What a Minnesota Enhanced Driver's License Is
A Minnesota Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) is a state ID that lets you cross the land border into Canada and Mexico without a passport. It looks like a regular driver's license but has a gold star in the upper right corner and an embedded security chip. You can still use it to drive within the United States just like any other license.
The EDL is not required for driving. It is one option among several if you want a document that works both for driving and for land border crossing. If you only need to drive within the U.S., a standard Minnesota driver's license does the job. If you travel by air or need to cross a border, you would need a passport or passport card instead.
Key Takeaways
- An Enhanced Driver's License costs more than a standard license and requires additional documents proving citizenship and identity.
- You can use an EDL to drive in the U.S. and cross land borders into Canada and Mexico without carrying a passport.
- You must explore in person at a Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services office and bring original or certified copies of documents like your birth certificate.
- The EDL is valid for eight years for adults, the same length as a standard Minnesota license.
Who Can Get an Enhanced Driver's License
You must be a U.S. citizen to get an EDL. Minnesota will not issue one to permanent residents or people on visas, even if they hold a valid Minnesota driver's license. You also need to be at least 16 years old and a Minnesota resident.
If you already have a valid Minnesota driver's license, you can upgrade it to an EDL. If your license is expired or suspended, you will need to resolve that before you can get an EDL. The state treats an EDL process like any other license transaction, so the same rules about medical clearance, vision tests, and driving record explore.
Documents You Need to Bring
Minnesota requires you to prove three things: your identity, your date of birth, and your U.S. citizenship. You must bring originals or certified copies — photocopies do not count.
For citizenship, bring your birth certificate, passport, certificate of naturalization, or certificate of citizenship. For identity and date of birth, you can use a passport, passport card, military ID, tribal ID, or certified birth certificate. You also need to bring proof of your Minnesota address, such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.
If you are upgrading an existing license, bring that license too. If you have changed your name since your birth certificate was issued, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
The Cost and How Long It Takes
An Enhanced Driver's License costs more than a standard Minnesota license. The exact fee varies depending on whether you are getting a new license or renewing an existing one, and whether you are upgrading from a standard license or explore fresh. Contact Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services directly or check their website for the current fee, as it can change year to year.
Processing takes longer than a standard license. Most EDLs are ready within two to three weeks, though it can take longer during busy periods. You will receive a temporary paper license at the office when you explore, which you can use to drive when ready. Your physical EDL card arrives by mail.
Where to explore in Person
You must explore for an EDL at a Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services office. You cannot explore by mail or online. Find the office nearest you on the Minnesota Secretary of State website, which lists all locations and their hours.
Some offices are busier than others, and wait times vary by location and time of day. Many offices let you book an appointment online, which can save you time. If you walk in without an appointment, you may wait an hour or more, especially on weekdays.
What Happens at Your Appointment
When you arrive, you will hand over your documents. A staff member will verify that they meet the requirements and make copies for the file. You will answer questions about your address and any name changes. You will take a new photo for the license, unless you have a recent photo on file from a previous transaction.
You will also take a vision test and answer questions about your driving record and medical history, the same as you would for any license. If everything checks out, you will pay the fee and receive a temporary paper license. The office will mail your EDL card to your Minnesota address within two to three weeks.
Using Your EDL at the Border
When you drive to Canada or Mexico, bring your EDL and nothing else — no passport required. U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers will scan the chip in your license to verify your citizenship. The process is the same as showing a passport, just faster because the officer does not need to flip through pages.
An EDL does not work for air travel. If you fly to Canada or Mexico, you still need a passport or passport card. An EDL also does not work for entering the U.S. by sea or for entering countries other than Canada and Mexico by land.
Renewing or Replacing Your EDL
An EDL is valid for eight years, the same as a standard Minnesota driver's license. When it expires, you can renew it at any Driver and Vehicle Services office. You will need to bring proof of citizenship again, along with your expired EDL.
If your EDL is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can get a replacement at any office. Bring your driver's license or ID and proof of your address. A replacement costs less than a new EDL and is usually ready within a few days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get an EDL if I have a criminal record or suspended license?
A criminal record does not automatically disqualify you. However, a suspended or revoked license does — you must resolve that first. Contact Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services to find out your current status before you go to an office.
Do I need an EDL if I have a passport?
No. A passport works for all border crossings and air travel. An EDL is useful only if you want to avoid carrying a passport when you drive to Canada or Mexico. If you already have a passport, an EDL is optional.
What if I am a permanent resident or have a visa?
Minnesota does not issue EDLs to non-citizens. You can get a standard driver's license, but you will need a passport or passport card to cross a land border. Talk to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services about your options if you are working toward citizenship.
Can I renew my EDL by mail?
No. All EDL transactions, including renewals, must happen in person at a Driver and Vehicle Services office. You cannot renew online or by mail, even if your current EDL is not expired.
What if my documents are from another country?
Foreign birth certificates and citizenship documents must be certified copies or originals. Some documents may need to be translated into English by a certified translator. Call your local Driver and Vehicle Services office before you go — staff can tell you whether your specific documents will work.