An EDL is a driver license that also works as a federal ID for domestic travel
An EDL stands for Enhanced Driver License. It is a driver license that meets federal security standards set by the Department of Homeland Security, which means you can use it to board domestic flights, enter federal buildings, and cross land borders into Canada and Mexico without carrying a passport. A standard driver license does not meet these federal standards, so you cannot use it for those purposes.
The main difference between an EDL and a regular driver license is what it lets you do. Both let you drive. An EDL also lets you travel across the U.S. border by land or sea without a passport, and board a domestic flight without a passport. If you do not travel by air or cross borders, a regular driver license is sufficient.
Not every state offers an EDL. Some states call theirs a "Real ID" license instead, which serves the same purpose. A few states offer both options. You will need to check what your state calls it and whether it is available where you live.
Key Takeaways
- An EDL is a driver license that also works as a federal ID for domestic air travel and land border crossings without a passport.
- You need an EDL (or Real ID) to board domestic flights; a regular driver license is no longer accepted for this purpose.
- Not all states offer EDLs — some offer Real ID licenses instead, and some offer both, so check your state's DMV website.
- Getting an EDL requires additional documents beyond a standard license renewal, including proof of citizenship and proof of residency.
- An EDL costs more than a regular license and takes longer to process because of the extra security verification.
EDL vs. Real ID: What your state actually offers
The federal government set a important date for all domestic air travel to require a federally compliant ID. States responded by creating two different types of licenses to meet that standard: EDLs and Real ID licenses. Both work the same way for travel and federal building access. The difference is only in the name and which states offer which one.
EDLs are offered by Washington, New York, Vermont, Michigan, Minnesota, and a few others. Real ID licenses are offered by most other states. If your state offers both, you choose which one you want when you renew. If your state offers only one, that is what you get. Check your state DMV website to see which option is available to you.
The documents you need to bring are the same regardless of which type you get. The cost and processing time are also the same. The only practical difference is the name on the card and which states have chosen to issue which type.
What documents you need to bring to get an EDL
Getting an EDL requires more documents than renewing a regular driver license. You will need to bring proof of your identity, proof of citizenship, and proof of your current address. A regular license renewal usually only requires your current license and proof of address.
For proof of identity, bring your passport, birth certificate, or a state ID. For proof of citizenship, bring your U.S. passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers. For proof of address, bring a recent utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement in your name. Some states accept additional documents, so check your state DMV website for the full list before you go.
You cannot use a photocopy of your birth certificate or passport. The DMV will examine the original document. If you do not have the original, you will need to order it from the vital records office in the state or country where you were born, which can take several weeks.
How long an EDL takes and what it costs
An EDL takes longer to process than a regular license because the DMV has to verify your citizenship and identity with federal databases. A standard license renewal might take a few days. An EDL typically takes two to four weeks, though some states take longer during busy periods.
You can usually drive on your old license while you wait for your EDL to arrive in the mail. Check your state DMV website to confirm whether you get a temporary permit at the counter or whether you can keep using your current license.
An EDL costs more than a regular license. The exact price varies by state, but most charge between $20 and $50 extra for the EDL compared to a standard renewal. Some states charge the same price for both and straightforward issue an EDL by default. Check your state DMV website for the current fee.
When you actually need an EDL instead of a regular license
You need an EDL (or Real ID) if you plan to board a domestic flight. The federal government stopped accepting regular driver licenses for air travel. If you try to board a flight with only a standard license, you will be turned away at security, even if you have a ticket.
You also need an EDL to enter a federal building that requires ID, such as a courthouse or federal office. A regular license is not accepted. If you cross the land border into Canada or Mexico by car, you can use an EDL instead of a passport, though a passport is still accepted.
If you only drive locally and do not fly or cross borders, a regular driver license is sufficient. You do not need to upgrade to an EDL unless you have a specific reason to do so.
How to renew your EDL before it expires
Renewing an EDL follows the same process as getting one for the first time. You go to your state DMV, bring the same documents (proof of identity, citizenship, and address), and pay the renewal fee. Some states let you renew by mail if your license is not expiring soon, but most require you to appear in person for an EDL renewal because of the identity verification step.
Check your state DMV website to see whether you can renew online, by mail, or in person. Some states have started offering online renewals for EDLs, but this is not yet available everywhere. If you are unsure, call your local DMV office before you go.
Your EDL is valid for the same length of time as a regular license in your state — usually four to eight years. Mark your renewal date on a calendar so you do not accidentally let it expire, because you cannot board a flight or cross a border with an expired EDL.
What happens if you lose your EDL
If you lose your EDL, you will need to report it to your state DMV and request a replacement. The process is the same as getting a new one: you bring proof of identity, citizenship, and address, and pay a replacement fee. The replacement fee is usually the same as the renewal fee, though some states charge less.
You cannot use your old license number to board a flight or cross a border once you have reported it lost. If you need to travel before your replacement arrives, you will need to bring a passport instead. Processing time for a replacement is usually the same as for a new EDL — two to four weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a regular driver license to board a domestic flight?
No. The federal government stopped accepting regular driver licenses for domestic air travel. You must have an EDL, Real ID license, passport, or military ID to board a flight. If you only have a standard license, you will be turned away at security.
Do I need an EDL if I have a passport?
No. A passport works for everything an EDL does — flights, federal buildings, and border crossings. You only need an EDL if you want to travel without carrying your passport. An EDL is more convenient for frequent domestic travelers because it fits in a wallet like a regular license.
Can I get an EDL by mail?
Most states require you to appear in person at the DMV for an EDL because they need to verify your identity and examine your original documents. A few states have started offering online renewals for people who already have an EDL, but new applications almost always require an in-person visit. Check your state DMV website to confirm.
What if I was born outside the United States?
You can still get an EDL if you are a U.S. citizen. Bring your naturalization certificate or passport as proof of citizenship. If you are a permanent resident but not a citizen, you cannot get an EDL, but you can use your passport for travel instead.
How much does an EDL cost compared to a regular license?
Most states charge $20 to $50 more for an EDL than for a standard license renewal. Some states charge the same price for both and issue an EDL by default. Check your state DMV website for the exact fee in your state.