Enhanced driver's licenses are available in 17 states, mostly in the upper Midwest and Northeast

An enhanced driver's license (EDL) is a state-issued ID that meets federal Real ID standards and also works as a travel document for land and sea border crossings. You can use it to enter Canada, Mexico, and some Caribbean nations without a passport. Not all states offer them — as of now, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington issue enhanced licenses.

The availability depends on state law and federal agreements. Some states stopped offering them years ago, while others added the program more recently. If your state does not currently issue enhanced licenses, a standard Real ID compliant license still works for domestic flights and federal buildings, but you would need a passport for international travel by land or sea.

Key Takeaways

  • Seventeen states currently issue enhanced driver's licenses that work for land and sea border crossings without a passport.
  • Enhanced licenses cost more than standard licenses — typically $20 to $50 extra — and require proof of citizenship or lawful permanent residency.
  • Processing times vary by state but often take four to eight weeks, and some states require an in-person visit to renew or upgrade.
  • If your state does not offer enhanced licenses, a passport card is the cheapest alternative for land border travel.

States that currently issue enhanced driver's licenses

Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington all offer enhanced licenses. Each state sets its own fees, processing times, and renewal rules, so the experience differs depending on where you live.

Most of these states allow you to upgrade an existing license to enhanced status or request one when you renew. A few require you to explore in person at a DMV office, while others let you start the process online. Check your state's DMV website for the specific steps and documents needed in your location.

What you need to bring to get an enhanced license

All states that issue enhanced licenses require proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residency. This means you must bring a birth certificate, passport, naturalization certificate, or permanent resident card. You will also need a Social Security number, proof of your current address (a utility bill or lease works), and a valid standard driver's license or state ID.

Some states add extra requirements. New York, for example, asks for a completed process form signed in person at the DMV. Michigan requires you to appear in person for the photo and signature. Call your state DMV or check their website before you go to avoid a wasted trip.

Cost and processing time for enhanced licenses

An enhanced license typically costs $20 to $50 more than a standard Real ID license, depending on the state. In New York, the fee is $30 extra. In Michigan, it is $25. Some states bundle the cost into a single renewal fee rather than charging separately. A few states offer discounts if you renew online or by mail instead of in person.

Processing usually takes four to eight weeks by mail, though some states offer expedited options for an additional fee. If you need the license quickly, check whether your state allows rush processing — New York charges $15 extra for a two-week turnaround. In-person applications sometimes issue a temporary document on the spot while the permanent card is printed.

States that no longer issue enhanced licenses

California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, and several other states stopped issuing enhanced licenses after the federal government tightened Real ID standards. Some states found the program too expensive to maintain or too few people used it to justify the cost. Others decided that most residents already had passports or passport cards for border travel.

If you live in a state that does not offer enhanced licenses and you need to cross a land or sea border without flying, your options are a passport, a passport card, or a NEXUS card (for frequent travelers to Canada). A passport card costs about $130 and works for land and sea crossings but not air travel. It takes four to six weeks to receive.

How an enhanced license differs from a standard Real ID

Both enhanced licenses and standard Real ID licenses meet federal requirements for domestic flights and entry to federal buildings. The key difference is that an enhanced license also works for land and sea border crossings, while a standard Real ID does not. You still need a passport for air travel to other countries.

An enhanced license looks similar to a standard license but usually has a marking or symbol to show it meets the higher standard. The process process is longer because states must verify citizenship, which they do not require for a standard Real ID. If you rarely cross land borders, a standard Real ID is usually sufficient and costs less.

Renewal and replacement of an enhanced license

Renewal rules vary by state. Most states let you renew an enhanced license by mail or online if you have not changed your citizenship status and your address has not changed. Some states require you to renew in person every few years. Check your state's DMV website to see whether your next renewal can be done by mail or if you must visit an office.

If your enhanced license is lost or stolen, report it to your state DMV right away. Replacement usually costs less than a new process and takes two to four weeks. Some states let you request a replacement online, while others require an in-person visit. Keep your receipt or confirmation number in case you need to check the status.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use an enhanced license to fly domestically?

Yes. An enhanced license meets Real ID standards, so the Transportation Security Administration accepts it for domestic flights. You do not need a passport for flights within the United States, even if you have an enhanced license.

What if I move to a state that does not offer enhanced licenses?

Your enhanced license remains valid for its full term. You can continue using it for border crossings. When it expires, you can renew it by mail in most cases, even if you no longer live in the issuing state. Check your state's DMV website for out-of-state renewal options.

Is an enhanced license the same as a passport card?

No. An enhanced license is a driver's license that also works for land and sea border crossings. A passport card is a travel document only — it does not replace your driver's license. Both work for land and sea borders, but only a driver's license lets you drive legally.

How long does it take to get an enhanced license?

Standard processing takes four to eight weeks by mail. Some states offer expedited processing for an extra fee, usually bringing the time down to two to three weeks. In-person applications may receive a temporary document when ready, with the permanent card arriving later.

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 want a single document that works as both a driver's license and a border travel document. If you already have a passport, an enhanced license is optional.