Get an Enhanced Driver's License at Your State's DMV

An enhanced driver's license is a standard driver's license with extra security features that lets you cross the U.S. border into Canada, Mexico, and some Caribbean countries without a passport. You get it from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) — the same place you renew a regular license — but the process takes longer and costs more because you need to prove citizenship.

Not every state offers enhanced licenses yet. As of now, about 20 states issue them, including Washington, Oregon, New York, Michigan, Vermont, and others. If your state does not offer them, you cannot get one there, even if you live near a border. Check your state DMV's website to see if they are available where you live.

The main difference from a regular license is that you must bring proof of U.S. citizenship — a birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers — and the DMV will verify it before issuing the card. The license itself looks similar to a standard one but includes a radio frequency identification (RFID) chip and a special marking (usually a star or flag) that border agents recognize.

Key Takeaways

  • Enhanced driver's licenses are issued only by state DMVs in states that offer them, and you cannot get one in a state that does not participate in the program.
  • You must bring original proof of U.S. citizenship, such as a birth certificate or passport, along with your regular identification documents.
  • The cost ranges from about $20 to $100 more than a standard license renewal, depending on your state.
  • Processing takes two to four weeks in most states because the DMV must verify your citizenship before issuing the card.
  • An enhanced license works for land and sea border crossings to Canada, Mexico, and some Caribbean nations, but not for air travel.

Which States Offer Enhanced Driver's Licenses

The states that currently issue enhanced driver's licenses are Washington, Oregon, New York, Michigan, Vermont, Minnesota, Illinois, Missouri, New Mexico, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and a few others. The list changes occasionally as states join or leave the program, so your first step is to visit your state DMV's official website and search for "enhanced driver's license" to confirm your state participates.

If you live in a state that does not offer them, you have two alternatives: get a standard passport or passport card (which also works for land border crossings), or explore for a NEXUS, SENTRI, or FAST card if you cross borders frequently. These are separate programs run by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, not your DMV.

Documents You Need to Bring to the DMV

Bring your original proof of U.S. citizenship — not a copy. Acceptable documents include a U.S. birth certificate, U.S. passport, passport card, naturalization certificate, or certificate of citizenship. If you were born abroad to a U.S. citizen parent, bring your Consular Report of Birth Abroad (Form FS-240) or Certificate of Birth Abroad (Form DS-1350).

You will also need your current driver's license or state ID, proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). Bring your original documents — the DMV will not accept photocopies for citizenship proof.

Some states require you to bring your vehicle registration if you are renewing your license at the same time. Check your state DMV website for the complete list before you go, because showing up without the right documents means a wasted trip.

The Cost and How Long It Takes

An enhanced driver's license costs between $20 and $100 more than a standard license renewal, depending on your state. Washington charges about $32 extra, while New York charges around $30. Some states bundle the cost into the total renewal fee, so the difference is not always obvious on the receipt.

Processing takes two to four weeks in most states because the DMV must verify your citizenship information with federal databases before they print and mail the card. Some states offer expedited processing for an additional fee, usually $10 to $25, which can cut the time to one to two weeks. You will receive a temporary paper license at the DMV if you need to drive before the card arrives.

how the process works at Your DMV

Start by visiting your state DMV's website and finding the page for enhanced driver's licenses. Most states let you schedule an appointment online, which saves time. If your state does not have online scheduling, you can walk in during business hours, though wait times vary.

When you arrive, tell the DMV staff you want an enhanced driver's license, not a standard renewal. Hand over your citizenship document, current ID, Social Security proof, and address proof. The staff will take your photo, collect your fingerprints (some states require this), and verify your information on the spot. You will pay the fee and receive a receipt with an estimated delivery date.

The DMV will mail your enhanced license to the address on file. If you move before it arrives, contact the DMV when ready to update your address, or the card will go to your old location.

What You Can and Cannot Do With an Enhanced License

An enhanced driver's license lets you enter Canada, Mexico, and some Caribbean nations by land or sea without a passport. You can drive across the Canadian or Mexican border, take a ferry, or board a cruise ship without carrying a separate passport document. Border agents will scan the RFID chip in your license to verify your identity.

You cannot use an enhanced license for air travel, even to cross a border. If you fly to Canada or Mexico, you still need a passport. You also cannot use it to enter countries beyond North America and the Caribbean — if you travel to Europe, Asia, or anywhere else, you need a passport.

An enhanced license is still a valid driver's license for all regular driving purposes within the United States, just like a standard license.

Renewing Your Enhanced Driver's License

When your enhanced license expires, you renew it the same way you got it the first time: bring your citizenship document, current ID, Social Security proof, and address proof to the DMV. You cannot renew by mail or online, even if your state allows mail renewal for standard licenses, because the DMV must verify your citizenship again.

The renewal process takes the same two to four weeks as the initial process. Some states let you renew up to six months before your license expires, so you can plan ahead and avoid the rush near your expiration date.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Enhanced driver's licenses are only for U.S. citizens. If you are a permanent resident or hold a visa, you can get a standard driver's license, but not an enhanced one. You would need a passport to cross borders by land or sea.

What if I lost my birth certificate?

Contact the vital records office in the state or country where you were born and request a certified copy. This usually takes one to two weeks and costs $10 to $30. You can often order online or by mail. Bring the certified copy to the DMV — a photocopy will not work.

Do I need an enhanced license to cross the border, or is a passport card enough?

A passport card works for land and sea border crossings and is accepted everywhere an enhanced license is. The choice depends on whether you already have a passport. If you do not, an enhanced license is cheaper and faster to get if your state offers it.

Can I use my enhanced license to fly to Canada?

No. Enhanced licenses work only for land and sea crossings. For any air travel, including flights to Canada or Mexico, you need a passport or passport card.

What happens if my enhanced license is stolen?

Report it to your state DMV when ready and request a replacement. You will need to bring your citizenship document again and pay a replacement fee, usually $10 to $20. The DMV will issue a new card with a different number, and the old one will be deactivated.