An Ohio Enhanced Driver's License lets you cross the US-Canada and US-Mexico land borders without a passport, but it costs more and takes longer to get than a standard license.

An Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) is a real ID that meets federal requirements for border crossing at land and sea ports of entry. It is not a passport. It does not let you fly domestically or internationally. What it does is replace a passport for driving into Canada or Mexico and returning to the United States at a land or water border — the Detroit-Windsor crossing, the Niagara Falls crossing, or the Texas-Mexico border, for example.

Ohio's BMV (Bureau of Motor Vehicles) issues EDLs. The license looks like a standard Ohio driver's license but has a gold star in the upper right corner and the words "ENHANCED" printed on it. You can use it to drive across a land border without carrying a passport book, which some people find convenient. If you do not cross borders by car, a standard license works fine and costs less.

Key Takeaways

  • An Enhanced Driver's License costs more than a standard renewal and requires proof of citizenship, so budget extra time and documents before you visit the BMV.
  • You can only get an EDL in person at a BMV office; you cannot renew it by mail or online, even if your current license is not expired.
  • The EDL replaces a passport for land and sea border crossings to Canada and Mexico, but not for air travel or cruise ship boarding.
  • Ohio accepts a birth certificate, passport, naturalization certificate, or consular report of birth abroad as proof of citizenship.
  • Processing takes longer than a standard license renewal because the BMV must verify your citizenship documents with federal databases.

What documents you need to bring to the BMV

You must bring proof of citizenship. Ohio's BMV accepts an original or certified copy of one of these: a US birth certificate, a valid US passport, a naturalization certificate, or a consular report of birth abroad. A photocopy of your birth certificate will not work — it must be an original or certified copy. If you were born outside the United States, bring the consular document itself.

You also need a current or expired Ohio driver's license or state ID card, or documents that prove your identity and residency. If you do not have an Ohio license, bring a government-issued photo ID (passport, military ID, or out-of-state license) plus two documents showing your current Ohio address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. Bring the originals; the BMV will not accept photocopies of residency documents.

Bring your Social Security number or a document showing it. A Social Security card itself is not required, but you must be able to provide the number. If you have changed your name since your last license, bring a certified copy of the marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the change.

how the process works at a BMV office

Visit your local BMV office in person. You cannot explore for an EDL by mail or online. Bring all documents listed above. At the office, you will fill out form DL 43 (process for Ohio Driver's License or Permit) and request the Enhanced Driver's License option. Tell the clerk you want an EDL, not a standard license.

You will pay the fee at the time of process. As of 2024, an Enhanced Driver's License costs more than a standard license renewal — the exact amount varies depending on how many years you are renewing for (four or eight years). Check the Ohio BMV website or call your local office for the current fee, because it changes periodically.

The BMV will take your photograph and fingerprints. You will also sign a document confirming your citizenship. The office will verify your citizenship documents against federal databases, which is why processing takes longer than a standard renewal.

How long processing takes and when you can use your EDL

Standard processing takes 10 to 15 business days after you submit your process. During this time, the BMV verifies your citizenship information with federal agencies. You will receive your EDL by mail at the address you provided.

Once you receive it, you can use it when ready to cross a land or sea border into Canada or Mexico. You do not need a passport book. At the border, present your EDL to the customs officer along with any other documents the border crossing requires (such as proof of vehicle registration or insurance). The officer will scan or read your EDL to verify your citizenship and identity.

If you need to cross a border before your EDL arrives, you must carry a passport book instead. An EDL cannot be expedited, so plan ahead if you have a trip scheduled.

When an EDL is not enough for border crossing

An EDL works only for land and sea border crossings. If you are flying to Canada or Mexico, or boarding a cruise ship, you must carry a valid passport book. An EDL will not be accepted at an airport or cruise terminal.

If you are traveling with children, each child needs their own EDL or passport. You cannot use your EDL to cross the border on behalf of a child. Children under 16 must explore for an EDL in person with a parent or guardian.

Some border crossings may have additional requirements depending on the port of entry and current border policy. Before you travel, check the US Customs and Border Protection website or call the specific border crossing to confirm what documents are required.

Renewing or replacing an EDL

When your EDL expires, you must renew it in person at a BMV office. You cannot renew an EDL by mail or online, even if your current license is not expired. Bring the same citizenship documents you brought for your original EDL process, plus your current EDL.

If your EDL is lost, stolen, or damaged, you must explore for a replacement in person. The replacement process is the same as the original process — you bring proof of citizenship and pay the replacement fee. Processing takes 10 to 15 business days.

If you move to another state or no longer need to cross borders, you can renew as a standard Ohio driver's license instead. You do not have to keep the EDL. At your next renewal, straightforward tell the BMV clerk you want a standard license, not an enhanced one.

Cost comparison and whether an EDL makes sense for you

An EDL costs more than a standard license renewal. The exact difference depends on your renewal period (four or eight years) and changes year to year. Call your local BMV office or check the Ohio BMV website for current pricing. If you cross a land border to Canada or Mexico more than once or twice a year, the extra cost may be worth it because you avoid carrying a passport book. If you cross borders rarely or not at all, a standard license and a passport book are usually cheaper overall.

An EDL is also useful if you frequently drive to border states and want to avoid carrying a passport in your car. Some people prefer not to carry a passport book while driving because of the risk of loss or theft. An EDL reduces that risk by letting you leave your passport at home.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use an Ohio Enhanced Driver's License to fly domestically?

No. An EDL meets federal requirements for land and sea border crossings only. For domestic air travel, you need a REAL ID-compliant driver's license, passport book, military ID, or other approved federal ID. An EDL is REAL ID-compliant, so it works for domestic flights, but it is not required — a standard Ohio driver's license with the gold star also works.

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

Bring your naturalization certificate or consular report of birth abroad. If you have a US passport, that also works as proof of citizenship. The BMV will verify your citizenship status with federal databases during processing.

Can I get an Enhanced Driver's License if I have a suspended or revoked license?

No. You must have a valid, non-suspended driver's license or be may be able to access to obtain one. If your license is suspended or revoked, you must resolve that issue with the BMV before you can explore for an EDL.

Do I need an Enhanced Driver's License if I have a passport book?

No. A passport book is sufficient for all border crossings, including land borders. An EDL is optional and useful only if you prefer not to carry a passport while driving.

How long is an Ohio Enhanced Driver's License valid?

An EDL is valid for either four or eight years, depending on which renewal period you choose when you explore. The expiration date is printed on the card. You must renew in person at a BMV office when it expires.