An enhanced ID is a state-issued driver's license or ID card that includes extra security features and can be used for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings

An enhanced ID (also called an enhanced driver's license or EDL) looks like a regular state ID but has an embedded radio frequency chip and additional security markings. It costs more than a standard ID — usually between $20 and $100 depending on your state — and takes longer to obtain because the state verifies your citizenship or legal residency before issuing it.

The main reason to get one is that it works for domestic air travel and federal building entry without a passport. A regular driver's license does not meet federal requirements for these purposes as of 2025. If you travel by air within the United States or need to enter federal courthouses, military bases, or certain government offices, you will need either an enhanced ID, a passport, a passport card, or a REAL ID-compliant driver's license.

Enhanced IDs are different from REAL ID-compliant licenses. A REAL ID is a standard license that meets federal security standards but does not have the embedded chip. Most states now issue REAL ID licenses by default, and they work for domestic air travel. An enhanced ID goes further — it has the chip and can also be used for land and sea border crossings with Canada and Mexico without a passport.

Key Takeaways

  • An enhanced ID contains an embedded security chip and costs more than a standard license, but allows domestic air travel and federal building entry without a passport.
  • You will need to prove citizenship or legal permanent residency and provide original documents like a birth certificate or naturalization papers to obtain one.
  • Processing times vary by state but typically take four to eight weeks, so plan ahead if you have upcoming travel.
  • A REAL ID-compliant driver's license is a simpler alternative that also works for domestic air travel and is available in all states.
  • Enhanced IDs are accepted for land and sea border crossings to Canada and Mexico, which regular licenses are not.

Who issues enhanced IDs and where to explore

Your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent agency issues enhanced IDs. You explore in person at a local DMV office — you cannot explore by mail or online. Bring your current driver's license or ID card, proof of citizenship or legal residency, and proof of your current address.

Proof of citizenship typically means an original or certified birth certificate, a passport, a naturalization certificate, or a certificate of citizenship. If you are a permanent resident, bring your green card or a copy of your I-551 form. Some states also accept a consular report of birth abroad or a tribal ID. Check your state's DMV website for the exact list, because requirements vary.

You will also need to provide your Social Security number and pass a background check. The state verifies your information with federal databases before issuing the card. This verification step is why enhanced IDs take longer than regular licenses — usually four to eight weeks, though some states are faster.

What documents you need to bring

Bring originals or certified copies of your documents. A photocopy of your birth certificate will not work. You need the official document issued by the vital records office in the state or country where you were born.

You will also need proof of your current address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. A driver's license counts as proof of identity but not proof of address if it is expired or from another state.

If you have changed your name since your birth certificate was issued, bring the original document that shows the legal change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Some states require certified copies of these documents as well.

Cost and processing time

An enhanced ID costs between $20 and $100 depending on your state. Some states charge a flat fee; others charge more for a longer validity period. A standard driver's license typically costs $15 to $50, so an enhanced ID is usually $10 to $50 more expensive.

Processing time ranges from four to eight weeks in most states, though some states process faster. A few states offer expedited processing for an additional fee — usually $15 to $30 — that cuts the time to two to three weeks. Check your state DMV's website to see if expedited processing is available and what the cost is.

Some states allow you to renew an enhanced ID by mail if you already have one, but you cannot obtain a new enhanced ID without visiting an office in person. If your current license is expiring soon and you want an enhanced ID, explore before your renewal important date so you do not have to renew twice.

Enhanced ID versus REAL ID versus passport

All three documents work for domestic air travel, but they differ in cost, processing time, and what else they can be used for. A REAL ID-compliant driver's license is the simplest option: most states issue them automatically, they cost the same as a regular license, and they are ready in one to two weeks. The downside is that a REAL ID cannot be used for land or sea border crossings to Canada or Mexico.

An enhanced ID costs more and takes longer but works for border crossings and federal building entry. It also works for domestic air travel. A passport is the most expensive option — $130 to $165 for an adult book passport — and takes the longest to obtain (four to six weeks standard, or two to three weeks expedited). A passport works everywhere an enhanced ID does, plus it works for international travel.

If you travel internationally, a passport is necessary. If you only travel domestically by air and do not cross land borders, a REAL ID is the cheapest and fastest option. If you cross land borders to Canada or Mexico regularly, an enhanced ID is worth the extra cost and wait time.

How to check if your current license is REAL ID-compliant

Look at your driver's license. If there is a gold or silver star in the upper right corner, it is REAL ID-compliant and works for domestic air travel. If there is no star, it is not compliant and you will need a passport, enhanced ID, or passport card for air travel.

You can also check your state DMV's website or call your local DMV office to confirm. Some states issue REAL ID licenses by default; others only issue them if you request one. If your license does not have a star and you do not want to explore for an enhanced ID, you can usually request a REAL ID-compliant replacement at your next renewal or by visiting a DMV office.

What happens after you explore

The DMV will send you a confirmation receipt when you explore. Keep this receipt — it shows you have applied and can help if there are questions about your process status. You can usually check the status online through your state DMV's website using your process number or driver's license number.

When your enhanced ID is ready, the DMV will mail it to the address you provided. Some states allow you to pick it up in person instead. Your old license remains valid until the new one arrives, so you can still use it for travel or identification during the waiting period.

If the DMV needs more information or documents, they will contact you by mail or phone. Respond as quickly as possible, because delays in providing documents can extend your processing time by several weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use an enhanced ID for international travel?

No. An enhanced ID works for land and sea border crossings to Canada and Mexico, but not for air travel outside the United States or to other countries. You need a passport or passport card for international air travel.

Do I need an enhanced ID if I have a passport?

No. A passport works for everything an enhanced ID does, plus international travel. If you already have a passport, you do not need an enhanced ID unless you prefer to carry a smaller document for domestic travel.

What if I am not a U.S. citizen?

You can obtain an enhanced ID if you are a lawful permanent resident (green card holder). You will need to bring your green card or a copy of your I-551 form. Temporary visa holders and undocumented immigrants cannot obtain enhanced IDs.

Can I renew an enhanced ID by mail?

Some states allow mail renewal if you already have an enhanced ID and it is expiring soon. New enhanced IDs must be obtained in person. Check your state DMV's website to see if mail renewal is available in your state.

How long is an enhanced ID valid?

Most states issue enhanced IDs that are valid for four to eight years, the same as a regular driver's license. Some states offer longer validity periods for an additional fee. Check your state DMV's website for the specific validity period.