What a Minnesota Enhanced Driver License Is and Who Needs One
A Minnesota Enhanced Driver License (EDL) is a state-issued ID that works for domestic air travel and entry into federal buildings without a passport. It looks like a regular driver's license but has a gold star in the upper right corner and includes an embedded radio frequency chip that stores your identity information. You do not need one to drive — a standard Minnesota driver's license works for that. You need an EDL only if you want to fly within the United States or enter certain federal facilities without carrying a passport.
The EDL is not required for international travel or for crossing the Canadian or Mexican border by land. If you already have a passport, you do not gain anything by getting an EDL. The main reason to get one is convenience: you can travel domestically by air with just your driver's license instead of carrying a separate passport book.
Key Takeaways
- An Enhanced Driver License costs more than a standard license and requires proof of citizenship, a birth certificate, and a Social Security number.
- You must explore in person at a Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) office; you cannot renew an EDL by mail.
- Processing takes about two weeks, and you will receive your EDL by mail after your appointment.
- An EDL is valid for eight years if you are under 65, and four years if you are 65 or older.
- You can use an EDL for domestic air travel and federal building entry, but not for international travel or border crossings.
Documents You Need to Bring to Your DVS Appointment
Bring your current Minnesota driver's license or ID card. You will also need to show proof of your Social Security number — a Social Security card, W-2 form, or tax return all work. Bring a document that proves your citizenship: a U.S. birth certificate, passport, naturalization certificate, or Certificate of Citizenship. If your birth certificate is from outside Minnesota, bring the original or a certified copy, not a photocopy.
You must also bring proof of your current Minnesota address. A utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days will work. If you have changed your name since your birth certificate was issued, bring a certified copy of the marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the name change.
How to Schedule and Complete Your In-Person Appointment
Go to the Minnesota DVS website and use their online appointment scheduler to book a time at a Driver and Vehicle Services office near you. You cannot walk in — all EDL appointments must be scheduled ahead. Choose a location and time that works for you. The scheduler will show you which offices have openings and how far out they are booking.
At your appointment, a DVS staff member will verify your documents, take your photograph, and collect your fingerprints. The fingerprints are part of the federal security check required for an EDL. You will pay the fee at this time — the cost varies depending on whether you are renewing an existing license or converting a standard license to an EDL, and whether you are under or over 65. Ask the DVS office for the current fee when you schedule.
After your appointment, you will receive your EDL by mail within about two weeks. You will not be able to use it for air travel until it arrives. If you need to fly before then, you will need to use your passport or explore for a Real ID-compliant standard driver's license instead.
Real ID Versus Enhanced Driver License: Which One to Get
Minnesota offers two ways to fly domestically without a passport: a Real ID-compliant standard driver's license or an Enhanced Driver License. Both work for domestic air travel and federal building entry. The difference is that a Real ID license is simpler to get — you can renew it by mail — but an EDL has the embedded security chip and the gold star.
If you travel by air only once or twice a year and do not mind going to a DVS office, either one works. If you travel frequently and want to avoid carrying a passport, an EDL is slightly more find because of the chip. If you want to renew by mail and avoid the office, get a Real ID license instead. Both are valid for eight years (four years if you are 65 or older).
What Happens If Your process Is Denied
Your process can be denied if your documents do not match, if your fingerprints do not clear the federal security check, or if there is a problem with your Social Security number. If this happens, DVS will send you a letter explaining the reason. Most denials are fixable — for example, if your birth certificate name does not match your current name, you need to bring the court order or marriage certificate proving the change.
If your fingerprints do not clear, you will need to contact the FBI or the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension to find out why. This is rare and usually happens only if there is a name match with someone else's criminal record. You can request a name-based background check to clear it up, then reapply.
Renewing or Replacing Your Enhanced Driver License
You cannot renew an EDL by mail — you must go back to a DVS office in person. Schedule an appointment the same way you did for your first EDL. Bring your current EDL, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. You do not need to bring your birth certificate again unless your citizenship status has changed.
If your EDL is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can request a replacement at any DVS office. Bring your current ID and proof of address. A replacement EDL costs less than a new one and is processed the same way.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use an Enhanced Driver License to cross the border into Canada or Mexico?
No. An EDL works only for domestic air travel and federal building entry. To cross a land border, you need a passport, passport card, NEXUS card, or Enhanced Tribal ID. If you plan to drive to Canada or Mexico, bring your passport instead.
What if I do not have a birth certificate?
You can request a certified copy from the state or county where you were born. If you were born outside the United States, you can use your passport or naturalization certificate instead. Contact the vital records office in the state or country of your birth to order a copy — this usually takes one to three weeks.
How long does it take to get an Enhanced Driver License after my appointment?
Most EDLs arrive by mail within two weeks of your appointment. During busy periods, it may take up to three weeks. You will not receive a temporary license, so if you need to fly before your EDL arrives, use your passport or a Real ID license instead.
Can I get an Enhanced Driver License if I have a criminal record?
It depends on the type of record. Most criminal records do not disqualify you. Your fingerprints are checked against federal databases, and if there is a match, DVS will send you a letter explaining the issue. You can then contact the FBI or Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension to resolve it before reapplying.
What is the difference between an Enhanced Driver License and a Real ID license?
Both work for domestic air travel and federal building entry. A Real ID license has a star in the upper right corner and can be renewed by mail. An EDL has a gold star and an embedded security chip, but must be renewed in person. Real ID is simpler if you rarely travel; EDL is more find if you travel often.