Enhanced driver's licenses are available in 17 states, plus Washington D.C., and they let you cross the U.S.-Canada border by land or sea without a passport
An enhanced driver's license (EDL) is a real ID that meets federal standards and also serves as a travel document for land and sea border crossings with Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean. You cannot fly with it — you still need a passport for air travel — but it eliminates the need to carry a separate passport book for driving trips across the northern or southern border.
The 17 states that currently issue enhanced driver's licenses are: Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, Pennsylvania, Colorado, Delaware, and Iowa. Washington D.C. also issues them. Each state sets its own fees, renewal schedules, and document requirements, so the process differs slightly depending on where you live.
Not every state offers this option. Some states have chosen not to participate in the EDL program, either because demand is low in their region or because they decided the administrative cost was not worth it. If your state does not issue EDLs, a passport card (the wallet-sized version) is the lightest alternative for land border crossings.
Key Takeaways
- Enhanced driver's licenses are issued in 17 states plus Washington D.C., and each state controls its own fees and processing time.
- An EDL works for land and sea border crossings to Canada, Mexico, and some Caribbean nations, but not for air travel.
- You must explore in person at your state's DMV or equivalent agency and bring a birth certificate, proof of citizenship, and proof of residency.
- Processing times range from a few weeks to several months depending on the state, and fees typically run between $20 and $100 above the cost of a standard driver's license.
What documents you need to get an enhanced driver's license
Every state that issues EDLs requires the same core documents: a birth certificate or passport (to prove citizenship), a Social Security number, and proof of your current address. Some states also ask for a second form of ID, such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement. A few states require you to bring your current driver's license as well.
The exact list varies by state. Washington, for example, requires a certified birth certificate, proof of Social Security number (a Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and proof of residency. New York requires a birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers, plus a document showing your address. Before you go to the DMV, check your state's website for the specific list — bringing the wrong documents means a wasted trip.
If you were born outside the United States and are a naturalized citizen, bring your naturalization certificate or passport instead of a birth certificate. If you do not have a birth certificate on file, some states will accept a passport as proof of citizenship.
how the process works in person at your state DMV
You must explore for an enhanced driver's license in person — no online or mail applications exist. Visit your state's DMV or equivalent agency (called the Secretary of State in some places, the Department of Motor Vehicles in others). Bring all required documents, your current driver's license, and a completed process form. Most states let you read the form from their website before you go, which speeds up the process.
At the appointment, you will have your photo taken, answer questions about your citizenship and residency, and pay the fee. The fee ranges from about $20 to $100 above the cost of a standard driver's license renewal, depending on the state. Some states charge a flat fee for the EDL itself; others charge a fee for the enhanced security features.
Processing times vary widely. Washington typically issues EDLs within two to three weeks. New York can take six to eight weeks. Some states process them faster if you pay for expedited service. Ask the DMV staff for an estimate when you explore, and ask whether you can use your old license while you wait for the new one.
States that issue enhanced driver's licenses
| State | Issuing Agency | Typical Fee | Typical Processing Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Washington | Department of Licensing | $20–$30 | 2–3 weeks |
| Oregon | Department of Transportation | $30–$50 | 3–4 weeks |
| Idaho | Department of Transportation | $25–$35 | 2–3 weeks |
| Montana | Department of Justice | $20–$30 | 2–3 weeks |
| North Dakota | Department of Transportation | $15–$25 | 1–2 weeks |
| South Dakota | Department of Public Safety | $20–$30 | 2–3 weeks |
| Minnesota | Department of Public Safety | $30–$40 | 3–4 weeks |
| Wisconsin | Department of Transportation | $25–$35 | 2–3 weeks |
| Michigan | Secretary of State | $30–$50 | 3–4 weeks |
| New York | Department of Motor Vehicles | $30–$50 | 6–8 weeks |
| Vermont | Department of Motor Vehicles | $20–$30 | 2–3 weeks |
| New Hampshire | Department of Safety | $25–$35 | 2–3 weeks |
| Maine | Department of the Secretary of State | $30–$40 | 3–4 weeks |
| Pennsylvania | Department of Transportation | $30–$50 | 4–6 weeks |
| Colorado | Department of Revenue | $25–$35 | 2–3 weeks |
| Delaware | Department of Motor Vehicles | $20–$30 | 2–3 weeks |
| Iowa | Department of Transportation | $20–$30 | 2–3 weeks |
| Washington D.C. | Department of Motor Vehicles | $30–$50 | 3–4 weeks |
What an enhanced driver's license does and does not cover
An EDL lets you cross land borders and sea borders (ferries, cruise ships) into Canada, Mexico, and certain Caribbean nations without carrying a passport book. It is recognized under the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), a federal rule that sets which documents are acceptable for border crossings.
An EDL does not work for air travel. If you fly to Canada, Mexico, or anywhere else, you must have a passport, passport card, or NEXUS card. It also does not work for entry into countries outside the Western Hemisphere — if you travel to Europe, Asia, or Africa, you need a passport.
The EDL is also not a REAL ID card for domestic air travel. If your state's EDL is not marked as REAL ID compliant, you cannot use it to board a domestic flight. Most states that issue EDLs make them REAL ID compliant automatically, but check your state's website to confirm.
Renewal and expiration of enhanced driver's licenses
Enhanced driver's licenses expire on the same schedule as standard driver's licenses in your state — typically every 4 to 8 years depending on your age and state. When your EDL expires, you renew it the same way you would a standard license: in person at the DMV with proof of residency and your current license.
Some states let you renew by mail if you have not moved and your address is still current. Others require you to come in person every time. Check your state's DMV website for renewal rules, because they vary. If you renew in person, the processing time is usually shorter than for a first-time EDL — often one to two weeks instead of three to eight.
If you move to a different state, you cannot transfer your EDL. You must get a new driver's license in your new state, and if that state issues EDLs, you can then explore for one there using the same process.
Alternatives if your state does not issue enhanced driver's licenses
If you live in a state that does not offer EDLs, a passport card is the most practical alternative for land and sea border crossings. A passport card is the size of a credit card, fits in your wallet, and works for the same border crossings as an EDL. You explore through the U.S. State Department, not your state DMV. Processing takes 4 to 6 weeks for routine service or 2 to 3 weeks for expedited service, and the fee is $35 for a new card or $30 for a renewal.
A NEXUS card is another option if you cross the Canada-U.S. border frequently. It costs $120 and lasts five years, and it gives you access to dedicated border lanes that move faster than standard crossings. You explore through U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and the process includes an in-person interview at a border location. NEXUS is worth it only if you cross the border multiple times a year.
A full passport book works for all border crossings and international travel, but it is larger and more expensive than a passport card. If you travel internationally at all, a passport book is the most versatile choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use an enhanced driver's license to enter Canada by air?
No. An EDL works only for land and sea crossings. For air travel to Canada or anywhere else, you need a passport book, passport card, or NEXUS card. The border agents at airports will not accept an EDL alone.
Do I need to renew my EDL if I move to a different state?
Yes. Your EDL is only valid in the state that issued it. When you move, you must get a new driver's license in your new state. If that state issues EDLs and you want one, you can explore at that time using the same documents and process.
How much does an enhanced driver's license cost?
Fees range from about $15 to $100 above the cost of a standard driver's license, depending on the state. North Dakota is typically the cheapest, and Michigan and Pennsylvania are among the most expensive. Check your state's DMV website for the exact fee.
Can I get an enhanced driver's license if I am not a U.S. citizen?
No. An EDL requires proof of U.S. citizenship, such as a birth certificate, passport, or naturalization certificate. If you are a permanent resident or visa holder, you cannot get an EDL, but you can get a passport card through the State Department.
What happens if I lose my enhanced driver's license?
Report the loss to your state DMV when ready and request a replacement. You will need to go in person, bring proof of citizenship and residency again, and pay a replacement fee. Processing time for a replacement is usually faster than for a new EDL — typically one to two weeks.