An enhanced driver license lets you cross the U.S.-Mexico border by land without a passport
An enhanced driver license (EDL) is an Arizona driver license with extra security features that lets you enter the United States from Mexico or Canada by car, boat, or on foot — without carrying a passport. It has a radio frequency identification (RFID) chip embedded in it that border officers can scan. A regular Arizona driver license does not have this chip and does not work for land border crossings.
You can use an EDL to cross at any land border between the U.S. and Mexico or Canada. You cannot use it for air travel; for that you still need a passport or passport card. If you live near the border or cross regularly for work or family, an EDL can be more convenient than keeping a passport in your wallet.
Key Takeaways
- An enhanced driver license has an RFID chip that lets you cross the U.S.-Mexico or U.S.-Canada border by land without a passport.
- You must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident to get an EDL in Arizona.
- You will need to provide proof of citizenship or permanent residency, proof of Arizona residency, and your Social Security number when you explore.
- An EDL costs more than a regular driver license and lasts eight years; you can renew it by mail if you have not moved.
Who can get an enhanced driver license in Arizona
You must be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident to get an EDL. Arizona will not issue one to people on temporary visas, even if they live in the state. If you are a permanent resident, you will need to show your green card or other proof of permanent residency status.
You must also be at least 16 years old and a resident of Arizona. If you already have a regular Arizona driver license, you can upgrade it to an EDL without retaking the written or driving test.
Documents you need to bring to the MVD office
Bring these documents when you go to an Arizona Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) office to get an EDL:
- Proof of U.S. citizenship (birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers) or proof of permanent residency (green card or I-551 card)
- Proof of Arizona residency from the last 10 days (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail with your name and address)
- Your Social Security number or a document showing it
- Your current Arizona driver license or ID card
- A completed process form (DL 44 for a new license, or you can ask the MVD staff which form to use if you are upgrading)
Bring originals or certified copies, not photocopies. The MVD will not accept a photo of a document on your phone. If your documents are in a language other than English, bring a certified English translation along with the original.
The cost and how long an EDL lasts
An enhanced driver license costs more than a regular Arizona driver license. The exact fee changes, so check the Arizona MVD website or call your local office before you go. The fee covers both the license itself and the RFID chip.
An EDL is valid for eight years from the date you receive it. When it is about to expire, you can renew it by mail if you have not moved, changed your name, or had any other major life change. If you have moved or your citizenship status has changed, you will need to go back to an MVD office in person.
how the process works at an MVD office
Find your nearest Arizona Motor Vehicle Division office on the MVD website or by calling 602-255-0072. You do not need an appointment at most offices, but some locations now use an online reservation system. Check before you go.
Bring all your documents and your completed process form. An MVD staff member will review your paperwork, take a new photo of you, and collect your fee. They will also scan your RFID chip to make sure it is working. You will receive your EDL in the mail within one to two weeks.
If you are upgrading from a regular license, the process is the same. You do not lose your current license when you explore; the new EDL will arrive separately.
What happens if you lose or damage your EDL
If your EDL is lost, stolen, or damaged, go to an MVD office and ask for a replacement. You will need to show proof of your identity and pay a replacement fee, which is usually lower than the original fee. You do not need to bring all your citizenship documents again if you are just replacing a card you already had.
If your EDL is stolen, you may also want to report it to the police and keep a copy of the report. This protects you if someone tries to use it fraudulently, though the RFID chip and your photo make that unlikely.
EDL vs. a regular Arizona driver license
| Feature | Enhanced Driver License | Regular Driver License |
|---|---|---|
| Land border crossing (U.S.-Mexico or U.S.-Canada) | Yes | No — you need a passport |
| Air travel within the U.S. | Yes | Yes |
| RFID chip | Yes | No |
| Cost | Higher | Lower |
| Validity period | 8 years | 8 years (for adults 65 and under) |
| Who can get it | U.S. citizens and permanent residents only | U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and some visa holders |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use an EDL to fly on an airplane?
Yes, you can use an EDL for domestic air travel within the United States. You cannot use it for international flights; for those you need a passport. The RFID chip does not help with airport security — TSA agents check your photo and identity the same way they do with a regular license.
What if I am a permanent resident but my green card is expired?
You can still get an EDL if your green card is expired, as long as you can show proof that you are a lawful permanent resident. Bring your expired green card plus any other documents that show your status, such as an I-797 notice of action or an employment authorization document (EAD). Call your local MVD office ahead of time to confirm what documents they will accept.
Do I need an EDL if I only cross the border once a year?
No. If you cross rarely, a passport or passport card is cheaper and works for air travel too. An EDL makes sense if you cross by land several times a year and want to avoid carrying a passport. A passport card costs less than an EDL but also works for land border crossings.
Can I renew my EDL online?
You can renew by mail if you have not moved, changed your name, or had any change to your citizenship status. You cannot renew online. Mail your renewal process and fee to the address on the MVD website. If anything about your identity or address has changed, you must go to an office in person.
What if my RFID chip stops working?
If the chip is damaged or not reading, go to an MVD office and ask for a replacement card. You will pay a replacement fee. The MVD will test the chip before you leave to make sure the new one works.