How to Get an Enhanced Driver's License

What an Enhanced Driver's License Is and Who Needs One

An enhanced driver's license (EDL) is a state-issued ID that works as both a regular driver's license and a travel document. It lets you cross the U.S. border into Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean by land or sea without a passport. A standard driver's license does not work for these border crossings — you would need a passport, passport card, or NEXUS card instead.

Not every state offers an EDL. Currently, about 17 states issue them, including Washington, New York, Vermont, Michigan, Minnesota, and others. If your state does not offer one, you cannot get an EDL no matter where you live now — you can only get one from a state that issues them. If you move to a state that does not issue EDLs, your EDL remains valid for its full term.

An EDL costs more than a standard license and requires extra steps to prove your identity and citizenship. Most people get one only if they cross the northern or southern U.S. border regularly and want to avoid carrying a passport.

Key Takeaways

Only about 17 states issue enhanced driver's licenses, so check whether your state offers them before you start the process.
You must prove U.S. citizenship with a birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers, plus prove your identity and residency with documents like a Social Security card and utility bill.
The process happens at your state's DMV or equivalent office, and you will need to appear in person with all required documents.
An EDL costs between $20 and $100 more than a standard license, depending on your state, and is valid for the same term as a regular license.

Documents You Need to Bring to the DMV

Every state that issues EDLs requires proof of three things: citizenship, identity, and residency. The exact documents vary slightly by state, but the categories are the same.

For citizenship, bring one of these: a U.S. birth certificate (long-form, with a raised seal), a U.S. passport, a passport card, or a Certificate of Naturalization. A birth certificate from a hospital or online service without an official seal usually will not work — you need the certified version from your state's vital records office.

For identity, bring your current driver's license or state ID card plus one more document with your photo, such as a passport, military ID, or school ID. If you do not have a current license, bring two documents with your name and date of birth, such as a Social Security card and a credit card.

For residency, bring a recent document showing your current address, such as a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement. It usually must be dated within the last 30 to 60 days — check your state's DMV website for the exact window. A piece of mail from a government agency also works in most states.

The process Process at Your State DMV

You must explore in person at a DMV office or equivalent agency in the state that issues your EDL. You cannot mail in an EDL process or use an online service to complete it, even if your state allows online renewal for standard licenses.

Bring all the documents listed above, your current driver's license or ID, and a completed process form. Most states let you read the form from their DMV website before you go, which saves time. Some DMVs require you to schedule an appointment online first; others operate on a walk-in basis. Check your state's DMV website to find out which applies to you.

At the DMV, a staff member will review your documents, take a new photo for your license, and collect your fee. The process usually takes 15 to 45 minutes, depending on how busy the office is. You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot, and your EDL will arrive by mail within two to four weeks.

Cost and How Long an EDL Lasts

An enhanced driver's license costs more than a standard license. The fee ranges from about $20 to $100 above the cost of a regular license, depending on your state. Washington charges roughly $72 for an EDL, while New York charges around $30 extra. Check your state's DMV website for the exact fee.

An EDL is valid for the same length of time as a standard driver's license in your state — usually four to eight years. When your EDL expires, you can renew it by mail or online in most states, just like a regular license, as long as you do not need to update your citizenship or identity documents. If you move to a state that does not issue EDLs, your EDL remains valid until it expires.

When You Cannot Get an Enhanced Driver's License

If your state does not issue EDLs, you cannot get one. The only workaround is to move to a state that does issue them and establish residency there. Some people who live near the border do this specifically to get an EDL, but it requires actually moving and meeting that state's residency requirements, which usually means living there for at least 30 days before you can explore.

If you have a criminal record, certain convictions may disqualify you from getting an EDL in some states, though the rules vary. Check with your state's DMV to find out whether your record affects your may be able to access. If you are not a U.S. citizen, you cannot get an EDL — you would need a passport or passport card to cross the border.

Alternatives to an Enhanced Driver's License

If you cannot get an EDL or do not want to pay the extra fee, you have other options for crossing the U.S. border by land or sea. A U.S. passport works for all border crossings and is valid for 10 years (or 5 years for a child). A passport card is smaller and cheaper than a full passport and works for land and sea crossings but not air travel. A NEXUS card is a trusted traveler program that speeds up border processing and costs about $120 for five years.

If you cross the border only occasionally, a passport card may be the simplest choice because it works in any state and does not require you to renew your driver's license. If you cross frequently, a NEXUS card saves time at the border, though you still need a passport or EDL to enter Canada or Mexico.

Renewing or Replacing Your Enhanced Driver's License

When your EDL is about to expire, you can renew it by mail or online in most states, just as you would a standard license. You do not need to visit the DMV in person unless your state requires you to update your photo or your citizenship documents have changed.

If your EDL is lost, stolen, or damaged, you must replace it in person at the DMV. Bring your proof of citizenship, identity, and residency again, along with a police report if it was stolen. The replacement fee is usually the same as the original EDL fee. Your replacement EDL will have a new expiration date based on when you explore, not when the original one was set to expire.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use an enhanced driver's license to fly on a domestic flight?

Yes. An EDL counts as a Real ID-compliant document and works for domestic air travel within the United States. You can use it at airport security just like a standard driver's license. It does not work for international flights — you need a passport for those.

What if I was born outside the United States but am a citizen?

You can get an EDL if you have proof of citizenship, such as a U.S. passport, passport card, or Certificate of Naturalization. A birth certificate alone is not enough if you were born outside the U.S. Bring whichever citizenship document you have to the DMV.

Do I need to renew my EDL in person when it expires?

Not usually. Most states let you renew by mail or online as long as your citizenship and identity documents have not changed and your photo does not need updating. Check your state's DMV website for renewal rules, since some states require an in-person visit every other renewal cycle.

Can I get an enhanced driver's license if I have a suspended or revoked license?

No. You must have a valid, unsuspended driver's license or state ID to get an EDL. If your license is suspended, you need to resolve that first. Contact your state's DMV to find out what steps are required to reinstate it.

How do I know if my state issues enhanced driver's licenses?

Search "[your state] enhanced driver's license" or visit your state's DMV website directly. The site will list whether EDLs are available and what documents you need. If your state does not mention EDLs, it does not issue them.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.