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 for land and sea travel between the United States and Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean without a passport. It contains extra security features and biometric data that regular driver's licenses do not have. Not every state offers them — currently about half of U.S. states issue EDLs, mostly in the Pacific Northwest, Upper Midwest, and Northeast.

You need an EDL if you plan to cross a land or sea border into Canada, Mexico, or certain Caribbean nations and want to avoid carrying a passport. If you only drive across the Canadian or Mexican border occasionally, a passport or passport card may be simpler. If you travel by air internationally, you will still need a passport regardless of whether you have an EDL.

Key Takeaways

An Enhanced Driver's License lets you cross land and sea borders into Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean without a passport, but only about half of U.S. states currently issue them.
You must explore in person at your state's DMV or equivalent agency with proof of citizenship, identity, residency, and a Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number.
The process takes longer than a standard license renewal because the state must verify your citizenship documents and conduct a background check.
EDLs cost more than regular driver's licenses — fees vary by state but typically range from $20 to $50 extra on top of your license fee.
If your state does not offer EDLs, a passport card is the cheapest alternative for land and sea border crossings.

Check Whether Your State Issues Enhanced Driver's Licenses

Before you start the process process, confirm that your state offers EDLs. The states that currently issue them include Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, and New Hampshire. This list changes occasionally as states add or discontinue the program, so check your state's DMV website directly rather than relying on older information.

If your state does not offer an EDL, you have two main alternatives. A passport card costs less than a full passport book and works for land and sea border crossings (but not air travel). A standard passport book works for all forms of travel but costs more and takes longer to obtain through the U.S. State Department.

Documents You Must Bring to the DMV

EDL applications require more documentation than a standard license renewal because the state must verify your citizenship. You will need to bring originals or certified copies of the following to your DMV appointment:

Proof of U.S. citizenship: a birth certificate, passport, passport card, naturalization certificate, or Certificate of Citizenship.
Proof of identity: a current or expired passport, passport card, military ID, or other government-issued photo ID.
Proof of residency: a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days showing your current address.
Your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).
Your current driver's license or state ID.

Some states accept photocopies of certain documents, but most require originals or certified copies for citizenship proof. Call your state DMV before your appointment to confirm which documents they accept in your specific situation — requirements vary slightly by state.

The process Process and Timeline

You must explore for an EDL in person at a DMV office; you cannot explore by mail or online. Schedule an appointment through your state's DMV website if appointments are required in your area. Bring all required documents and be prepared to answer questions about your citizenship and residency.

The DMV will take a new photo, verify your documents, and run a background check. This verification step is why EDL processing takes longer than a standard license renewal — typically 2 to 4 weeks, though some states take up to 6 weeks. You will receive your EDL by mail once processing is complete. If you need to cross a border before your EDL arrives, bring your passport or passport card instead.

Cost and Renewal Requirements

An EDL costs more than a standard driver's license because of the extra security features and citizenship verification. Most states charge between $20 and $50 additional on top of their regular license fee, though a few charge more. Washington State, for example, charges about $35 extra; New York charges roughly $30 extra. Check your state's DMV website for the exact fee in your state.

EDLs are valid for the same length of time as your state's standard driver's license — usually 4 to 8 years depending on your age and state. When you renew, you may be able to renew by mail or online if your state allows it, but some states require an in-person renewal for EDLs even if regular licenses can be renewed remotely. Confirm your state's renewal rules when you receive your EDL.

When an EDL Is Not Enough

An EDL works for land and sea border crossings but does not work for air travel. If you fly internationally, you must carry a passport book regardless of whether you have an EDL. Similarly, an EDL is not accepted for entry into all countries — Canada, Mexico, and certain Caribbean nations accept it, but most other countries do not.

If you travel internationally by air or to countries outside North America and the Caribbean, obtain a passport book instead. If you only cross land borders occasionally and want the simplest option, a passport card costs less than an EDL in most states and works for the same border crossings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an Enhanced Driver's License if I am not a U.S. citizen?

No. EDLs are only for U.S. citizens. If you are a permanent resident or hold another immigration status, you cannot get an EDL. You can use a passport or passport card for border crossings instead.

What if I lost my birth certificate or citizenship documents?

You can request a certified copy of your birth certificate from the vital records office in the state or county where you were born. This usually takes 1 to 2 weeks and costs $10 to $30. If you were naturalized, request a replacement Certificate of Naturalization from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Plan ahead because these documents take time to arrive.

Can I renew my EDL by mail?

It depends on your state. Some states allow EDL renewals by mail if your license has not been suspended and your address has not changed. Others require in-person renewal for EDLs even though regular licenses can be renewed remotely. Check your state's DMV website or call ahead to confirm.

Is an Enhanced Driver's License the same as a REAL ID?

No. A REAL ID is a federal security standard for domestic air travel and federal building access. An EDL is a state ID for international border crossings. Some states issue both on the same card, but they serve different purposes. You need a REAL ID for domestic flights; you need an EDL for land and sea border crossings without a passport.

What should I do if my EDL process is denied?

The DMV will tell you the reason — usually a background check issue or missing documentation. You can request a hearing to challenge the denial or reapply once the issue is resolved. Contact your state DMV for the specific appeal process.

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.