What an Enhanced License Is and Who Can Get One
An enhanced driver's license is a state-issued ID that proves both your identity and citizenship. It lets you cross the U.S. border into Canada, Mexico, and some Caribbean countries by land or sea without a passport. Not every state offers one — currently about half do — and the ones that do have different rules about who can request one and what documents you need to bring.
You can get an enhanced license only if you are a U.S. citizen. If you are a lawful permanent resident or hold another immigration status, you cannot get one, though you may be able to get a standard Real ID-compliant license instead. Some states require you to have held a valid driver's license for a certain period before you can upgrade; others let you request one when you renew.
The cost is higher than a standard license — usually between $20 and $50 more — and the card itself looks different from a regular license, often with a special marking or stripe that identifies it as enhanced. The document is valid for the same length of time as your state's regular driver's license, typically four to eight years depending on your age and state.
Key Takeaways
- Enhanced licenses are available in roughly half of U.S. states and require proof of citizenship, a valid Social Security number, and a current or recently expired driver's license.
- You must be a U.S. citizen to get one; permanent residents and other visa holders cannot request an enhanced license.
- The process involves visiting your state's Department of Motor Vehicles in person with original documents, not copies, and paying a fee that ranges from $20 to $50 above the standard license cost.
- An enhanced license lets you enter Canada, Mexico, and some Caribbean nations by land or sea without carrying a passport, but not by air.
Which States Offer Enhanced Licenses
Enhanced licenses are issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent agency) in about 20 states. The list includes Washington, Oregon, California, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan, New York, Vermont, and a few others, but the full roster changes as states add or discontinue the program. Your state's DMV website will tell you whether your state participates.
If your state does not offer an enhanced license, you have two alternatives. You can get a standard Real ID-compliant license, which works for domestic air travel and federal building access but does not let you cross borders without a passport. Or you can carry a passport or passport card when you travel to Canada or Mexico by land or sea. A passport card is smaller than a full passport and costs less, but it is valid only for land and sea travel, not air travel.
Documents You Need to Bring
You will need to bring original documents — not photocopies — to your DMV appointment. The exact list varies slightly by state, but the core documents are always the same: proof of U.S. citizenship, proof of your Social Security number, proof of your current address, and your current or recently expired driver's license.
For citizenship, bring your birth certificate (long-form, not a wallet card), a U.S. passport, a Certificate of Naturalization, or a Certificate of Citizenship. For your Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a tax return, or a 1099 form. For your address, bring a recent utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement in your name. Some states also accept a recent piece of mail from a government agency.
If your name has changed since your birth certificate was issued — through marriage, divorce, or legal name change — bring the document that shows the change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you have lost your Social Security card, you can request a replacement from the Social Security Administration before your DMV visit, or some states will let you bring a different document that shows your number instead.
Steps to Request an Enhanced License
Start by visiting your state's DMV website and confirming that your state offers enhanced licenses. Then check whether you need to make an appointment or whether you can walk in. Many DMVs now require appointments, and booking ahead can cut your wait time significantly.
Gather all your original documents and bring them with you. Do not bring copies. Arrive with your documents organized and your Social Security number memorized or written down. At the DMV, tell the clerk you want to upgrade to an enhanced license. They will verify your citizenship documents, check your Social Security number against federal records, and take a new photo if your current license photo is too old (usually more than five years).
You will pay the fee at the counter — the amount depends on your state and whether you are renewing at the same time or just upgrading. Some states let you renew and upgrade together; others charge for each separately. Ask the clerk whether you can pay by card or whether they take cash only. Your new enhanced license will arrive by mail within one to three weeks in most states, though some are faster.
What You Can and Cannot Do With an Enhanced License
An enhanced license lets you enter Canada, Mexico, and certain Caribbean countries (including Bermuda, the Cayman Islands, and Turks and Caicos) by land or sea without a passport. You do not need to carry anything else — the license itself is your proof of citizenship and identity at the border.
You cannot use an enhanced license for air travel to another country. If you are flying to Canada, Mexico, or anywhere else outside the U.S., you must carry a passport or passport card. You also cannot use it to enter countries that require a visa, even by land. And if you are traveling to a country that is not on the list of places that accept enhanced licenses, you will need a passport no matter how you travel.
Within the U.S., an enhanced license works exactly like a standard Real ID license. You can use it for domestic air travel, to enter federal buildings, and as a form of identification anywhere a driver's license is accepted.
If Your State Does Not Offer Enhanced Licenses
If you live in a state that does not issue enhanced licenses, your best option for border travel without a passport is a passport card. It is smaller and cheaper than a full passport (around $65 for a new one, or $30 to renew), and it works for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean. You cannot use it for air travel, but it fits in a wallet and is easier to carry than a full passport book.
To get a passport card, you explore through the U.S. State Department, not your DMV. You can explore in person at a passport acceptance facility (usually a post office, library, or courthouse), by mail if you are renewing, or online if you are renewing and have a valid passport. The process takes four to six weeks for routine service, or one to two weeks if you pay for expedited service.
If you travel frequently or plan to fly internationally, a full passport is worth the cost and the longer processing time. If you only cross land borders occasionally and do not fly internationally, a passport card or an enhanced license (if your state offers one) is usually enough.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get an enhanced license if I am a permanent resident?
No. Enhanced licenses are for U.S. citizens only. If you are a lawful permanent resident, you can get a standard Real ID-compliant driver's license, which works for domestic air travel and federal building access, but you will need a passport to cross international borders.
How long does it take to get an enhanced license?
The DMV appointment itself takes 15 to 45 minutes, depending on how busy your local office is. Your new enhanced license arrives by mail within one to three weeks in most states. A few states offer expedited service for an extra fee if you need it sooner.
What if I lost my birth certificate?
You can request a replacement from the vital records office in the state or county where you were born. The process usually takes two to four weeks and costs $10 to $30. Some DMVs will let you use a passport or Certificate of Naturalization instead if you do not have time to get a new birth certificate before your appointment.
Can I renew my enhanced license by mail?
Most states require you to renew in person at the DMV, even if you are just renewing and not upgrading. A few states let you renew by mail if your license is not expiring soon and you have not changed your address. Check your state's DMV website to see whether mail renewal is an option for you.
Do I need an enhanced license if I have a passport?
No. A passport works everywhere an enhanced license does, plus it works for air travel. If you already have a passport, you do not need an enhanced license unless you prefer not to carry your passport for everyday border crossings.