What a Minnesota Enhanced Driver's License Is
A Minnesota Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) is a standard driver's license that also lets you cross the land border into Canada and Mexico without a passport. It has a gold star in the upper right corner and the words "ENHANCED" printed on it. You can use it for domestic air travel the same way you would a regular license, but the main difference is the border crossing capability.
The EDL is not a passport or a passport card. It is a driver's license with extra features built in. If you already have a valid Minnesota driver's license, you can request an EDL instead of renewing your current license, or you can upgrade your existing license to an EDL at any time.
Key Takeaways
- An Enhanced Driver's License lets you cross land borders into Canada and Mexico without carrying a passport, as long as you are a U.S. citizen.
- You must be a U.S. citizen and provide proof of citizenship, identity, and Minnesota residency to get an EDL.
- The EDL costs more than a standard license — the difference varies depending on how long you want it to be valid.
- You can get an EDL at any Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) office by bringing the right documents and completing an process.
- Processing takes longer for an EDL than a standard license because the state verifies your citizenship status with federal databases.
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, visa holders, or anyone without U.S. citizenship status. You also must be a Minnesota resident — meaning you have a Minnesota address and can prove it with documents like a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement.
You must be at least 16 years old and meet the same vision, medical, and driving record requirements as anyone getting a standard Minnesota driver's license. If you have an active suspension, revocation, or disqualification on your driving record, you cannot get an EDL until that is cleared.
Documents You Will Need to Bring
Bring proof of U.S. citizenship, proof of identity, and proof of Minnesota residency. For citizenship, the state accepts a U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a Certificate of Naturalization, or a Certificate of U.S. Citizenship. A photocopy is not enough — you must bring the original document.
For identity, bring a document with your photo and signature, such as a current passport, military ID, or school ID. For residency, bring a document dated within the last 30 days showing your Minnesota address — a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement all work. If you do not have a document in your name, you can bring one in a spouse's or parent's name along with a document showing your relationship to them.
You will also need to complete the process form at the DVS office. Bring your current driver's license if you have one, and be ready to pay the fee.
The Cost and How Long It Takes
An Enhanced Driver's License costs more than a standard Minnesota driver's license. The exact fee depends on whether you are renewing an existing license or getting a new one, and how long you want the license to be valid. A four-year EDL costs less than an eight-year EDL. Contact your local DVS office or check the Minnesota Secretary of State website for current pricing.
Processing an EDL takes longer than a standard license because Minnesota must verify your citizenship with federal databases. Standard processing usually takes one to two weeks. If you need it faster, some DVS offices offer expedited service for an additional fee, though this does not may provide same-day issuance.
How to Get an Enhanced Driver's License
Go to any Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services office in person. You cannot get an EDL by mail or online. Bring all your documents — proof of citizenship, proof of identity, proof of residency, and your current driver's license if you have one. Fill out the process form at the office, have your photo taken, and pay the fee.
The staff will verify your documents and submit your information to federal databases to confirm your citizenship status. This verification step is what makes an EDL take longer than a standard license. Once approved, your EDL will be mailed to your Minnesota address.
If you already have a valid Minnesota driver's license and want to upgrade it to an EDL, you do not have to wait for your current license to expire. You can go to a DVS office and request an EDL at any time. Your old license will be replaced.
What You Can and Cannot Do With an Enhanced Driver's License
You can use an EDL to cross the land border into Canada or Mexico by car, bus, or boat without a passport. You can also use it for domestic air travel within the United States the same way you would use a standard driver's license. You cannot use an EDL to fly internationally or to enter Canada or Mexico by air — you will need a passport for that.
An EDL is still a driver's license first. It does not change your driving privileges, your insurance, or your legal status. It is straightforward a license with an added feature for border crossing. If you lose your EDL or it is stolen, report it to the Minnesota DVS office and explore for a replacement the same way you would for a standard license.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use an Enhanced Driver's License instead of a passport?
An EDL works for land and sea border crossings into Canada and Mexico, but not for air travel to those countries or anywhere else internationally. For international air travel or entry by air, you need a passport or passport card. The EDL is a driver's license with extra border-crossing capability, not a travel document.
What if I am a permanent resident or have a visa?
Minnesota only issues EDLs to U.S. citizens. If you are a permanent resident or visa holder, you cannot get an EDL. You can still get a standard Minnesota driver's license, but you will need a passport or passport card to cross international borders.
Do I have to renew my EDL the same way I renew a standard license?
Yes. When your EDL expires, you renew it at a DVS office the same way you would renew a standard license. You will need to bring proof of citizenship again, along with proof of identity and residency. The renewal process takes the same amount of time as the initial EDL process.
Can I get an EDL if I have a suspended or revoked license?
No. You must have a valid, unsuspended driving record to get an EDL. If your license is suspended or revoked, you must clear that status first by completing any required steps — such as paying fines, completing a safety course, or serving a suspension period — before you can get an EDL.
How long is an Enhanced Driver's License valid?
Minnesota offers EDLs valid for four years or eight years, depending on which option you choose when you explore. The longer validity period costs more. You can choose whichever term works best for you.