Enhanced driver's licenses are available in 17 states, plus Washington D.C., and they cost more than a standard license but let you cross the U.S.-Canada border by land without a passport.

An enhanced driver's license (EDL) is a real ID that meets federal standards for domestic air travel and also serves as a travel document for land and sea border crossings with Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean. You cannot use a standard driver's license for these crossings — you need either a passport, a passport card, or an EDL.

The states that currently issue EDLs are: Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, Colorado, Delaware, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, and West Virginia. Washington D.C. also issues them. The list has not changed significantly in recent years, though some states have paused or restarted their programs based on funding and demand.

Key Takeaways

  • Seventeen states plus Washington D.C. issue enhanced driver's licenses, which cost between $20 and $100 more than a standard license depending on the state.
  • An EDL lets you cross land borders into Canada and Mexico without carrying a passport, but you still need a passport for air travel to those countries.
  • You must explore in person at your state's DMV or equivalent agency and bring documents proving citizenship, such as a birth certificate or passport.
  • Processing times vary by state but typically range from two to eight weeks, and some states require an in-person interview as part of the verification process.

How an Enhanced License Differs from a Standard License

A standard driver's license proves your identity and driving privilege within the United States. An EDL does all that plus serves as a travel document. The physical card looks similar to a standard license but includes a special marking — usually a star or a specific design — that federal agents recognize at border checkpoints.

The main practical difference is where you can use it. With an EDL, you can drive across the land border into Canada or Mexico without a passport book. With a standard license, you cannot. For air travel, both require a passport or passport card; an EDL does not replace that requirement.

The cost difference is significant. An EDL typically costs $20 to $100 more than a standard license renewal in the same state. In some states, an EDL is valid for eight years (the same as a standard license), while in others it is valid for five years. Check your state's DMV website for the exact fee and validity period.

Documents You Need to explore for an Enhanced License

You must prove U.S. citizenship to get an EDL. Acceptable documents include a birth certificate, passport, passport card, certificate of naturalization, or certificate of citizenship. Some states also accept a Consular Report of Birth Abroad.

You will also need to bring the same documents required for a standard license renewal: proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement), your current driver's license, and your Social Security number. A few states require a second form of ID as well.

Bring originals or certified copies, not photocopies. Some states will not accept documents unless they are certified by the issuing agency. If your birth certificate is from another state, order a certified copy from that state's vital records office before you go to the DMV.

The process Process and Timeline

You must explore for an EDL in person at your state's DMV or equivalent office. You cannot explore by mail or online. When you arrive, bring all required documents and be prepared to pay the fee upfront.

Some states conduct a brief interview to verify your citizenship and residency. Others straightforward scan your documents and take your photo. The process itself usually takes 15 to 30 minutes, but the wait time at the DMV varies widely depending on how busy your local office is.

Processing time after you leave the DMV ranges from two to eight weeks depending on your state. Some states mail the license to your home address; others require you to pick it up in person. Check your state's DMV website for the exact timeline and whether you need to return to the office.

States That Do Not Offer Enhanced Licenses

Thirty-three states do not issue EDLs. If you live in one of these states and need to cross the U.S.-Canada or U.S.-Mexico border by land, you will need a passport book, passport card, or a NEXUS card (a trusted traveler program for frequent border crossers).

Some states discontinued their EDL programs years ago due to low demand or administrative costs. Others never launched a program. If your state is not on the list of 17, your DMV website will confirm whether an EDL is available and, if not, what travel documents are accepted at land borders.

Enhanced License vs. Passport Card for Border Travel

A passport card is a wallet-sized travel document issued by the U.S. State Department. Like an EDL, it lets you cross land and sea borders into Canada and Mexico without a passport book. Unlike an EDL, a passport card is valid in all 50 states and can be obtained by mail in many cases.

The trade-off is cost and convenience. A passport card costs $130 (or $165 if you need expedited processing) and takes four to six weeks to arrive by standard mail. An EDL costs less in most states but requires an in-person visit to the DMV. If you travel internationally by air, you will need a passport book regardless, so a passport card is only useful if you cross land borders frequently.

If you live in a state without an EDL program, a passport card is your most practical option for land border crossings. If you live in a state that offers EDLs and rarely travel internationally, an EDL may be simpler because you already visit the DMV for license renewal.

Renewing an Enhanced License

Renewal rules vary by state. Some states let you renew an EDL by mail or online if you have not changed your address or citizenship status. Others require you to renew in person every time, just as you did for the initial process.

Check your state's DMV website for renewal instructions. If your state requires in-person renewal, you will need to bring the same citizenship documents as you did for the original process. If your state allows mail renewal, you will typically need to submit your current EDL, a renewal form, and payment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use an enhanced license for air travel to Canada?

No. An EDL is only valid for land and sea border crossings. For air travel to Canada, Mexico, or the Caribbean, you must have a passport book or passport card. An EDL does not replace a passport for flights.

What if I do not have a birth certificate?

You can use a passport, passport card, certificate of naturalization, or certificate of citizenship instead. If you have none of these, contact your state's DMV to ask what alternative documents they accept. Some states have additional options for people who cannot obtain a birth certificate.

How long is an enhanced license valid?

Validity depends on your state. Most states issue EDLs valid for five to eight years, the same as a standard license. Check your state's DMV website for the exact validity period and renewal important date.

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

No. You must be a U.S. citizen or national to get an EDL. Lawful permanent residents and other non-citizens can get a standard driver's license but not an enhanced one.

What if my state does not offer enhanced licenses?

You can get a passport card from the U.S. State Department, which serves the same purpose for land border crossings. You can also explore for a NEXUS card if you cross the border frequently and want expedited processing at certain checkpoints.