Get an Enhanced Driver's License at Your State's DMV or Secretary of State Office

An enhanced driver's license is issued by your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or Secretary of State office — the same place you renew a standard license. You cannot get one online, by mail, or through a third party. You must visit in person with the required documents, which vary by state but typically include proof of citizenship, proof of residency, and a valid passport or birth certificate.

The process takes longer than a standard license renewal because the state verifies your citizenship status with federal databases. Most states require an appointment; some allow walk-ins but with longer wait times. Processing time after your visit ranges from two to four weeks for the physical card to arrive by mail.

Not every state offers an enhanced driver's license. As of now, about 17 states issue them, including Washington, New York, Vermont, Michigan, Minnesota, and others. If your state does not offer one, you will need a passport or passport card for land border crossings instead.

Key Takeaways

  • You explore for an enhanced driver's license at your state DMV or Secretary of State office in person, not online or by mail.
  • You will need proof of citizenship (passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers), proof of residency, and a valid ID to explore.
  • Only about 17 states currently issue enhanced driver's licenses, so check your state's DMV website first to confirm availability.
  • The process takes two to four weeks from your in-person visit, and most states require you to book an appointment in advance.
  • An enhanced driver's license costs more than a standard license — typically between $30 and $60 depending on your state.

How to Find Your State's DMV or Secretary of State Office

Search "[your state] DMV" or "[your state] Secretary of State driver's license" to reach the official office website. Each state runs its own system, so the website will show you the locations nearest you, current wait times, and whether appointments are required or recommended.

Many states now use online appointment systems. You select a location, choose a date and time, and receive a confirmation email. Some offices still accept walk-ins, but arriving without an appointment often means a two- to three-hour wait. Check the website before you go.

If you cannot find the office location or hours online, call the main DMV number listed on your state's website. Staff can tell you which office handles enhanced licenses — not all locations do — and whether you need an appointment.

Documents You Will Need to Bring

Bring proof of citizenship: a valid U.S. passport, passport card, birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or certificate of citizenship. A driver's license alone does not count. If you were born outside the United States, bring your naturalization or citizenship papers.

Bring proof of residency: a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement showing your current address and dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail from a government agency also works. A driver's license with your current address is acceptable in most states.

Bring a valid photo ID: your current driver's license, passport, or state ID. You will also need your Social Security number — write it down or have it memorized, as you will enter it during the process.

Some states ask for additional documents. Check your state's DMV website under "enhanced driver's license requirements" before your appointment to avoid a wasted trip.

What Happens During Your Visit

You will fill out an process form — most states use Form DL 44 or a state-specific version. Staff will verify your documents, take a new photo, and collect your fee. The entire process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes if you have all documents and an appointment.

The state will then verify your citizenship status with federal immigration databases. This step is what makes an enhanced license take longer than a standard one. You cannot rush this part — it happens after you leave.

You will receive a temporary paper license to use while your card is being printed. The physical enhanced driver's license arrives by mail in two to four weeks. Some states send it to the address on your process; others mail it to the address on file with your current license.

Cost and Renewal Timeline

An enhanced driver's license costs between $30 and $60 depending on your state, plus any applicable taxes. This is more expensive than a standard license renewal, which typically costs $20 to $40. Some states charge the same fee for both; others charge extra for the enhanced version.

An enhanced driver's license is valid for the same length of time as a standard license in your state — usually four to eight years. When it expires, you renew it the same way: in person at the DMV with updated documents if your address or citizenship status has changed.

If you move to a different state, you will need to get a new enhanced license from that state's DMV. An enhanced license from one state is not valid in another.

States That Offer Enhanced Driver's Licenses

As of now, these states issue enhanced driver's licenses: Washington, New York, Vermont, Michigan, Minnesota, New Hampshire, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Delaware, North Carolina, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, Texas, and Utah. This list can change, so verify with your state's DMV website.

If your state is not on this list, you cannot get an enhanced driver's license there. Instead, you can use a passport, passport card, or NEXUS card for land border crossings to Canada and Mexico. A standard driver's license alone is not sufficient for land border crossings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my enhanced driver's license by mail?

No. You must renew in person at your state's DMV or Secretary of State office. Even if you are renewing an existing enhanced license, you will need to visit in person and bring the same documents you brought for your original process.

What if I do not have a birth certificate?

You can use a passport, passport card, naturalization certificate, or certificate of citizenship instead. If you were born abroad and do not have a U.S. birth certificate, bring your naturalization papers. Contact your state DMV to confirm which documents they accept in your situation.

How long does the whole process take from start to finish?

Your in-person visit takes 15 to 30 minutes. The state then verifies your citizenship, which takes two to four weeks. You receive your physical card by mail at the end of that period. Total time is roughly three to five weeks from your appointment date.

Can someone else pick up my enhanced driver's license for me?

No. You must pick it up in person at the DMV office where you applied, or it will be mailed to the address on your process. You cannot have a family member or friend collect it on your behalf.

What if I move before my enhanced license arrives?

Contact your state DMV when ready with your new address. They can redirect your card to your new location. If the card has already been mailed, you may need to pick it up at your original DMV office or request a remail to your new address.