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 chip and a special marking—usually a gold or enhanced design on the card itself. Not every state offers one, and the ones that do have different rules about who can request one.
You can get an enhanced driver's license if you are a U.S. citizen or national, hold a valid regular driver's license from a state that issues EDLs, and pass the same background check your state uses for standard licenses. Some states also require you to prove your citizenship with documents like a birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers. A few states limit EDLs to people who live in their state; others allow non-residents to request one.
The main reason to get one is convenience: you avoid carrying a passport for land border crossings. If you cross borders rarely or only by air, a regular license and passport work fine. If you drive to Canada or Mexico regularly, an EDL saves time at the border and costs less than replacing a lost passport.
Key Takeaways
- Enhanced driver's licenses are issued by individual states, not the federal government, so availability and requirements depend on which state you live in or which state issued your current license.
- You will need to prove U.S. citizenship with a birth certificate, passport, or naturalization document, plus your current driver's license and proof of your current address.
- The process process happens at your state's DMV or equivalent agency, either in person or online depending on your state's system.
- An enhanced driver's license costs more than a standard renewal—typically between $20 and $100 extra—and takes longer to arrive because of the embedded security chip.
Which States Offer Enhanced Driver's Licenses
Currently, 17 states and Washington, D.C. issue enhanced driver's licenses: Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington. The list has not changed in several years, though individual states occasionally update their programs.
If your state is not on this list, you cannot get an EDL from your current state's DMV. Some states that do not offer EDLs allow you to request one from a state where you have a connection—for example, if you were born in Maine or have a relative there—but this varies. Your fastest option is to contact your state's DMV directly and ask whether you can request an EDL from another state, or whether your state plans to offer them in the future.
Documents You Will Need to Bring
Every state that issues EDLs requires proof of U.S. citizenship. Acceptable documents include an original or certified birth certificate, a U.S. passport, a Certificate of Naturalization, or a Certificate of Citizenship. A photocopy is not enough—bring the original document or a certified copy issued by the vital records office or USCIS. If you were born outside the U.S., bring your naturalization or citizenship certificate.
You will also need your current driver's license, a document showing your current address (such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and your Social Security number. Some states ask for a second form of ID, such as a passport card or military ID. Check your state's DMV website before you go, because requirements vary slightly.
If you have changed your name since your birth certificate was issued, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the name change. If your citizenship document is in another language, bring the original plus an official English translation certified by a translator.
how the process works at Your State's DMV
Start by visiting your state's DMV website and searching for "enhanced driver's license" or "EDL." The site will tell you whether your state offers them, what documents you need, and whether you can explore online, by mail, or only in person. Some states let you start the process online and finish it at a DMV office; others require you to appear in person from the start.
If your state allows online applications, you will fill out a form, upload photos of your documents, and pay the fee. You will then receive an appointment time to visit a DMV office in person so staff can verify your documents and take your photo and fingerprints. If your state requires in-person process, go to your local DMV office with all your documents and completed process form (read it from the website or fill it out there). Bring your current driver's license and be prepared to pay the fee on the spot.
Processing times vary by state. Most take two to four weeks after your in-person visit; some take up to eight weeks. Your state will mail the card to your address on file. Do not plan a border trip until you have the card in hand.
Cost and Renewal Timeline
An enhanced driver's license costs more than a standard license renewal. Fees range from about $20 to $100 extra, depending on your state. Some states charge a flat fee for the EDL itself; others charge a higher renewal fee if you choose the enhanced version. A few states include the EDL option at no extra cost when you renew, though this is rare.
The card is valid for the same period as your regular driver's license in your state—usually four to eight years. When your EDL expires, you renew it the same way you applied: bring your documents to the DMV, pay the fee, and wait for the new card to arrive. If you move to a different state, you will need to get a license from that state; your old EDL becomes invalid.
What Happens at the Border With an Enhanced Driver's License
At a land or sea border crossing, present your EDL to the officer just as you would a passport. The officer scans the embedded chip, which contains your identity information. The process is faster than a passport because the officer does not need to flip through pages or manually type your information. You do not need to carry anything else for a land or sea crossing to Canada, Mexico, or certain Caribbean nations.
An EDL does not work for air travel. If you fly to another country, you still need a passport. An EDL also does not replace a passport for cruises that leave from a U.S. port and return to the same port—some cruise lines accept EDLs, but others do not, so check with your cruise line before you book.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get an enhanced driver's license if I am not a U.S. citizen?
No. Enhanced driver's licenses are only for U.S. citizens and nationals. If you are a permanent resident or have another immigration status, you can get a regular driver's license but not an EDL. You would need a passport to cross borders.
What if I lost my birth certificate or citizenship document?
Contact the vital records office in the state or country where you were born and request a certified copy. This usually takes one to four weeks and costs $10 to $30. If you were naturalized, request a replacement Certificate of Naturalization from USCIS. You cannot explore for an EDL without an original or certified document.
Do I have to renew my regular driver's license to get an enhanced one?
It depends on your state. Some states let you upgrade to an EDL at any time; others only offer the upgrade when your regular license is due for renewal. Check your state's DMV website or call to find out whether you can upgrade now or must wait until your renewal date.
Will my enhanced driver's license work if I am traveling with children?
Your EDL works for you alone. Each family member who wants to cross the border needs their own valid ID—either a passport, an EDL, a passport card, or a NEXUS card. Children under 16 can sometimes cross with a birth certificate and parent, but rules change by border and country, so check the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website before you travel.
What if my state does not offer enhanced driver's licenses?
You will need a passport or passport card to cross land borders. Passport cards are smaller and cheaper than full passports but work the same way at borders. You can request one from the U.S. State Department at any passport acceptance facility or by mail.