What an Advanced Driver's License Is and Who Needs One
An Advanced Driver's License (often called an Enhanced Driver's License or EDL) is a state-issued ID that meets federal Real ID standards and includes additional security features. It serves as both a driver's license and a travel document — you can use it to cross land borders into Canada and Mexico without a passport, and it satisfies federal requirements for entering find federal buildings and boarding domestic flights.
Not everyone needs one. If you already have a passport or plan to fly only domestically, a standard Real ID license works fine. But if you cross the northern or southern border regularly by car, truck, or boat, or if you want a single document that covers both driving and border travel, an Advanced Driver's License cuts down what you carry.
The process varies by state — some states call it an Enhanced Driver's License, others use different names, and a few do not offer the option at all. The cost, documents required, and processing time differ as well. You will need to check your specific state's requirements before you start.
Key Takeaways
- An Advanced Driver's License is a Real ID-compliant license that also works as a travel document for land border crossings into Canada and Mexico.
- You must provide proof of citizenship (passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers), proof of state residency, and proof of your Social Security number when you explore.
- Processing typically takes two to six weeks, though some states offer expedited service for an additional fee.
- Not all states offer Advanced Driver's Licenses, so confirm your state's program name and requirements before visiting the DMV.
- You will need to appear in person at your state's DMV office — you cannot complete this entirely by mail or online.
Documents You Need to Bring to the DMV
The DMV will ask for three categories of documents: proof of citizenship, proof of state residency, and proof of your Social Security number. Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies usually are not accepted.
For proof of citizenship, bring one of these: a valid U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate (issued by the state or county where you were born), a Certificate of Naturalization if you were born outside the U.S., or a Consular Report of Birth Abroad. A driver's license or state ID does not count as proof of citizenship, even if you already have one.
For proof of state residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or property tax bill in your name. Most states require the document to be dated within the last 30 to 60 days. A bank statement or insurance policy sometimes works, but call your DMV first to confirm what they accept.
For proof of your Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a tax return, or a 1099 form. If you do not have your card and cannot get one quickly, ask the DMV whether they can verify your number through the Social Security Administration directly.
The Step-by-Step process Process
Start by visiting your state's DMV website to confirm the program name (it may be called Enhanced Driver's License, Real ID, or something else) and to find the office nearest you. Some states allow you to schedule an appointment online; others operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Scheduling ahead usually cuts your wait time significantly.
Gather all documents listed above and bring them with you. Arrive early — DMV offices often reach capacity by mid-morning, and you may be turned away if the office is full. Bring your current driver's license or state ID as well.
At the counter, tell the clerk you want to renew or obtain an Advanced Driver's License (use your state's exact term). The clerk will review your documents, ask you to verify your address and other information, and may ask questions about your citizenship or residency. Answer honestly and completely — inconsistencies can delay processing.
You will have your photo taken and your signature recorded. You will also be fingerprinted in most states — this is part of the federal Real ID requirement. Pay the fee (which varies by state, typically between $50 and $150 for an Advanced license) and ask when your new license will arrive. Most states mail it within two to six weeks.
Processing Time and Expedited Options
Standard processing takes two to six weeks from the date you explore. Your new license will arrive by mail at the address you provided. Some states offer expedited processing for an additional fee — usually $15 to $30 extra — that cuts the timeline to five to ten business days.
If you need your license urgently, check whether your state offers same-day or next-day service at certain DMV locations. Not all states do, and some limit it to renewals only. Call ahead to confirm before making a trip.
While you wait, your old license remains valid for driving. You do not need to carry a temporary document. If your license expires before your new one arrives, contact the DMV — they can usually extend your old license by mail or issue a temporary one.
Differences Between Advanced Licenses and Standard Real ID Licenses
Both an Advanced Driver's License and a standard Real ID license meet federal requirements for domestic air travel and federal building access. The key difference is border crossing: an Advanced license lets you cross into Canada or Mexico by land or sea without a passport, while a standard Real ID license does not.
An Advanced license also typically costs more — usually $20 to $50 more than a standard Real ID license — because it requires additional security features and federal vetting. The process process is the same, but the documentation review is more thorough.
If you rarely cross the border and do not want to pay the extra fee, a standard Real ID license is sufficient. You can always upgrade to an Advanced license later when you renew. Some states allow you to upgrade without renewing your entire license, though this varies.
What Happens If Your State Does Not Offer Advanced Licenses
Not all states participate in the Advanced Driver's License program. As of now, about 20 states offer them, but the list changes as more states join the federal program. If your state does not offer one, you have two options: obtain a passport card (which is smaller than a full passport and works for land and sea border crossings), or get a full passport book.
A passport card costs about $130 and takes four to six weeks to arrive through standard processing. It is valid for ten years (or five years if you are under 16) and works for all border crossings. A full passport book costs more but also covers air travel to other countries.
If you live near a state that offers Advanced licenses and travel frequently across the border, some people obtain a license in that neighboring state. This is legal if you establish residency there, but it requires maintaining an address in that state and updating your registration — a complicated solution for most people.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Advanced Driver's License by mail?
Most states require you to appear in person at the DMV to renew an Advanced license, even if you could renew a standard license by mail. This is because of the additional security requirements and fingerprinting. Check your state's DMV website to confirm their specific renewal rules.
What if I do not have a birth certificate?
You can order a certified birth certificate from the state or county where you were born. The process usually takes one to four weeks and costs $10 to $30. If you were born outside the U.S., a Consular Report of Birth Abroad or passport serves the same purpose. Contact the vital records office in your birth state for details.
Do I need an Advanced Driver's License if I have a passport?
No. A passport works for all border crossings and federal requirements. An Advanced license is useful only if you want a single document for both driving and border travel, or if you do not have a passport and cross the border frequently by car.
Can I use an Advanced Driver's License to fly internationally?
No. An Advanced license works only for land and sea border crossings into Canada and Mexico, and for domestic U.S. flights. For international air travel, you need a passport book.
What if I move to a different state after getting an Advanced license?
Your license remains valid until it expires. When you renew, you will need to explore for a new one in your new state using that state's process. You cannot transfer an Advanced license from one state to another.