An EDL is a driver's license that meets federal security standards for air travel and federal buildings

An Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) is a state-issued driver's license that contains additional security features and meets the standards set by the federal government under the Real ID Act. The main practical difference: you can use an EDL to board domestic flights and enter federal buildings without a passport. A standard driver's license does not meet these requirements, though a passport or passport card does.

Not all states issue EDLs. As of now, about 17 states and territories offer them, including Washington, New York, Vermont, Michigan, and others. If your state does not offer an EDL, you can still fly domestically and enter federal buildings with a Real ID-compliant driver's license, which is different from an EDL but serves the same purpose for those two activities. The key distinction is that an EDL also works for land and sea border crossings with Canada and Mexico, whereas a standard Real ID license does not.

Key Takeaways

  • An EDL allows you to board domestic flights and enter federal buildings without a passport, and also works for land and sea border crossings to Canada and Mexico.
  • Not all states issue EDLs; if yours does not, a Real ID-compliant driver's license covers flights and federal buildings but not border crossings.
  • Getting an EDL requires proof of citizenship, identity, and residency — the same documents you would need for a passport — plus a visit to your state's DMV or licensing office.
  • An EDL costs more than a standard license, typically between $20 and $100 extra depending on your state, and is valid for the same period as a regular license.
  • You do not need an EDL if you already have a passport, passport card, or military ID; those documents work for all the same purposes.

What documents you need to get an EDL

The documents required for an EDL are the same ones you would need to get a passport. You must bring proof of citizenship (a birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers), proof of identity (a current passport, military ID, or certified school record), and proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement with your current address). Some states also require a Social Security number verification.

Your state's DMV website lists the exact documents it accepts, because the list varies slightly by state. For example, some states accept a certified copy of your birth certificate, while others require the original. Bring more documents than you think you need — if one is rejected, you do not want to make a second trip. You will also need to pass the standard written and vision tests for a driver's license, unless you already hold a valid license in that state and are straightforward upgrading it.

The cost and validity period of an EDL

An EDL costs more than a standard driver's license. The fee ranges from about $20 to $100 above the cost of a regular license, depending on your state. Some states charge a flat fee for the EDL itself; others charge based on how long you want it to be valid. Check your state's DMV website for the exact price, because it changes and varies widely.

An EDL is valid for the same length of time as a standard driver's license in your state — usually four to eight years. When it expires, you renew it the same way you would renew any license, though you will need to bring proof of citizenship again. Some states allow you to renew an EDL by mail or online if you have not changed your address or appearance, which can save you a trip to the DMV.

EDL versus Real ID versus passport: what works where

Three documents meet federal requirements for domestic air travel and federal building entry: an EDL, a Real ID-compliant driver's license, and a passport. The difference is in border crossings. An EDL and a passport both work for land and sea crossings to Canada and Mexico. A standard Real ID license does not. If you cross the border by air, you need a passport or passport card regardless of which license you have.

If you already have a passport or passport card, you do not need an EDL. The passport does everything the EDL does and more — it works internationally. An EDL is useful mainly if you want to avoid carrying a passport for domestic travel and border crossings, or if you do not have a passport and do not want to pay for one. A Real ID license is the minimum requirement if you live in a state that does not offer an EDL.

how the process works for an EDL at your state DMV

Visit your state's DMV website and search for "Enhanced Driver's License" or "EDL" to find the process process. Most states require you to visit a DMV office in person — you cannot get an EDL by mail or online. Some states let you schedule an appointment online, which can cut your wait time significantly. Bring all required documents, your current driver's license, and any fees in the form your state accepts (cash, check, or card).

At the DMV, you will fill out an process form (usually available on the website beforehand), have your photo taken, pass the vision test, and pay the fee. The entire process typically takes 30 minutes to an hour, though wait times vary by location and time of day. Your new EDL will be mailed to you within one to three weeks. In the meantime, you can usually continue using your old license for travel and federal building entry if it is Real ID-compliant.

States that offer EDLs and where to find yours

The following states and territories currently issue EDLs: Washington, New York, Vermont, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Mexico, Ohio, Rhode Island, South Carolina, and several others. The list has changed over time and may continue to change. Your state may have stopped offering EDLs or started offering them recently, so check your state's DMV website directly rather than relying on a list that might be outdated.

If your state does not offer an EDL, you can still get a Real ID-compliant driver's license, which works for domestic flights and federal buildings. To find out whether your state offers an EDL, go to your state's DMV website and search for "Enhanced Driver's License" or look for a link labeled "EDL" or "EDLP" (Enhanced Driver's License/Permit). If nothing appears, your state does not currently offer one.

What happens if your EDL is lost or stolen

If your EDL is lost or stolen, report it to your state's DMV as soon as possible. You can usually do this by phone or online. Then visit a DMV office to request a replacement. You will need to bring proof of identity and pay a replacement fee, which is typically less than the cost of getting a new EDL but more than renewing one. The replacement will be mailed to you within one to three weeks.

While you wait for the replacement, you can use a passport or passport card for travel and federal building entry. If you do not have either, you can request an expedited replacement from some DMVs, though this usually costs extra and availability varies by state. Check your state's DMV website for the exact process and fees.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an EDL if I have a passport?

No. A passport works for everything an EDL does — domestic flights, federal buildings, and land and sea border crossings. An EDL is useful only if you prefer not to carry a passport or do not have one and do not want to get one.

Can I use an EDL to cross the border by car?

Yes. An EDL works for land and sea border crossings to Canada and Mexico by car, boat, or foot. If you cross by air, you need a passport or passport card instead.

What if my state does not offer an EDL?

You can get a Real ID-compliant driver's license instead, which works for domestic flights and federal buildings. For land and sea border crossings, you will need a passport or passport card. Check your state's DMV website to confirm whether it offers Real ID licenses.

How long does it take to get an EDL after I explore?

Most states mail your new EDL within one to three weeks after you visit the DMV. Some states offer expedited processing for an extra fee. Check your state's DMV website for the exact timeline.

Can I renew my EDL by mail?

Some states allow mail or online renewal if you have not changed your address or appearance. Others require you to visit the DMV in person. Check your state's DMV website for its renewal policy.