Get an Enhanced Driver's License at Your State's DMV
You get an enhanced driver's license from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), the same place you renew a regular license. The process is straightforward: you visit in person, bring the required documents, pay a fee, and take a new photo. Most states process the process the same day or within a few business days.
The specific DMV office location depends on where you live. You can find your state's DMV website by searching "[your state] DMV" online, then look for the office nearest you. Some states let you schedule an appointment through their website; others operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Calling ahead to confirm hours and current wait times saves a trip.
Not every state offers an enhanced driver's license. As of now, about 20 states issue them, including Washington, Oregon, New York, Michigan, Vermont, and others. If your state does not offer one, you would need to get a passport or passport card instead for land border crossings into Canada or Mexico. Check your state DMV's website to confirm whether enhanced licenses are available where you live.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit your state's DMV office in person with required documents; you cannot get an enhanced license by mail or online.
- Bring a birth certificate or passport, proof of citizenship, proof of residency, and a Social Security number or ITIN to your appointment.
- The fee ranges from $20 to $100 depending on your state, and processing usually takes a few days to a few weeks.
- Only about 20 states currently issue enhanced driver's licenses, so check your state DMV website first to confirm availability.
- An enhanced license is valid for land and sea border crossings to Canada and Mexico but not for air travel, which requires a passport.
What Documents You Need to Bring
Bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers to prove citizenship. You will also need a current photo ID if you do not already have a driver's license. If you are renewing an existing license, bring the license itself.
Proof of residency is required—a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your current address usually works. Check your state's specific list, because some accept only certain documents. Bring two forms if your state requires it.
You will need your Social Security number or ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number). Bring the card itself or a document that shows the number. Some states also ask for a completed process form, which you can often read from the DMV website before you go.
The Fee and Processing Time
The cost of an enhanced driver's license varies by state. Most states charge between $20 and $100 for the initial issuance, and renewal fees are often lower. Washington charges around $72, while New York charges $30 for an enhanced license. Check your state DMV's fee schedule online before you go, so you know exactly what to bring.
Processing time also varies. Some states issue the license the same day you explore; others mail it within one to three weeks. A few states take up to six weeks during busy periods. Ask the DMV staff when you arrive what the current timeline is, or check the website beforehand.
If you need the license urgently for a border crossing, call your DMV ahead of time to ask about expedited processing. Some states offer it for an additional fee, though availability depends on current workload.
Renewing or Replacing an Enhanced License
Renewal works much the same way as the initial process. You visit the DMV, bring your current enhanced license, proof of residency, and the renewal fee. Most states let you renew by mail or online if you have not changed your address or appearance significantly, but some require an in-person visit every time. Check your state's rules on its DMV website.
If your enhanced license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can replace it at the DMV. Bring a police report if it was stolen, your current ID, and the replacement fee. Replacement usually costs less than a new license but more than a renewal.
What You Can Use an Enhanced License For
An enhanced driver's license is accepted for land and sea border crossings between the United States and Canada or Mexico. You can drive across the border, take a ferry, or travel by boat with one. It is not valid for air travel—you still need a passport or passport card to fly internationally.
Within the United States, an enhanced license works exactly like a regular driver's license for driving, identification, and age verification. It does not give you any special privileges domestically; the only difference is the border-crossing capability.
If Your State Does Not Offer Enhanced Licenses
If you live in a state that does not issue enhanced driver's licenses, you have two main alternatives for land border crossings: a passport or a passport card. A passport card is smaller and cheaper than a full passport book and works for land and sea crossings but not air travel.
You can get a passport card through your county clerk's office or a passport acceptance facility, which is often a post office or library. The process takes longer than a DMV visit—usually four to six weeks for routine service—so plan ahead if you have a border trip coming up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get an enhanced driver's license if I am not a U.S. citizen?
No. An enhanced driver's license requires proof of U.S. citizenship. If you are a permanent resident or have a visa, you can get a regular driver's license but not an enhanced one. You would need a passport card or passport book for border crossings instead.
Do I need an appointment at the DMV, or can I just walk in?
It depends on your state. Some DMVs require appointments and let you book online; others take walk-ins but may have long waits. Check your state's DMV website or call ahead to find out. Making an appointment usually gets you in faster.
How long is an enhanced driver's license valid?
Most states issue enhanced licenses that are valid for four to eight years, the same as a regular driver's license. Check your license itself for the expiration date, or look it up on your state DMV's website. You will need to renew it before it expires if you want to keep using it for border crossings.
Can I use an enhanced license to fly to Canada or Mexico?
No. An enhanced license is only for land and sea border crossings. If you are flying internationally, you need a passport or passport card, even to Canada or Mexico. The TSA does not accept enhanced licenses for domestic flights either.
What if I lost my enhanced license before it expired?
Go to the DMV with a police report of the loss, your current ID, and the replacement fee. The DMV will issue a new one, usually the same day or within a few days. You do not have to wait until your original license expires.