a lost regular license. You can request a replacement, and the DMV will issue a new one with a new number. You may be able to request it in person or by mail, depending on your state's rules.