Documents required for an enhanced driver license
An enhanced driver license (EDL) requires more documents than a standard license because it proves both identity and citizenship. You will need proof of identity, proof of citizenship or lawful status, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. The exact list varies slightly by state, but every state that issues EDLs follows the federal REAL ID standards, which means the core documents are the same everywhere.
The reason for the extra paperwork is that an EDL allows you to cross the U.S.-Canada and U.S.-Mexico borders by land without a passport. Because of that border-crossing power, the Department of Homeland Security requires states to verify your citizenship before issuing one. A standard driver license does not have that requirement, which is why you cannot use it for land border crossings.
Key Takeaways
- You must bring a document proving U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent resident status — a birth certificate, passport, or naturalization certificate are the most common.
- Proof of identity requires a document with your photo, such as a passport, military ID, or state ID card.
- You need a Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number, such as a W-2 or tax return.
- Proof of address requires a recent utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement in your name.
- Bring your current driver license or state ID, even if it is expired, because the DMV uses it to verify your driving record.
Proof of citizenship or lawful status
This is the document that separates an EDL process from a standard license process. You must bring one of the following: a certified U.S. birth certificate, a U.S. passport, a passport card, a certificate of naturalization, a certificate of citizenship, or a permanent resident card (green card). Some states also accept a Consular Report of Birth Abroad or a tribal document proving citizenship.
The birth certificate must be a certified copy from the vital records office in the state or territory where you were born — not a photocopy you made at home, and not a hospital birth certificate. If you were born outside the U.S. and are a U.S. citizen, a passport or naturalization certificate is usually the fastest route. If you are a lawful permanent resident (green card holder), bring your green card and your birth certificate or passport from your country of origin.
If your citizenship document is in a language other than English, bring the original plus an English translation certified by a translator. Some states require the translator to be certified by the American Translators Association, while others accept any certified translation. Call your state DMV before you go to confirm what they accept.
Photo identification
You need a document with your photograph and signature. A U.S. passport, passport card, military ID, or state ID card all work. If you have a current driver license from another state, that counts too. The document does not have to be current — an expired passport or military ID is acceptable as long as the photo still looks like you.
If you do not have any of these, some states will accept a tribal ID, a school ID with a photo, or a work ID with a photo and signature. Call your DMV to ask what they accept in your state, because the rules vary. If you have none of these documents, you may need to get a state ID card first, which requires fewer documents than an EDL.
Social Security verification
Bring your Social Security card, or bring a document that shows your number. A W-2 form, a 1099 form, a tax return, a Social Security statement, or a bank statement with your number on it all work. The document does not have to be current — a W-2 from last year is fine. The DMV just needs to verify that the number you give them matches a real Social Security record.
If you do not have your Social Security card and cannot find a document with your number, you can request a replacement card from the Social Security Administration before you go to the DMV. That usually takes one to two weeks. Some states will let you sign a form at the DMV saying you do not have the document but you know your number, though this is becoming less common.
Proof of current address
Bring a document dated within the last 30 to 60 days that shows your name and current address. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a bank or credit card statement, or a property tax bill all work. The document must be an original or official copy — a screenshot or photocopy usually will not be accepted.
If you recently moved and do not have a utility bill or lease in your new name yet, some states accept a signed letter from your landlord or a lease agreement even if it is not yet in effect. A few states will accept a voter registration card or a piece of mail from a government agency. Call your DMV to ask what they will accept if you are in a situation where getting a standard proof-of-address document is difficult.
Your current driver license or state ID
Bring your current license or ID card, even if it is expired. The DMV uses it to pull up your driving record and confirm your identity in their system. If you have lost your license, bring whatever ID you have — a passport or military ID works. If you have no ID at all, tell the DMV when you arrive; they have procedures for that situation, though it may require extra steps.
If you are renewing an EDL that is about to expire, you may be able to renew by mail in some states, which means you do not need to bring the physical card. Check your state DMV website to see whether mail renewal is an option for you.
What to bring on the day you go
Make a checklist before you leave home: citizenship document, photo ID, Social Security card or statement, proof of address, and your current license or ID. Bring originals, not photocopies, unless the DMV specifically says otherwise. Bring your Social Security card in its original form if you have it, because some DMVs will not accept a photocopy.
If any of your documents are in a language other than English, bring the original plus a certified English translation. Bring a pen in case you need to fill out a form by hand. Some DMVs now let you fill out your process online before you arrive, which can speed up the process — check your state DMV website to see if that option is available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a hospital birth certificate instead of a certified one?
No. A hospital birth certificate is not accepted because it is not an official document from the vital records office. You must order a certified copy from the vital records office in the state or territory where you were born. This usually costs $10 to $30 and takes one to two weeks by mail, though many states now offer rush processing.
What if my name on my birth certificate does not match my current name?
Bring both your birth certificate and a document showing the name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DMV will use these to confirm that you are the same person. If you changed your name through marriage or divorce, bring the original certificate or a certified copy.
Do I need to bring my green card if I am a permanent resident?
Yes. Bring your green card plus your birth certificate or passport from your country of origin. The DMV needs both to confirm your lawful permanent resident status and your identity. If your green card is expired, bring it anyway — the DMV can still verify your status through federal databases.
Can I use a utility bill in someone else's name if I live with them?
Most states require the proof of address to be in your name. If you live with family or a roommate and the utilities are in their name, ask the DMV what they will accept instead. Some will take a lease agreement, a letter from your landlord, or a bank statement. A few states will accept a signed affidavit from the person whose name is on the bill.
What if I was born outside the U.S. and do not have a birth certificate?
Bring a passport or passport card instead. If you do not have either, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad or a certificate of citizenship from the U.S. State Department will work. Contact the U.S. embassy or consulate in the country where you were born to request these documents if you do not have them.