What documents you need to bring

An enhanced driver's license requires more proof of identity and citizenship than a standard license. You will need to bring your current driver's license or state ID, a birth certificate (original or certified copy), and proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent resident status. Citizenship proof can be a passport, passport card, naturalization certificate, or consular report of birth abroad.

You also need proof of your Social Security number — a Social Security card, W-2 form, or tax return all work. Bring two documents showing your current address: a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. Some states accept a recent pay stub or government mail instead.

If you have changed your name since your birth certificate was issued, bring the legal document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Bring your current signature on file with your state's DMV if you have one.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring your birth certificate (original or certified copy), proof of citizenship, and proof of your Social Security number — a standard license does not require these.
  • Two documents showing your current address dated within the last 60 days are required; utility bills and lease agreements are the most common.
  • The fee for an enhanced license is higher than a standard license and varies by state, typically between $20 and $50 more.
  • Processing time is usually two to four weeks; some states offer expedited service for an additional fee.
  • An enhanced license allows you to cross the land border into Canada and Mexico by car without a passport, but not by air.

The fee and how long it takes

An enhanced license costs more than a standard driver's license. The exact amount depends on your state — some charge $20 to $30 extra, while others charge $50 or more. Check your state's DMV website for the current fee, as it can change year to year.

Processing usually takes two to four weeks from the time you submit your documents. If you need it faster, many states offer expedited processing for an additional fee, which can cut the time to one to two weeks. Some DMV offices allow you to pay extra to walk out with a temporary enhanced license the same day, though this varies by location.

Which states offer enhanced licenses

Not every state issues enhanced driver's licenses. As of now, about 20 states and the District of Columbia offer them. These include Washington, Oregon, New York, Michigan, Minnesota, Vermont, and others. A few states call them by different names — Washington calls it an "Enhanced Driver's License," while some others use "Real ID compliant" or similar terms.

If your state does not offer an enhanced license, you can still cross the U.S.-Canada and U.S.-Mexico land borders by car using a standard driver's license paired with a passport or passport card. Check your state's DMV website to confirm whether enhanced licenses are available where you live.

What an enhanced license lets you do

An enhanced license allows you to cross the land border into Canada and Mexico by car without carrying a passport. You can use it at the border crossing instead of a passport book. This is the main reason people get one — convenience for frequent cross-border travel.

An enhanced license does not allow you to fly internationally or board a cruise ship. For air travel, you still need a passport or passport card. It also does not replace a passport for any other purpose — it is only valid at land borders between the United States and Canada or Mexico.

how the process works at your DMV

Visit your state's DMV website and look for "enhanced driver's license" or "EDLS" to find the process form and a list of required documents specific to your state. Print the form and fill it out before you go, or ask the DMV office whether you can fill it out there. Some states let you start the process online and finish it in person.

Bring all your documents in a folder or envelope so they stay organized. Arrive during off-peak hours if possible — early morning or mid-week visits usually mean shorter waits. Bring your current driver's license or ID, and be ready to have your photo taken and your signature recorded. The DMV staff will check your documents on the spot and tell you if anything is missing.

After you submit your process, you will receive a receipt with a tracking number. Use this number to check the status of your license online through your state's DMV portal. When it is ready, the DMV will mail it to your address or notify you to pick it up in person, depending on your state's process.

What to do if a document is missing or expired

If your birth certificate is not a certified copy, the DMV will reject it. Order a certified copy from the vital records office in the county or state where you were born — this usually takes one to two weeks and costs $10 to $30. You can order online through most state vital records websites, though some still require mail-in requests.

If your proof of address is expired or outside the 60-day window, bring a newer one instead. If you just moved and do not have a utility bill or lease in your new name yet, ask the DMV which alternative documents they accept — some allow a recent pay stub, insurance bill, or even a notarized letter from your landlord.

If your passport or citizenship document is expired, you can still use it to prove citizenship for an enhanced license. The DMV does not require it to be current. However, if you are renewing your license at the same time, bring a valid form of ID for the renewal process itself.

Renewing an enhanced license

When your enhanced license expires, you can renew it by mail in most states, just like a standard license. You will not need to bring all the citizenship documents again — the DMV already has them on file. You will need to pay the renewal fee and submit a new photo if your state requires it.

Some states let you renew online if you have not changed your address or name. Check your state's DMV website for the renewal process and whether you can do it without visiting an office. If you do need to go in person, bring your current license and proof of address, just as you would for a standard license renewal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use an enhanced license to fly domestically within the United States?

Yes. An enhanced license counts as a Real ID-compliant document and is accepted at TSA checkpoints for domestic flights. You do not need a passport for flights within the United States.

What if I lost my birth certificate and cannot get a certified copy?

Contact the vital records office in the county or state where you were born — they can issue a certified copy even if the original is lost. If records do not exist, ask the DMV what alternative citizenship documents they accept, such as a passport or naturalization certificate.

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

No. A passport works for all border crossings and international travel. An enhanced license is useful only if you cross the land border frequently and want to avoid carrying your passport in the car.

Can I get an enhanced license if I am not a U.S. citizen?

Yes, if you are a lawful permanent resident. You will need to bring your green card or other proof of permanent resident status instead of a citizenship document. The rest of the process is the same.

How long is an enhanced license valid?

An enhanced license is valid for the same length of time as a standard driver's license in your state — usually four to eight years, depending on your age and state law. Check your state's DMV website for the exact validity period.