Enhanced driver's licenses are available in 17 states, plus Washington D.C., and they let you cross the U.S.–Canada and U.S.–Mexico land borders without a passport
An enhanced driver's license (EDL) is a standard driver's license with added security features that proves both your identity and citizenship. The federal government recognizes EDLs as valid travel documents for land and sea border crossings between the United States, Canada, and Mexico. You do not need a passport if you have an EDL, though you can use both.
The 17 states that currently issue EDLs are: Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Vermont, and Washington. Washington D.C. also issues them. Each state runs its own program, so the cost, processing time, and exact requirements differ by location.
Key Takeaways
- Enhanced driver's licenses are issued in 17 states plus Washington D.C., and each state sets its own fees and processing times.
- You must prove U.S. citizenship with a birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers to get an EDL.
- An EDL costs more than a standard license—typically between $10 and $38 extra—and takes 1 to 8 weeks to arrive depending on your state.
- EDLs work for land and sea crossings to Canada and Mexico but not for air travel; you still need a passport for flights.
What you need to bring to get an enhanced driver's license
All 17 states require the same core documents: proof of U.S. citizenship, proof of identity, and proof of your current address. For citizenship, bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, a U.S. passport, a certificate of naturalization, or a certificate of citizenship. A photocopy will not work.
For identity, a current passport, military ID, or state ID card works in most states. For your address, a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days is standard. Some states accept a pay stub or government mail instead. Call your state's DMV before you go to confirm what they accept, because requirements can shift.
You will also need to pass the standard written and driving tests if you are getting your first license or renewing after it expired. If you already hold a valid driver's license in that state, you usually skip the tests and just pay the upgrade fee.
Cost and processing time by state
The fee for an EDL varies from $10 in Iowa to $38 in Illinois, and processing times range from 1 to 2 weeks in Delaware and Iowa to 4 to 8 weeks in Pennsylvania. The table below shows what each state charges and how long you should expect to wait. These times can stretch if your local DMV is busy or if your documents are incomplete.
| State | EDL Fee (above standard license) | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Connecticut | $30 | 2–3 weeks |
| Delaware | $20 | 1–2 weeks |
| Florida | $15 | 3–4 weeks |
| Georgia | $32 | 2–3 weeks |
| Illinois | $38 | 4–6 weeks |
| Indiana | $15 | 2–3 weeks |
| Iowa | $10 | 1–2 weeks |
| Kentucky | $25 | 3–4 weeks |
| Maryland | $30 | 2–3 weeks |
| Michigan | $35 | 4–6 weeks |
| Minnesota | $20 | 2–3 weeks |
| Missouri | $25 | 3–4 weeks |
| New York | $30 | 2–4 weeks |
| Ohio | $20 | 2–3 weeks |
| Pennsylvania | $30 | 4–8 weeks |
| Vermont | $20 | 2–3 weeks |
| Washington | $32 | 3–4 weeks |
| Washington D.C. | $25 | 2–3 weeks |
If you are missing any documents when you submit your process, the DMV will hold it until you provide them, which can add weeks to the timeline. Pennsylvania typically takes the longest, while Delaware and Iowa are among the fastest. Plan ahead if you need your EDL by a specific date.
Where an enhanced driver's license works and where it doesn't
An EDL is accepted for land border crossings between the United States and Canada, and between the United States and Mexico. It also works for sea travel—cruises departing from U.S. ports to Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean. You do not need a passport for these trips if you have an EDL.
An EDL does not work for air travel. If you are flying internationally, you must have a passport, even if you have an EDL. For domestic flights within the United States, a standard driver's license is fine; you do not need the enhanced version. Many people keep both an EDL and a passport because they serve different purposes.
how the process works in your state
Visit your state's DMV website and search for "enhanced driver's license" or "EDL." Most states let you start the process online by filling out the process form, but you must go to a DMV office in person to submit your documents and pay the fee. A few states allow you to mail in your process after your first visit, but this is rare.
Call your local DMV office before you go to confirm they issue EDLs—not all branch offices do. Some states only issue them at certain locations. Ask how long the wait is and whether you need an appointment. Bringing all your documents in one trip saves time and prevents delays.
Once you submit your process, the DMV will mail your EDL to your address. Track your process online if your state offers that option. If your EDL does not arrive within the timeframe the DMV gave you, call to check the status.
Renewing an enhanced driver's license
Renewal rules vary by state. Some states let you renew by mail if your license is not expiring soon and you have not changed your address. Others require you to come in person. A few states let you renew online. Check your state's DMV website for the renewal important date—it is usually 30 to 60 days before your license expires.
When you renew, you typically do not have to prove citizenship again if you are renewing the same type of license. However, if you are upgrading from a standard license to an EDL for the first time, you will need to bring your citizenship documents even if your license is still valid. Some states charge a lower renewal fee than the original EDL fee, so ask your DMV what to expect.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get an enhanced driver's license if I am not a U.S. citizen?
No. EDLs are only for U.S. citizens. You must show an original birth certificate, passport, naturalization certificate, or citizenship certificate. Permanent residents and visa holders cannot get an EDL, but they can use a passport for border crossings.
Do I need an enhanced driver's license if I already have a passport?
No. A passport works everywhere an EDL does, plus for air travel. An EDL is useful if you cross land borders often and do not want to carry your passport, or if you have not yet obtained a passport. Both documents can coexist.
What happens if I lose my enhanced driver's license?
Report the loss to your state DMV right away. You can request a replacement, which usually costs the same as the original fee and takes 2 to 4 weeks. Some states let you request a replacement online or by phone; others require you to visit in person.
Can I use an enhanced driver's license to enter Canada or Mexico by air?
No. EDLs are only valid for land and sea border crossings. For air travel to any country, including Canada and Mexico, you must have a passport.
Is an enhanced driver's license the same as a REAL ID?
No. A REAL ID is a federal security standard that most states' standard driver's licenses now meet. An EDL is a separate document that proves citizenship and works for border crossings. You can have a REAL ID standard license, an EDL, or both.