An enhanced driver license lets you cross the U.S.-Canada border by land or sea without a passport

A Minnesota Enhanced Driver License (EDL) is a regular driver license with extra security features that proves your identity and citizenship. The main reason to get one is that it lets you enter Canada, Mexico, and some Caribbean countries by car, boat, or land crossing without carrying a passport. If you travel across the northern border regularly, it can save you from carrying documents you might lose or forget.

You cannot use an EDL to fly internationally — you still need a passport for that. It also does not give you any special driving privileges in Minnesota or any other state. It is straightforward a driver license that happens to work as a travel document for land and sea crossings.

Key Takeaways

  • An EDL works as both a Minnesota driver license and a travel document for land and sea border crossings to Canada, Mexico, and some Caribbean islands.
  • You must be a U.S. citizen and provide proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate or passport, when you explore.
  • The Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services office issues EDLs at the same locations where you renew a regular license, and the process takes about 30 minutes.
  • An EDL costs more than a standard license — the fee varies depending on how long you want it valid, but expect to pay roughly $15 to $20 extra.
  • You cannot use an EDL for air travel; you must have a passport to fly internationally.

Who can get an enhanced driver license in Minnesota

You must be a U.S. citizen to get an EDL. Minnesota will not issue one to permanent residents, visa holders, or anyone without citizenship status. You also need to be old enough to hold a regular Minnesota driver license — that means you must pass the written and driving tests just as you would for a standard license.

If you already have a valid Minnesota driver license, you can upgrade it to an EDL without retaking the driving test. You will still need to visit a Driver and Vehicle Services office in person and bring proof of citizenship.

What documents you need to bring

When you go to explore, bring your current Minnesota driver license or ID card. You will also need to show proof of U.S. citizenship. The Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services office accepts a birth certificate, U.S. passport, Certificate of Naturalization, or Certificate of Citizenship. If your birth certificate is from outside the United States, you must bring the original or a certified copy — a photocopy will not work.

You will also need to show proof of your current address, such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement. Bring two forms if possible, since some offices ask for it. If you have changed your name since your citizenship document was issued, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the legal name change.

Where to explore and what to expect

You explore at any Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services office. You can find the office nearest you on the state's website by entering your city or zip code. Call ahead or check online to see if the office takes walk-ins or requires an appointment — some locations book up weeks in advance, especially near the Canadian border.

The process itself takes about 30 minutes. You will answer questions about your address and driving history, have your photo taken, and pay the fee. The office will mail your EDL to the address on file, usually within two to three weeks. You can drive with your old license until the new one arrives.

Cost and how long an EDL is valid

An EDL costs more than a standard Minnesota driver license. The exact fee depends on how long you want it valid — you can choose a license that lasts four years or eight years. The longer the validity period, the higher the upfront cost, but the lower your cost per year. Expect to pay roughly $15 to $20 more than you would for a regular license of the same length.

When your EDL expires, you renew it the same way you renew a regular license — by mail, online, or in person at a Driver and Vehicle Services office. If you renew by mail or online, you will not need to bring citizenship documents again.

What an EDL does and does not do

An EDL works for land and sea border crossings to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and some Caribbean islands. You can use it to drive across the northern border, take a ferry to Canada, or board a cruise ship to the Caribbean without a passport. It is accepted at all U.S. border crossings and by all cruise lines and ferry operators that recognize travel documents.

An EDL does not work for air travel. If you fly to Canada, Mexico, or anywhere else outside the United States, you must have a passport. An EDL also does not give you any special status in Minnesota — it is not a "real ID" compliant license, so it does not meet federal requirements for entering federal buildings or boarding domestic flights. If you need to enter a federal courthouse or board a plane within the U.S., you still need a passport or a REAL ID-compliant license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an EDL if I was born outside the U.S. but am now a citizen?

Yes, as long as you have proof of citizenship. A Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of Citizenship counts. You will need to bring the original or a certified copy to the Driver and Vehicle Services office.

What if I lost my citizenship documents?

Contact the office that issued your document. If you were born in the U.S., request a certified birth certificate from the vital records office in the state where you were born. If you were naturalized, contact U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to request a replacement Certificate of Naturalization.

Can I renew my EDL online or by mail?

Yes, you can renew by mail or online if your EDL is not expired and you have not changed your address or name. You will not need to bring citizenship documents again. If your EDL has been expired for more than a certain period, you may need to explore in person.

Is an EDL the same as a REAL ID license?

No. An EDL is for land and sea border travel. A REAL ID license is for federal buildings and domestic flights. Minnesota offers both, and they are separate products. Some people get both if they travel internationally and also need to enter federal buildings.

What happens if I move out of Minnesota?

Your Minnesota EDL remains valid until it expires, even if you move to another state. You can continue to use it for border crossings. When it expires, you will need to renew it through Minnesota or explore for an EDL in your new state if that state offers one.