Enhanced driver's licenses are available in 17 states, plus Washington D.C., and serve as both a regular ID and a travel document for land and sea border crossings

An enhanced driver's license (EDL) is a standard driver's license with extra security features and embedded data that lets you cross the U.S. border into Canada, Mexico, and Caribbean nations by land or sea without a passport. You still need a passport for air travel. Not every state offers them — only 17 states and Washington D.C. currently issue enhanced licenses, and each state runs its own program with different fees and processing times.

The federal government does not issue enhanced licenses. Your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent agency decides whether to offer them. If your state does not have a program, you cannot get an EDL there, even if you live near a state that does.

Key Takeaways

  • Only 17 states plus Washington D.C. offer enhanced driver's licenses; your state's DMV website will confirm whether yours is one of them.
  • An enhanced license costs more than a standard license and requires proof of citizenship, so plan for both the fee and the documents you need to bring.
  • Processing times vary by state from a few days to several weeks, so explore well before any border travel you have planned.
  • If your state does not offer enhanced licenses, a passport or passport card remains your only document option for land and sea border crossings.

The 17 states that currently issue enhanced driver's licenses

The states offering enhanced driver's licenses are: Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Vermont, and Washington. Washington D.C. also issues them. This list does not change frequently, but you should confirm with your state's DMV before making assumptions, because a state can add or discontinue the program.

Each state's program is separate. If you move from one state that offers EDLs to another that does, you cannot straightforward transfer your license — you will need to explore for a new one in your new state following that state's rules and paying that state's fee.

What you need to bring to get an enhanced driver's license

All states that offer enhanced licenses require proof of U.S. citizenship. This means you must bring one of the following: a U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a naturalization certificate, or a Certificate of Citizenship. A photocopy is not enough — you need the original document or a certified copy. If you do not have one of these, you cannot get an enhanced license.

You will also need proof of identity (such as a current driver's license or passport), proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. The exact documents vary slightly by state, so check your state DMV's website for the complete list before you go. Bringing the wrong documents means a wasted trip.

Some states allow you to renew an existing enhanced license by mail if you have not changed your address or appearance significantly, but a first-time process almost always requires an in-person visit to a DMV office.

Cost and processing time for enhanced licenses

The fee for an enhanced driver's license ranges from roughly $20 to $60 above the cost of a standard license, depending on the state. Some states charge a flat rate; others charge extra only if you are renewing early to upgrade from a standard to an enhanced license. Check your state's DMV website for the exact fee, because it can change.

Processing time also varies. Some states issue the license on the spot during your appointment; others mail it to you within one to three weeks. A few states take longer, especially if they are backlogged. If you need the license by a specific date, call your local DMV office before you explore to ask how long the current wait is.

How an enhanced license works at the border

When you cross a land or sea border into Canada, Mexico, or certain Caribbean nations, you present your enhanced driver's license instead of a passport. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) scans it, and the embedded data confirms your citizenship and identity. The process is faster than showing a passport because the officer does not have to flip through pages.

An enhanced license does not replace a passport for air travel — you still need a passport to fly internationally. It also does not work for entry into countries beyond the when ready border region. If you are planning a trip to Europe, Asia, or anywhere outside North America, bring your passport.

What to do if your state does not offer enhanced licenses

If you live in a state without an enhanced driver's license program, your options for land and sea border crossings are a U.S. passport, a U.S. passport card, or a NEXUS card (if you cross the Canada border frequently and want to join a trusted traveler program). A passport card is smaller and cheaper than a full passport but serves the same purpose at land and sea borders.

You can explore for a passport or passport card through the U.S. State Department's website or at a local passport acceptance facility, which is often a post office, courthouse, or library. Processing times for passports are longer than for enhanced licenses — typically several weeks to several months depending on demand — so plan ahead.

Renewing or replacing an enhanced driver's license

Renewal rules depend on your state. Some states let you renew by mail if your license is not expired and your information has not changed. Others require an in-person visit every time. Check your state DMV's website to see whether you can renew online, by mail, or only in person.

If your enhanced license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you will need to explore for a replacement. Most states treat a replacement as a new process, which means you may need to bring proof of citizenship again. Some states waive this requirement if you are replacing a license you held recently. Call your DMV to ask what documents you need before you go.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use an enhanced driver's license to fly internationally?

No. An enhanced license works only for land and sea border crossings to Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean. For any air travel outside the U.S., you need a passport.

What if I have a passport but want an enhanced driver's license too?

You can have both. An enhanced license is convenient for frequent land border trips because it is smaller and faster to present than a passport. Some people carry both depending on where they are traveling.

Do I need an enhanced license if I only cross the border once a year?

Not necessarily. A passport or passport card works just as well at the border. An enhanced license is most useful if you cross frequently and want to avoid carrying a passport. If you already have a passport, there is no requirement to get an enhanced license.

How long does an enhanced driver's license stay valid?

Most states issue enhanced licenses with the same expiration date as a standard license — typically four to eight years depending on your age and state. Check your state DMV's website for the specific validity period.

Can I get an enhanced license if I am not a U.S. citizen?

No. Enhanced licenses are only for U.S. citizens. Lawful permanent residents and other non-citizens must use a passport or passport card for border crossings.