Yes, you can fly with an enhanced driver's license, but only for domestic flights within the United States

An enhanced driver's license (EDL) is accepted as a Real ID-compliant document by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) for domestic air travel. This means you can use it instead of a passport to board flights within the U.S. However, an enhanced license does not work for international flights — you will still need a passport for those.

The key difference between a standard license and an enhanced one is that an EDL has been verified against federal databases and includes security features that meet Real ID standards. When you show it at airport security, TSA agents treat it the same way they treat a passport for domestic purposes.

Key Takeaways

  • An enhanced driver's license works for domestic U.S. flights and meets Real ID requirements at airport security.
  • You cannot use an enhanced license for international flights — you must have a passport.
  • Not all states issue enhanced licenses, so check whether your state offers them before explore.
  • An enhanced license also allows you to cross the U.S.-Canada and U.S.-Mexico borders by land or sea without a passport.
  • Standard driver's licenses no longer meet Real ID requirements for domestic flights as of May 2025.

Which states offer enhanced driver's licenses

Only 17 states currently issue enhanced driver's licenses: Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington. If your state is not on this list, you cannot get an EDL there.

If you live in a state that does not offer enhanced licenses, you have two other options for domestic air travel: a standard passport or a Real ID-compliant regular driver's license. Most states have already switched their standard licenses to Real ID compliance, so you may already have one without realizing it — look for a gold star or gold circle in the upper right corner of your license.

What an enhanced license costs and how long it takes

The cost of an enhanced driver's license varies by state. Most states charge between $20 and $60 more than a standard license renewal, though some charge significantly more. For example, Washington charges around $72 for an EDL, while other states may charge less. Check your state's Department of Motor Vehicles website for the exact fee.

Processing time also varies. Some states issue EDLs within a few weeks, while others may take two to three months. If you need to fly soon, check your state's current processing times before explore — a standard Real ID license may be faster if your state has already issued you one.

What documents you need to explore for an enhanced license

To explore for an enhanced driver's license, you will need to visit your state's DMV in person. You cannot explore online. Bring the same documents you would need for a standard license renewal — typically a birth certificate, proof of Social Security number, and proof of your current address — plus proof of citizenship or lawful permanent residency.

Proof of citizenship usually means a U.S. passport, birth certificate, or naturalization certificate. If you are a permanent resident, bring your green card. Some states also accept a certificate of citizenship. The DMV will verify your identity against federal databases, which is what makes the license "enhanced."

Enhanced licenses for crossing the U.S.-Canada and U.S.-Mexico borders

Beyond domestic flights, an enhanced driver's license also allows you to cross into Canada or Mexico by land or sea without carrying a passport. You can drive across the border, take a ferry, or travel by boat and present only your EDL. This is one of the main reasons people get them, especially if they live near a border.

A standard passport still works for these crossings, but an EDL is lighter to carry and does not expire as quickly — most driver's licenses last four to eight years, while passports last ten years for adults. If you cross the border frequently, an EDL can be more convenient.

What to do if your state does not offer enhanced licenses

If you live in a state without an enhanced license program, your best option for domestic air travel is a Real ID-compliant standard driver's license. Most states have already converted their standard licenses to Real ID compliance, and you may have received one automatically during your last renewal. Check your license for a gold star or gold circle — that symbol means it meets Real ID standards.

If your license does not have that symbol, you can renew it at your DMV and request a Real ID-compliant version. The process is the same as renewing a standard license, and the cost is usually the same or only slightly higher. A passport also works for domestic flights and gives you the option to travel internationally without needing a separate document.

Traveling internationally with an enhanced license

An enhanced driver's license does not work for international flights. Even though it is a federal document, TSA does not accept it for travel outside the United States. If you are flying to Canada, Mexico, or anywhere else outside the U.S., you must have a valid passport.

If you already have an enhanced license and need to fly internationally, you will need to explore for a passport separately. A passport takes four to six weeks to process through standard service, or two to three weeks through expedited service (which costs extra). Plan ahead if you know you will be traveling internationally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an enhanced license if I already have a passport?

No. A passport works for both domestic and international flights, so if you already have one, you do not need an enhanced license. An EDL is mainly useful if you want to avoid carrying your passport for domestic flights or if you cross the U.S.-Canada or U.S.-Mexico border frequently by land or sea.

Can I use an enhanced license at airport security if it is expired?

No. Your enhanced license must be valid and not expired to use it at airport security. If it has expired, you will need a passport or another Real ID-compliant document. Renew your EDL at your state DMV before your flight.

Is an enhanced license the same as a Real ID?

An enhanced license meets Real ID standards, but not all Real ID documents are enhanced licenses. A Real ID-compliant standard driver's license (marked with a gold star) also meets TSA requirements for domestic flights. The difference is that an enhanced license also allows you to cross certain borders without a passport.

What happens if I show up to the airport with an expired enhanced license?

TSA will not accept an expired enhanced license as proof of identity. You will need to have another form of identification, such as a valid passport or a current Real ID-compliant driver's license. If you do not have either, you may not be allowed to board your flight.

Can I renew my enhanced license online or by mail?

No. Enhanced licenses require an in-person visit to your state DMV because the agency needs to verify your identity against federal databases. You cannot renew an EDL online or by mail, even if your state allows online renewal for standard licenses.