How to Get an Enhanced Driver's License

What an Enhanced Driver's License Is and Who Needs One

An Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) is a state-issued ID that lets you cross the U.S. border into Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean without a passport. It has an embedded radio frequency chip that stores your identity information and meets federal Real ID requirements. You can use it for domestic flights and federal building access the same way you'd use a regular Real ID license.

You do not need an EDL for everyday driving. A standard Real ID license works for that. You need an EDL only if you plan to cross a land or sea border without carrying a passport, or if you prefer a single document for both domestic and international travel.

Not every state offers EDLs. Currently, about 17 states issue them, including Washington, New York, Michigan, Vermont, and others. If your state does not offer one, you will need a passport or passport card to cross borders by land or sea.

Key Takeaways

An Enhanced Driver's License lets you cross U.S. land and sea borders without a passport, but only a limited number of states issue them.
You must prove citizenship, identity, and state residency with specific documents — a birth certificate or passport, a government ID, and proof of address are the core requirements.
The process takes longer than a standard license renewal because the state must verify your citizenship documents and enroll your biometric data.
EDL fees vary by state but typically cost $20 to $40 more than a standard Real ID license.
You can renew an EDL by mail in some states, but your first EDL usually requires an in-person visit to a DMV office.

Check Whether Your State Offers Enhanced Driver's Licenses

Before gathering documents, confirm that your state issues EDLs. The states that currently offer them are Washington, New York, Michigan, Vermont, Minnesota, Illinois, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, and a few others. This list can change, so check your state's DMV website directly rather than relying on a general list.

Go to your state's DMV or Secretary of State website and search for "Enhanced Driver's License" or "EDL." The site will tell you whether your state offers them, what documents you need, the cost, and how long processing takes. Some states call them by different names — for example, Washington calls theirs an "Enhanced Driver's License," while some states use "Real ID Plus" or similar terms.

If your state does not offer EDLs, your only option for crossing borders without a passport is to carry a passport or passport card alongside your regular license. A passport card is smaller than a full passport and costs less, but it works only for land and sea crossings, not air travel.

Gather Required Documents for Citizenship and Identity

Every state that issues EDLs requires proof of U.S. citizenship, proof of identity, and proof of state residency. The specific documents vary slightly by state, but the pattern is consistent.

For citizenship, bring an original or certified copy of one of these: a U.S. birth certificate, a U.S. passport, a passport card, a Certificate of Naturalization, or a Certificate of Citizenship. A photocopy or a birth certificate from a hospital does not count — it must be an official document with a raised seal or certification mark. If you were born outside the U.S., bring your naturalization paperwork.

For identity, bring a current government-issued photo ID such as a passport, passport card, military ID, or an existing driver's license. Some states accept a school or work ID if it has your photo and signature, but a government ID is safest.

For state residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail showing your current address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days in most states. A cell phone bill or credit card statement usually does not count.

Complete the process and Pay the Fee

Visit your state DMV office in person — most states require a face-to-face appointment for your first EDL, even if you have renewed a regular license by mail before. Some states let you schedule an appointment online; others operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Check your state's website to see whether you need an appointment.

Bring all your documents, your current driver's license, and proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, a W-2, or a tax return). Fill out the EDL process form at the DMV or read it beforehand from your state's website. The form asks for your name, address, date of birth, and citizenship status.

Pay the fee when you submit your process. EDL fees range from about $20 to $40 above the cost of a standard Real ID license, depending on your state. Some states charge a flat rate for the EDL itself; others charge based on how long the license is valid (usually four to eight years). Ask the DMV clerk what the total cost will be before you pay.

Provide Biometric Data and Receive Your License

At your DMV appointment, you will have your photo taken and your signature scanned, just as you would for a regular license. For an EDL, the DMV will also take your fingerprints and may ask additional questions about your citizenship and residency to verify the documents you brought.

The DMV clerk will enroll your biometric data into the system and encode it onto the chip embedded in your EDL card. This step is what takes longer than a standard license — the state must verify your citizenship documents against federal databases before they can issue the card.

Processing time varies by state. Most states issue EDLs within two to four weeks. Some states mail them to your address on file; others require you to pick them up at the DMV office. Ask the clerk when and how you will receive your license before you leave.

Renewing or Replacing Your Enhanced Driver's License

Once you have an EDL, renewing it is usually simpler than getting the first one. Many states let you renew by mail if your license is not expired and your address has not changed. You will still need to provide updated citizenship documents if your state requires it, but you may not need to visit the DMV in person.

If your EDL is lost, stolen, or damaged, you will need to replace it in person at the DMV. Bring your citizenship and identity documents again, plus a police report if it was stolen. Replacement fees are typically lower than the original EDL fee.

Your EDL expires on the same schedule as a regular driver's license in your state — usually every four to eight years. Check your license for the expiration date. Some states send renewal reminders by mail; others do not, so mark your calendar or set a phone reminder.

What to Do If Your State Does Not Offer Enhanced Driver's Licenses

If your state is not on the EDL list, you have two main options for crossing borders without a passport. The first is to obtain a U.S. Passport Card, which is a wallet-sized document that works for land and sea border crossings but not for air travel. You explore for a passport card through your county clerk's office or a passport acceptance facility, and it costs about $35 to $130 depending on whether it is your first card or a renewal.

The second option is to carry a full U.S. Passport alongside your regular driver's license. A passport works for all forms of border crossing and international travel. It costs more than a passport card ($130 to $165 for an adult) and takes longer to obtain, but it is valid for 10 years and works everywhere.

If you cross borders frequently, a passport card is usually the most practical choice because it is small, inexpensive, and fast to obtain. If you travel internationally by air, you will need a full passport anyway, so getting one covers both needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use an Enhanced Driver's License to fly domestically?

Yes. An EDL meets federal Real ID requirements, so the TSA accepts it at airport security checkpoints for domestic flights. You do not need a passport for domestic air travel if you have an EDL or a standard Real ID license.

Do I need an Enhanced Driver's License if I already have a passport?

No. A passport works for all border crossings and international travel. An EDL is useful only if you want a single document for both domestic and international land or sea travel without carrying a passport. If you already have a passport, an EDL is optional.

What happens if I let my Enhanced Driver's License expire?

You can no longer use it to cross borders without a passport. You will need to renew it at the DMV or switch to carrying a passport or passport card. An expired EDL still works for domestic flights and federal building access as long as you are within five years of the expiration date, but border patrol will not accept it for crossing.

Can I get an Enhanced Driver's License if I am not a U.S. citizen?

No. EDLs are issued only to U.S. citizens. If you are a permanent resident or visa holder, you can obtain a regular driver's license but not an EDL. You will need a passport from your home country or a U.S. travel document to cross borders.

How much does an Enhanced Driver's License cost?

Costs vary by state, but most charge $20 to $40 more than a standard Real ID license. Some states charge a flat EDL fee; others charge based on the license validity period. Contact your state DMV for the exact cost in your state.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.