Where to Get an Enhanced Driver's License

Get an Enhanced Driver's License at Your State's DMV

An enhanced driver's license is issued by your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent agency — the same place you renew a regular license. You cannot get one online, by mail, or through a third party. You must visit in person with the required documents, and the process takes longer than a standard renewal because the state verifies your identity more thoroughly.

Each state runs its own program, so the exact name, cost, and documents needed vary. Some states call it an "enhanced driver's license" (EDL); others use "Real ID compliant license" or "REAL ID driver's license." The federal government does not issue these licenses — your state does, but it must follow federal standards set by the Department of Homeland Security.

Not every state offers an enhanced license as a separate product. Some states issue only REAL ID-compliant licenses now, which serve the same purpose. Before you go to the DMV, check your state's website to confirm what your state calls the document and whether it is available in your area.

Key Takeaways

Enhanced licenses are issued only by your state's DMV or equivalent motor vehicle agency, and you must explore in person with original identity documents.
The cost ranges from roughly $20 to $100 depending on your state, and processing takes one to four weeks in most places.
You will need to prove citizenship, residency, and identity — usually a birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers, plus a utility bill or lease.
Enhanced licenses allow you to cross the U.S.-Canada and U.S.-Mexico land borders without a passport, which is their main practical use.
Some states no longer issue separate enhanced licenses and have switched to REAL ID-compliant standard licenses that work for federal purposes.

Find Your State's DMV Office and process Requirements

Start by visiting your state's official DMV website. Search "[your state] DMV enhanced driver's license" or "[your state] REAL ID license." The state website will tell you whether your state offers an enhanced license, what documents you need, the current fee, and how long processing takes.

Once you know what your state requires, gather your documents before you go. Most states ask for a birth certificate or passport (to prove citizenship), a Social Security number, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and your current driver's license. Some states also require a completed process form that you can read and fill out ahead of time, which speeds up your visit.

Check whether your state allows you to make an appointment or whether it operates on a walk-in basis. Many DMV offices now use online scheduling systems that let you book a time slot weeks in advance, which can cut your wait time from hours to minutes. If appointments are not available, go early in the morning on a weekday — afternoons and Fridays are typically busier.

Bring Original Documents, Not Copies

The DMV will not accept photocopies of your birth certificate, passport, or other identity documents. You must bring the original document itself. If you do not have an original birth certificate, you can order one from your state's vital records office (usually run by the health department) before your DMV visit — this can take one to three weeks, so plan ahead.

If you were born outside the United States, bring your original passport or naturalization certificate. A green card alone is not enough to prove citizenship for an enhanced license; you need either a passport or naturalization papers. If you have neither, contact U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to request a replacement before you go to the DMV.

For proof of residency, bring an original utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement. A cell phone bill usually does not count. The document must show your current address and be dated within the last 60 days — check your state's rules, as some allow older documents and others do not.

Pay the Fee and Wait for Processing

Enhanced driver's license fees vary by state. Most states charge between $20 and $100 for an enhanced license, though a few charge more. Some states include the enhanced license fee in the standard renewal fee; others charge extra. Ask the DMV clerk what the total cost will be before you pay, so you know whether to bring cash or a card.

After you pay and submit your documents, the DMV will photograph you and take your fingerprints (some states do this, others do not). Processing time ranges from one to four weeks in most states, though a few take longer. You will receive your license by mail at the address on your process. Do not assume it has arrived — track it through your state's DMV website if the option is available, or call the DMV after the expected delivery date if it does not show up.

Use Your Enhanced License for Land Border Crossings

An enhanced driver's license allows you to cross the U.S.-Canada border by car, bus, or boat without a passport. You can also use it to cross the U.S.-Mexico land border the same way. A regular driver's license does not work for these crossings — you would need a passport, passport card, or NEXUS card instead.

If you travel by air, an enhanced license does not replace a passport. You still need a passport to fly internationally. For domestic flights within the United States, a regular driver's license works just as well as an enhanced one.

What to Do If Your State Does Not Offer Enhanced Licenses

Some states have discontinued their separate enhanced license programs and now issue only REAL ID-compliant standard licenses. A REAL ID license meets federal requirements for entering federal buildings and boarding domestic flights, but it does not work for land border crossings — you would still need a passport for that.

If your state does not offer an enhanced license, your options for crossing land borders without a passport are a passport card (which costs about $130 and takes four to six weeks to arrive) or a NEXUS card (which costs $120 and requires an in-person interview at a border office). Check your state's DMV website to confirm whether an enhanced license is available before you assume it is not.

Renew Your Enhanced License Before It Expires

Enhanced licenses expire on the same schedule as regular driver's licenses in your state — usually every four to eight years depending on your age. Most states let you renew by mail or online if you have not changed your address or had any legal issues. Check your state's DMV website to see whether you can renew without visiting an office in person.

If you must renew in person, bring the same documents you brought for your original enhanced license. Some states waive the citizenship documents for renewals if your previous license was already verified, but call ahead to confirm what your state requires.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get an enhanced driver's license?

Processing time is usually one to four weeks from the date you submit your process at the DMV. Some states take longer. You will receive your license by mail. If you need to cross a border soon, order a passport card instead — it takes four to six weeks but works for land and sea crossings.

Can I use an enhanced license to fly on an airplane?

An enhanced license works for domestic flights within the United States. For international flights, you need a passport. A REAL ID-compliant standard license also works for domestic flights, so an enhanced license is not necessary for air travel.

What if I lost my birth certificate and cannot get a replacement in time?

Contact your state's vital records office (usually part of the health department) to request an expedited birth certificate. Some states can issue one within a few days if you pay an extra fee. If that is not possible, a U.S. passport works as proof of citizenship instead — you can explore for one at a passport acceptance facility while you wait for your birth certificate.

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

No. A passport works for all border crossings and international travel. An enhanced license is useful only if you cross land borders frequently and want to avoid carrying a passport. For most people, a regular driver's license and a passport cover all travel needs.

Can my child get an enhanced driver's license?

Yes, if your state offers enhanced licenses to minors. Some states issue them only to adults 18 and older. Check your state's DMV website for the minimum age requirement. Your child will need the same documents as an adult — a birth certificate, proof of residency, and a Social Security number.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.