An enhanced driver's license requires a passport or birth certificate, proof of address, and your current ID

An enhanced driver's license (EDL) is a real ID that lets you cross the US-Canada and US-Mexico borders by land or sea without a passport. To get one, you need to bring three things to your state's DMV: proof of citizenship (a passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers), proof of your current address, and your current driver's license or ID card. Some states also require a Social Security number verification.

Not every state offers an enhanced license. As of now, about 17 states issue them, including Washington, New York, Michigan, and Vermont. If your state does not offer one, you cannot get an EDL there — you would need a passport or passport card instead to cross a land border without other documents. Check your state DMV website to confirm whether EDLs are available where you live.

The process takes longer than a standard license renewal because the DMV has to verify your citizenship documents. Most states take two to four weeks, though some are faster. You will pay more than a regular license — the cost varies by state, typically between $30 and $120 extra, depending on how long the license is valid for.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring proof of citizenship (passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers), proof of address, and your current ID to the DMV.
  • Only about 17 states currently issue enhanced driver's licenses, so check your state DMV website first to see if yours is one of them.
  • Processing takes two to four weeks in most states because the DMV verifies your citizenship documents before issuing the card.
  • An enhanced license costs more than a standard renewal, with fees varying by state but typically $30 to $120 above the regular license cost.

Proof of citizenship documents that the DMV will accept

Your proof of citizenship must be an original document or a certified copy — photocopies do not count. A US passport or passport card is the easiest option because it serves as both citizenship proof and a travel document. If you do not have a passport, a certified birth certificate works, but it must be an official copy from the vital records office in the state or country where you were born, not a hospital birth certificate.

Other documents the DMV accepts include a Certificate of Naturalization if you became a US citizen through naturalization, a Certificate of Citizenship issued by USCIS, or a Consular Report of Birth Abroad if you were born to US parents outside the country. Some states also accept a Native American tribal document as proof of citizenship.

Do not bring expired documents — your citizenship proof must be current and valid. If your birth certificate is damaged or you cannot locate it, you will need to order a new certified copy from the vital records office before you go to the DMV. This can add one to two weeks to your timeline.

Proof of address and what documents work

You need one document showing your current address — the one where you actually live now. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) dated within the last 60 days is the most common choice. A lease or mortgage statement also works, as does a property tax bill or homeowner's insurance statement.

If you do not have a utility bill in your name, other options include a bank or credit card statement dated within the last 60 days, a government check or benefit statement (Social Security, unemployment, tax refund), or a rental agreement signed by you and your landlord. Some states accept a vehicle registration if it shows your current address.

The document must show your full name and street address — a PO box does not count. If you recently moved and your address has not updated on your bills yet, bring a lease or rental agreement instead, or ask your landlord for a signed letter on their letterhead confirming your residency. Call your state DMV ahead of time if you are unsure whether a specific document will work.

Your current ID and what to bring

Bring your current driver's license or state ID card, even if it is expired. The DMV uses it to verify your identity and pull up your existing record. If you have lost your license or it was suspended, bring any government-issued photo ID instead — a passport, passport card, military ID, or tribal ID all work.

If you do not have any photo ID at all, the process becomes more complicated. You will need to bring additional documents to prove your identity, such as a Social Security card, a birth certificate, and a document showing your address. Some states require you to appear in person with a witness who can vouch for you. Contact your state DMV before you go if you are in this situation, because the requirements vary.

Social Security number verification in some states

Several states require you to provide your Social Security number when you explore for an enhanced license. The DMV verifies it with the Social Security Administration to confirm it matches your name and citizenship status. Bring your Social Security card or a document that shows your number, such as a tax return or W-2 form.

If you do not have a Social Security number — for example, if you are a non-citizen with a visa — you cannot get an enhanced license in most states. Some states have exceptions for certain visa holders, but this varies. Check with your state DMV about whether you are may be able to access if you do not have a Social Security number.

The in-person visit and what happens at the DMV

You must go to a DMV office in person to explore for an enhanced license. Bring all your documents in originals or certified copies — do not rely on the DMV having copies on file. Arrive early, because some offices require appointments and others operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Check your state DMV website to see whether you need to book a time slot.

At the counter, the DMV staff will review your citizenship documents, verify your address, take a new photo, and collect your fee. They will ask you to sign a form confirming that the information is correct. The whole process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes, though wait times vary by location and time of day.

After you leave, the DMV will mail your enhanced license to the address on file. This takes two to four weeks in most states. You will receive a temporary paper license or a receipt that you can use as ID until the card arrives. Do not throw this away — you may need it if you travel before your EDL arrives.

Cost and how long the license is valid

An enhanced driver's license costs more than a standard license renewal because of the extra citizenship verification. The fee varies by state — some charge $30 to $50 extra, while others charge up to $120 more. A few states include the EDL option at no additional cost, but this is rare. Check your state DMV website for the exact fee.

The license itself is valid for the same length of time as a regular driver's license in your state — usually four to eight years, depending on your age and state rules. When it expires, you can renew it by mail or online in most states, without having to bring your citizenship documents again. However, some states require you to appear in person for every renewal.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. An enhanced driver's license counts as a REAL ID-compliant document, so you can use it at airport security checkpoints for domestic flights. You do not need a passport for flights within the US if you have an EDL.

What if my birth certificate is from another country?

A foreign birth certificate works only if you have also become a US citizen. Bring your Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of Citizenship along with your birth certificate. If you are not a US citizen, you cannot get an enhanced license.

Do I need an appointment at the DMV, or can I just walk in?

It depends on your state. Some DMVs require appointments for all transactions, while others accept walk-ins. Check your state DMV website or call ahead to find out. Making an appointment usually gets you in faster.

Can someone else pick up my enhanced license for me?

No. Most states mail the license directly to your address, so you do not have to pick it up. If your state requires pickup, only you can collect it — bring your ID and the receipt you received at the DMV.

What if I move after I get my enhanced license?

You do not have to renew your license just because you moved. Your EDL remains valid until its expiration date. However, you should update your address with the DMV so your records are current. You can usually do this online or by mail without getting a new card.