You get an enhanced driver's license from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles

An enhanced driver's license (EDL) is a real ID that proves citizenship and identity at the same time. You explore for it at your state's DMV office — the same place you renew a regular license — but the process takes longer and costs more because the state verifies your citizenship documents before issuing it.

Not every state offers an enhanced driver's license. As of now, about 17 states issue them, including Washington, Michigan, New York, Vermont, and Minnesota. If your state does not offer one, you cannot get an EDL there, though you may be able to get a Real ID-compliant license instead, which serves a different purpose. Check your state's DMV website to see whether EDLs are available where you live.

The main reason to get an EDL is that it lets you cross the U.S.–Canada border by land or sea without a passport. A regular Real ID license does not. If you travel to Canada or Mexico by car or boat, an EDL is one of the documents that works.

Key Takeaways

  • You explore for an enhanced driver's license at your state's DMV office, not online or by mail.
  • Only about 17 states currently issue enhanced driver's licenses, so check your state's DMV website first to confirm availability.
  • You will need to bring original citizenship documents — usually a birth certificate or passport — plus proof of residency and your current license.
  • Processing takes 4 to 8 weeks in most states because the DMV must verify your citizenship before issuing the card.
  • An enhanced driver's license costs more than a regular license renewal, typically $20 to $50 extra, depending on your state.

What documents you need to bring to the DMV

Bring an original or certified copy of a document that proves U.S. citizenship. A birth certificate, passport, or naturalization certificate all work. Some states also accept a Consular Report of Birth Abroad. The document must be an original or certified copy — photocopies are not accepted.

You also need proof of your current address. A utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days usually works. Bring your current driver's license or state ID card as well.

Some states require additional documents, such as a Social Security card or proof of a name change if you have married or divorced. Check your state's DMV website before you go, because showing up without the right paperwork means a wasted trip.

How to find your state's DMV office and make an appointment

Go to your state's DMV website and search for "enhanced driver's license" to confirm your state offers them. The same page usually lists which DMV offices issue EDLs — not every branch does, so you may have to travel to a specific location.

Many states now require you to book an appointment online rather than walk in. Check the website to see whether appointments are available and how far ahead you need to book. Some states fill up weeks in advance, especially in urban areas.

If you cannot find the information online, call your state's DMV customer service line. The number is on your current license or on the state's official DMV website. Ask which office nearest you issues enhanced driver's licenses and whether you need an appointment.

What happens during the appointment

A DMV staff member will check your citizenship documents, verify your identity, and take a new photo and fingerprints. The fingerprints are sent to the FBI to check your background. This is why the process takes longer than a regular license renewal.

You will sign an process form and pay the fee. The cost varies by state — some charge $20 extra, others charge $50 or more on top of the regular license renewal fee. Ask the staff member for the total cost before you pay.

You will receive a receipt with a tracking number. Keep it. The DMV will mail your new enhanced driver's license to your address within 4 to 8 weeks. Some states offer expedited processing for an additional fee if you need it sooner.

States that currently issue enhanced driver's licenses

The following states issue enhanced driver's licenses: Washington, Michigan, New York, Vermont, Minnesota, Illinois, Missouri, Oklahoma, Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and a few others. The list can change, so verify with your state's DMV.

If your state is not on this list, you cannot get an EDL there. However, you can get a Real ID-compliant regular license, which works for domestic air travel and federal building access but not for land border crossings to Canada or Mexico.

Cost and processing time

An enhanced driver's license costs between $20 and $50 more than a regular license renewal, depending on your state. Some states charge a flat fee; others charge based on how long the license is valid (usually 4 or 8 years). Ask your DMV for the exact price before your appointment.

Processing takes 4 to 8 weeks in most states. During that time, you can use your receipt as proof that you have applied. If you need the license sooner, some states offer rush processing for an extra fee — typically $10 to $25 — that cuts the time to 2 to 3 weeks.

What to do if your state does not offer enhanced driver's licenses

If your state does not issue EDLs, you have two options for border travel. You can get a passport or passport card, which work at all U.S. borders. A passport card is smaller and cheaper than a full passport but serves the same purpose for land and sea crossings.

Alternatively, you can get a Real ID-compliant driver's license in your state and carry a passport card separately when you travel to Canada or Mexico. This is often the cheapest option if you already have a passport card or plan to get one anyway.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew an enhanced driver's license by mail or online?

No. You must go to a DMV office in person for an enhanced driver's license, even if you are renewing an existing one. The DMV needs to verify your citizenship documents and take new fingerprints each time.

What if I lost my birth certificate?

You can order a certified copy from the vital records office in the state or county where you were born. This usually takes 1 to 2 weeks and costs $10 to $30. Some states accept a passport as proof of citizenship instead, which may be faster if you already have one.

Do I need an enhanced driver's license if I have a passport?

No. A passport works for all border crossings and is accepted everywhere an EDL is. If you already have a passport, you do not need an EDL unless you prefer to carry your driver's license instead of a passport when crossing the border.

Can I use an enhanced driver's license for domestic air travel?

Yes. An enhanced driver's license meets Real ID requirements and works at TSA checkpoints for domestic flights. You do not need a passport for domestic air travel if you have an EDL.

What if I move to a different state after getting an enhanced driver's license?

Your EDL remains valid until it expires, even if you move. However, when you renew it, you will need to follow your new state's rules. If your new state does not issue EDLs, you will have to get a regular Real ID license instead.