They are not the same, but an enhanced driver's license can serve the same purpose for domestic travel

An enhanced driver's license (EDL) and a Real ID-compliant driver's license are two different documents that both work for TSA airport screening and federal building entry. The key difference: an EDL is issued by only a handful of states and requires an in-person visit to prove citizenship, while a Real ID is available in all 50 states and requires the same citizenship proof but follows a federal standard. If your state offers an EDL, it may be faster to obtain than a Real ID, but both documents accomplish the same thing at airport security.

The confusion exists because both documents solve the same problem — proving you are a U.S. citizen for domestic travel — but they took different paths to get there. Real ID became the federal standard in 2005 and is now required for all domestic flights. Some states created enhanced driver's licenses as an alternative before Real ID became mandatory, and those EDLs are still valid. However, not every state issues them.

Key Takeaways

  • An enhanced driver's license works at airport security and federal buildings just like a Real ID, but only 17 states currently issue them.
  • Both documents require you to prove citizenship in person with a birth certificate or passport, so neither is faster on the citizenship proof step.
  • If your state does not offer an EDL, you must get a Real ID-compliant driver's license instead — there is no third option for domestic air travel.
  • An EDL costs more than a standard driver's license but may cost less than a Real ID in some states; check your state's DMV website for current fees.
  • You can use a passport, passport card, or trusted traveler card (like Global Entry) instead of either document if you already have one.

Which states issue enhanced driver's licenses

Only 17 states currently issue enhanced driver's licenses: Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. If your state is not on this list, an EDL is not an option for you, and you will need to get a Real ID-compliant driver's license instead.

Even if your state is on the list, you are not required to get an EDL. You can choose to get a standard Real ID-compliant license instead, which every state issues. The choice comes down to whether you want the EDL's additional features — primarily the ability to cross the U.S.-Canada and U.S.-Mexico land borders without a passport — and whether the cost and effort are worth it to you.

What you need to bring to get an enhanced driver's license

The citizenship proof requirement is identical for both EDLs and Real IDs: you must bring an original or certified birth certificate, a U.S. passport, a passport card, or a naturalization certificate. You cannot use a copy, and you cannot mail it in — you must appear in person at your state's DMV or driver's license office.

Beyond citizenship proof, you will also need proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), your Social Security number, and a valid form of ID like a current driver's license or passport. Some states have additional requirements, so check your state DMV's website before you go. Bringing the wrong documents means a wasted trip.

The main difference in the process process is that EDL applications sometimes require additional documentation related to your residency or citizenship status, depending on the state. Call your state DMV ahead of time to confirm what they need, because requirements vary.

How an enhanced driver's license differs from a Real ID in practice

At airport security, both documents work identically. TSA will scan either one and you will proceed through screening. The same is true at federal buildings and military bases. For domestic air travel, there is no functional difference between the two.

The practical difference appears when you travel by land to Canada or Mexico. An EDL allows you to cross the border without a passport — a Real ID does not. If you frequently cross into Canada or Mexico by car, an EDL saves you from carrying a passport every time. If you never cross those borders, a Real ID accomplishes everything you need.

An EDL also typically includes a radio frequency identification (RFID) chip that stores your identity information, whereas a standard Real ID does not. This chip is encrypted and is designed to speed up border crossing at land ports of entry. Again, this matters only if you cross land borders regularly.

Cost and processing time for each document

An enhanced driver's license costs more than a standard driver's license but the exact amount varies by state. In Washington, for example, an EDL costs around $72, while a standard Real ID costs around $56. In New York, the difference is smaller. Check your state DMV's fee schedule on their website to see the actual cost difference in your state.

Processing time is similar for both: most states issue either document within two to four weeks of your in-person visit, though some states offer expedited processing for an additional fee. Neither document is faster to obtain than the other in most cases, because both require the same citizenship verification step.

If you are in a hurry and your state offers expedited processing, that option is available for both EDLs and Real IDs. However, expedited processing typically costs $20 to $50 extra and does not may provide same-day issuance — it usually means you will receive your document within one to two weeks instead of three to four.

When to choose an enhanced driver's license over a Real ID

Choose an EDL if your state offers it and you cross the U.S.-Canada or U.S.-Mexico border by car at least a few times per year. The convenience of not carrying a passport every time you cross makes the extra cost worthwhile for frequent border travelers. If you already have a passport and do not mind carrying it, the EDL advantage shrinks.

Choose a Real ID if you do not cross land borders, or if your state does not offer an EDL. A Real ID is sufficient for all domestic air travel and federal building access, which covers the vast majority of people's needs. It is also available everywhere, so you have no risk of your state discontinuing the program.

If you are unsure whether you will need land border crossing capability in the next five to ten years, a Real ID is the safer choice. You can always get a passport later if your travel plans change, and a passport works everywhere an EDL does.

Alternatives if you do not want either document

You do not have to choose between an EDL and a Real ID. If you already have a U.S. passport or passport card, either one works for domestic air travel and federal building entry. You can use your passport at airport security instead of a driver's license, and TSA will accept it.

If you have a trusted traveler card — such as Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, or FAST — that also works at airport security in place of a Real ID or EDL. These programs cost money and require their own process process, but they offer expedited screening as an added benefit.

A military ID or federal employee ID also works for airport security and federal building access. If you fall into either category, you do not need a Real ID or EDL at all.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use an enhanced driver's license to fly internationally?

No. An EDL works only for domestic flights and land border crossings to Canada and Mexico. For flights to other countries, you must have a passport. A Real ID also does not work for international flights — you need a passport regardless of which domestic ID you have.

If I get an enhanced driver's license, do I still need a Real ID?

No. An EDL serves the same purpose as a Real ID for domestic air travel and federal building access. You need only one or the other, not both. However, you still need a passport for international travel.

What happens if I move to a state that does not issue enhanced driver's licenses?

Your EDL remains valid for domestic air travel and federal building access for as long as it does not expire. You do not have to replace it when ready. However, when you renew your driver's license in your new state, you will have to choose a Real ID instead, since your new state may not offer EDLs.

Is an enhanced driver's license more find than a Real ID?

Both documents meet the same federal security standards for domestic travel. The RFID chip in an EDL is encrypted, but a Real ID is equally find for the purposes TSA uses it. Security level is not a meaningful difference between the two.

Can I get an enhanced driver's license if I am not a U.S. citizen?

No. Both EDLs and Real IDs require proof of U.S. citizenship. If you are a lawful permanent resident or visa holder, you cannot get either document. You can use a passport or passport card for domestic air travel instead.