An Enhanced Driver's License lets you cross the US-Canada border by land or sea without a passport

Minnesota's Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) is a standard driver's license with added security features that proves both your identity and citizenship. The main reason to get one: you can use it alone to enter Canada, Mexico, and some Caribbean nations by car, boat, or land crossing — you do not need a passport book. A regular Minnesota driver's license does not work for these border crossings; you would need a passport or passport card instead.

The EDL costs more than a standard license and takes longer to obtain because Minnesota must verify your citizenship documents before issuing it. If you never cross land borders, a regular license is cheaper and faster. If you cross into Canada regularly — whether for work, family, or recreation — the EDL saves you from carrying a passport every time.

Key Takeaways

  • An Enhanced Driver's License proves citizenship and identity, allowing you to cross US land and sea borders into Canada without a passport book.
  • Minnesota requires original or certified copies of citizenship documents (birth certificate, naturalization papers, or passport) before issuing an EDL.
  • The EDL costs more than a standard license and requires an in-person visit to a Driver and Vehicle Services office with all required documents.
  • Processing takes several weeks because the state must verify your citizenship status before printing the card.
  • An EDL is valid for the same length of time as a standard license (eight years for most adults), but you cannot renew it by mail.

What documents you need to bring to get an EDL

Minnesota requires proof of citizenship, proof of identity, and proof of Minnesota residency. For citizenship, bring one of these originals or certified copies: a US birth certificate, naturalization certificate, passport book, or passport card. A photocopy of your birth certificate does not work — it must be an original or certified by the vital records office that issued it.

For identity, bring a current passport, passport card, or an expired Minnesota driver's license or ID card. For residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or property tax bill in your name with a Minnesota address. Some documents can serve double duty — a passport, for example, proves both citizenship and identity.

Bring your Social Security number or a Social Security card. If you have changed your name since your citizenship document was issued, bring a certified copy of the marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the name change.

The step-by-step process at a Driver and Vehicle Services office

First, schedule an appointment at a Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services office through the state's online system or by calling 651-297-2126. Walk-ins are accepted but waits can be long. Bring all documents listed above — staff will not issue an EDL if any required document is missing.

At your appointment, a staff member will review your documents, take a new photo, and collect your process fee. You will answer questions about your citizenship status and sign the process. The staff member will keep your original citizenship document or send it to the state vital records office for verification if it is not a passport.

After you leave, Minnesota's Secretary of State office verifies your citizenship information with federal databases and the vital records office. This verification step takes two to four weeks. Once verified, the state prints your EDL and mails it to you. Total time from appointment to receiving your card is typically three to five weeks.

Cost and validity period

An Enhanced Driver's License costs more than a standard license. The exact fee varies depending on how long your license is valid for, but expect to pay roughly $15 to $25 more than a standard license fee. Check the current fee on the Minnesota Secretary of State website before your appointment.

An EDL is valid for eight years if you are under 65, or four years if you are 65 or older — the same validity period as a standard license. You cannot renew an EDL by mail; you must visit a Driver and Vehicle Services office in person and bring your citizenship documents again.

When you cannot use an EDL for border crossing

An EDL works for land and sea crossings into Canada, Mexico, and some Caribbean nations. It does not work for air travel — you still need a passport book or passport card to fly internationally. If you are crossing into Canada by air, you must have a passport.

Some border crossings have specific rules. For example, if you are crossing into Canada at certain ports of entry, border agents may ask additional questions or request more documentation. An EDL proves citizenship, but it does not may provide entry — Canadian border officials make the final decision based on your travel history and the purpose of your visit.

EDL vs. passport card: which one to get

A passport card is smaller, costs less than a passport book, and works for land and sea border crossings just like an EDL. The main difference: a passport card is issued by the federal government (US State Department) and takes longer to obtain if you do not already have a passport. An EDL is issued by Minnesota and is faster if you already have a driver's license.

If you travel internationally by air, you need a passport book regardless — neither an EDL nor a passport card works for flights. If you cross land borders frequently and want to avoid carrying a passport, both the EDL and passport card work equally well. The EDL is more convenient if you already have a Minnesota driver's license and do not want to carry a separate card.

What happens if your citizenship documents are not in English

If your birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or other citizenship document is in a language other than English, you must bring a certified English translation along with the original document. The translation must be certified by a professional translator or the agency that issued the original document.

Minnesota does not translate documents for you. You can hire a professional translator, contact your country's consulate for a certified translation, or check with your local vital records office to see if they provide translation services.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an EDL if I am a permanent resident but not a US citizen?

No. Minnesota only issues an EDL to US citizens. If you are a permanent resident, you can use a passport book or passport card for border crossings, but not an EDL. You would need to become a naturalized US citizen first.

What if I lost my citizenship document and cannot get a replacement in time?

You cannot get an EDL without an original or certified copy of a citizenship document. Contact the vital records office in the state or country where you were born to request a certified copy of your birth certificate. This process takes one to four weeks depending on the office. In the meantime, use a passport book or passport card for border crossings.

Do I need an appointment or can I just walk in?

Appointments are recommended and can be scheduled online through the Minnesota Secretary of State website. Walk-ins are accepted at most offices, but you may wait several hours. Scheduling an appointment guarantees a shorter wait and ensures staff are ready to process your documents.

Can I renew my EDL by mail like a regular license?

No. EDL renewals require an in-person visit to a Driver and Vehicle Services office because staff must verify your citizenship documents again. You cannot renew an EDL online or by mail.

How long does the citizenship verification actually take?

Verification typically takes two to four weeks after your appointment. During this time, Minnesota checks your information against federal databases and contacts vital records offices if needed. You will receive your EDL by mail once verification is complete.