Documents You'll Need to Bring
An enhanced driver's license requires proof of identity, proof of citizenship or legal residency, and proof of your current address — the same documents as a standard license, plus one extra document that proves citizenship. You cannot get an enhanced license with just a passport or birth certificate alone; you need both your identity document and a separate citizenship document.
Bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or passport. A photocopy will not work. If you were born outside the United States, bring your original passport or naturalization papers. If you were born in a U.S. state or territory, your state-issued birth certificate (not a hospital record) counts as proof of citizenship.
You will also need a document showing your current address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. A credit card bill or insurance statement usually works too, but call your state's DMV first to confirm what they accept, because the list varies by state.
Key Takeaways
- An enhanced driver's license requires proof of citizenship (birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers) in addition to the documents needed for a standard license.
- You must bring original documents or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted for citizenship or identity proof.
- Proof of your current address must be dated within the last 60 days and can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement.
- The fee for an enhanced license is higher than a standard license, and the amount varies by state.
- Processing time is usually two to four weeks, though some states offer expedited service for an additional fee.
What an Enhanced License Is Used For
An enhanced driver's license allows you to cross the land border between the United States and Canada or Mexico by car, boat, or on foot without a passport. A standard driver's license does not. If you live near the Canadian or Mexican border and travel across regularly, an enhanced license saves you from carrying a passport every time.
The enhanced license also works as a Real ID-compliant document for domestic air travel and federal building access, just like a standard Real ID license does. The main difference is the border crossing ability — the enhanced license gives you that extra option.
The process Process at Your DMV
Visit your state's DMV office in person. You cannot renew or obtain an enhanced license by mail or online in any state. Bring all documents listed above, your current driver's license (if you have one), and a completed process form — your DMV website will have the form to read, or you can fill it out at the office.
You will have your photo taken and your signature recorded. The DMV will verify your documents and run a background check. If everything clears, you will pay the fee and receive a receipt with a processing timeline. Most states mail the license to your address within two to four weeks.
Some DMV offices require an appointment; others take walk-ins. Check your state's DMV website before you go, because wait times and appointment availability vary widely. A few states offer expedited processing for an extra fee if you need the license sooner.
Fees and How Long It Takes
The fee for an enhanced driver's license varies by state. It is always higher than a standard license — typically between $20 and $50 more — but the exact amount depends on where you live and whether you are renewing an existing license or obtaining one for the first time. Check your state DMV's website for the current fee.
Standard processing takes two to four weeks from the date you submit your process. Some states offer rush processing for an additional fee, which can cut that time to five to seven business days. If you need the license for an upcoming border crossing, ask the DMV clerk whether expedited service is available and what it costs.
If Your Documents Are Missing or Damaged
If you do not have an original birth certificate, you can order one from the vital records office in the state or country where you were born. This usually takes one to two weeks and costs $15 to $30. If your birth certificate is damaged or illegible, you can request a replacement from the same office.
If you were born outside the United States and do not have a passport, you can obtain one from your country's consulate or embassy. This process is longer and more complex than ordering a birth certificate, so start early if this is your situation. A naturalization certificate can be replaced by contacting U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Do not delay your DMV visit waiting for perfect documents. Many DMV offices will accept documents that are slightly worn or faded as long as the information is readable. Bring what you have and ask the clerk whether it will work; if not, they will tell you exactly what you need to get.
Real ID Compliance and Enhanced Licenses
An enhanced driver's license is automatically Real ID-compliant, which means it meets federal standards for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings. You do not need to do anything extra or pay an additional fee to get Real ID compliance — it comes with the enhanced license.
If you do not need to cross the Canada or Mexico border, a standard Real ID license is cheaper and easier to obtain. Both work for domestic flights and federal building access. The enhanced license is worth getting only if you actually cross the land border or prefer having that option available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use an enhanced driver's license instead of a passport to cross the border?
Yes, an enhanced driver's license is accepted at land borders with Canada and Mexico for car, boat, and pedestrian crossing. You do not need a passport if you have an enhanced license. However, it does not work for air travel to other countries — you still need a passport for flights.
What if I was born in another country but am a U.S. citizen?
Bring your U.S. passport or naturalization certificate as proof of citizenship. If you have a passport, that is usually the fastest option because it serves as both identity and citizenship proof. If you only have a naturalization certificate, bring it along with another form of ID like a state ID or passport card.
Do I need to renew my enhanced license before it expires, or can I renew it by mail?
You must renew in person at the DMV office, just like the first time. Mail-in renewal is not available for enhanced licenses in any state. Plan to visit the DMV before your current license expires so you do not drive with an expired license while waiting for the new one.
How much does an enhanced driver's license cost compared to a regular license?
The difference varies by state, but an enhanced license typically costs $20 to $50 more than a standard license. Some states charge the same fee for both and only charge extra for expedited processing. Check your state DMV website for the exact fee before you go.
Can I get an enhanced license if I have a criminal record?
A criminal record does not automatically disqualify you, but the DMV will run a background check. Certain convictions or outstanding warrants may result in denial. If you have concerns about your record, call your state DMV before visiting to ask whether you will be able to obtain the license.