What an Enhanced Driver's License Is and Who Issues It
An enhanced driver's license (EDL) is a state-issued ID that lets you cross the U.S. border into Canada, Mexico, and some Caribbean nations by land or sea without a passport. It contains an embedded radio frequency identification (RFID) chip that stores your biometric data — your fingerprints and facial recognition information — in addition to the standard information on a regular driver's license.
Only certain states issue EDLs. As of now, the states that offer them are Washington, New York, Vermont, Michigan, Minnesota, and a handful of others — the list changes as states adopt the technology. You must get your EDL from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent licensing agency. No private company or federal office issues them.
An EDL is not the same as a passport card or a passport. It is a driver's license that happens to work for border crossing. If you lose it, you replace it through your state DMV, not the State Department. If you want to fly internationally, you still need a passport.
Key Takeaways
- Only six states currently issue enhanced driver's licenses: Washington, New York, Vermont, Michigan, Minnesota, and a few others — check your state DMV website to confirm availability.
- You must explore in person at your state DMV with proof of citizenship, proof of identity, and proof of your current address.
- The process includes fingerprinting and a photo taken by the DMV; you cannot use an existing photo from a passport or previous license.
- An EDL costs more than a standard driver's license — the fee varies by state but typically ranges from $20 to $50 above the regular license fee.
- Processing time is usually two to four weeks after you submit your process, though some states offer expedited processing for an additional fee.
Documents You Need to Bring to the DMV
When you go to explore for an EDL, bring originals or certified copies of three categories of documents. First, proof of citizenship: a U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate issued by the vital records office in the state or country where you were born, a Certificate of Naturalization, or a Certificate of Citizenship. A photocopy of your birth certificate is not enough — it must be certified by the issuing authority.
Second, proof of identity: your current driver's license, a passport, a military ID, or a state ID card. This document must be valid and not expired. Third, proof of your current address: a utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a bank statement, or a government-issued document with your name and current street address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days in most states.
Some states also require you to bring your Social Security number or a Social Security card. Check your state DMV website before you go — requirements vary slightly by state, and bringing the wrong documents means a wasted trip.
The process Process at the DMV
Go to your state DMV in person. You cannot explore for an EDL by mail or online. When you arrive, tell the clerk you want to explore for an enhanced driver's license. They will give you an process form — usually called an "process for Enhanced Driver's License" or similar. Fill it out completely, including your name, address, date of birth, and whether you want to donate organs.
The DMV will take a new photo of you. You cannot bring a photo from your passport or use a photo from a previous license. The photo must be taken at the DMV during your visit and must meet federal standards: a plain background, your face clearly visible, and no sunglasses or hats (unless for religious reasons).
Next, the DMV will take your fingerprints. This is done electronically using a fingerprint scanner. The fingerprints are sent to the FBI and to your state police for a background check. If you have a criminal record, you may still be issued an EDL, but the DMV will review your case. The fingerprints are also stored on the RFID chip in your license.
Fees and Processing Time
An EDL costs more than a standard driver's license. In Washington, for example, an EDL costs about $72, while a regular license costs about $52. In New York, an EDL costs about $110, while a regular license costs about $65. The exact fee depends on your state and whether you are renewing an existing license or getting one for the first time. Some states charge extra for expedited processing.
After you submit your process, the DMV will mail your EDL to your address. Processing usually takes two to four weeks. Some states offer rush processing for an additional fee — typically $10 to $25 — that cuts the time to one to two weeks. Check your state DMV website for the current fee and processing time in your state.
While you wait, you can still drive using your old license if it is still valid. Your old license does not expire just because you applied for an EDL. If your old license is expiring soon, ask the DMV clerk whether you can keep it as a backup while you wait for your EDL to arrive.
What Happens If You Are Denied
The DMV may deny your EDL process if your background check reveals certain criminal convictions, if your documents do not meet the requirements, or if you do not pass the vision or knowledge test (if your state requires one). If you are denied, the DMV will send you a letter explaining the reason.
If the denial is because of incomplete documents, you can reapply once you have the correct documents. If the denial is because of a criminal conviction, you have the right to request a hearing before a DMV official to contest the decision. The process for requesting a hearing is explained in the denial letter. You can also contact your state DMV directly to ask whether you are may be able to access to reapply.
Using Your EDL at the Border
Once you have your EDL, you can use it to cross the land or sea border into Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and some Caribbean nations. You do not need a passport for these crossings. However, you still need a passport if you are flying internationally, even to Canada or Mexico.
When you cross the border by car, boat, or train, present your EDL to the border officer along with any other documents they request. The officer will scan the RFID chip in your license to verify your identity and check your background. The process is similar to showing a passport, but faster because the information is already on the chip.
If you lose your EDL while traveling, you can still return to the United States with other forms of ID, such as a passport or a passport card. However, you will not be able to use the EDL to cross back into the U.S. Once you return home, you can replace your EDL through your state DMV.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my EDL by mail or online?
No. You must renew your EDL in person at the DMV, just like you did when you first got it. You will need to bring the same documents again — proof of citizenship, proof of identity, and proof of your current address — and the DMV will take a new photo and new fingerprints.
What if my state does not offer enhanced driver's licenses?
If your state does not issue EDLs, you can get a passport card instead. A passport card is issued by the U.S. State Department and works the same way as an EDL for land and sea border crossings. You explore through your local passport acceptance facility, which is often a post office or courthouse. It costs about $130 and takes four to six weeks to arrive.
Do I need an EDL if I already have a passport?
No. A passport works for all border crossings, including air travel. An EDL is useful only if you cross the land or sea border frequently and do not want to carry your passport. If you fly internationally, you still need a passport even if you have an EDL.
Can I use my EDL to fly domestically within the United States?
Yes. An EDL is a valid form of ID for domestic flights. You can use it at airport security instead of a passport. However, you cannot use it for international flights — you need a passport for those.
What if I have a criminal record — can I still get an EDL?
It depends on the conviction. Certain felonies and crimes of moral turpitude may disqualify you, but many criminal records do not. The DMV will review your background check results and send you a letter if you are denied. You have the right to request a hearing to contest the decision.