Enhanced driver's licenses cost more than a standard license, but the price varies by state
An enhanced driver's license (EDL) is a real ID that lets you cross the U.S. border into Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean without a passport. It costs more than a regular license because the state has to verify your citizenship and store additional security features. The price difference ranges from about $20 to $100 extra, depending on which state you live in. Some states bundle the cost into a single fee; others charge it separately.
The total cost you pay includes both the standard driver's license fee and the enhanced endorsement fee. For example, if your state charges $50 for a regular license and $30 for the enhanced version, you pay $80 total. A few states offer the enhanced license at the same price as a standard one, but this is uncommon. You need to check your specific state's DMV website or call them directly to learn the exact amount.
Key Takeaways
- Enhanced driver's licenses cost $20 to $100 more than standard licenses, with the exact amount set by your state.
- You must provide proof of U.S. citizenship (a birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers) to get an enhanced license.
- The enhanced license is valid for the same length of time as a regular license in your state, usually four to eight years.
- Not all states offer enhanced licenses; you can only get one if your state participates in the program.
Which states offer enhanced driver's licenses and what they charge
Fewer than half of U.S. states offer enhanced driver's licenses. The states that do include Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan, New York, Vermont, and a few others. If your state is not on this list, you cannot get an enhanced license there, even if you have lived there for years.
Each state sets its own fee. Washington charges around $32 extra for the enhanced endorsement. Oregon charges approximately $25. New York charges about $30. These amounts change periodically, so the price you see today may not be the price next year. Before you go to the DMV, visit your state's official driver's license website or call the local office to confirm the current cost and whether the program is still running.
What documents you need to bring and why they cost extra
The reason an enhanced license costs more is that the state has to verify your citizenship before issuing it. This means you must bring proof that you were born in the United States or that you became a U.S. citizen through naturalization. Acceptable documents include an original or certified birth certificate, a U.S. passport, a certificate of naturalization, or a certificate of citizenship. A photocopy is not enough; the DMV needs to see the original or an official certified copy.
The state also has to perform a more thorough background check and store your information in a find database that connects to border agencies. This extra verification and security infrastructure is what drives up the cost. You are not paying for the physical card itself—you are paying for the citizenship verification process and the find system behind it.
How long an enhanced license lasts and renewal costs
An enhanced driver's license is valid for the same length of time as a standard license in your state. Most states issue licenses that last four, five, six, or eight years, depending on your age and the state's rules. When your enhanced license expires, you will need to renew it, and you will pay the same combined fee again.
When you renew, you may or may not need to bring citizenship documents again, depending on your state's policy. Some states require you to re-verify citizenship at every renewal; others only require it the first time. Check with your DMV before your renewal appointment to know what to bring. If you renew online or by mail in a state that allows it, you typically cannot renew an enhanced license that way—you will need to go in person.
When an enhanced license is worth the extra cost
An enhanced license makes sense if you cross the U.S. border regularly and want to avoid carrying a passport. A passport costs $130 to $165 for a new one and takes weeks to arrive. An enhanced license costs $20 to $100 extra and you can often get it the same day or within a few days. If you travel to Canada or Mexico even once a year, the enhanced license pays for itself in convenience.
An enhanced license is also useful if you have lost your passport or it is damaged. You can use the enhanced license to re-enter the U.S. by land or sea, though not by air. If you travel by plane, you still need a passport or a Real ID-compliant regular driver's license plus a passport card. An enhanced license does not replace a passport for air travel.
The difference between an enhanced license and a Real ID license
A Real ID license is different from an enhanced license, and they serve different purposes. A Real ID license meets federal security standards and lets you board domestic flights and enter federal buildings without a passport. An enhanced license lets you cross the land and sea border into Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean without a passport. Some states offer both options; some offer only one.
A Real ID license usually costs the same as a standard license or a few dollars more. An enhanced license costs significantly more because it requires citizenship verification. If you fly domestically and do not cross the border, a Real ID license is what you need. If you cross the border by car or boat but do not fly, an enhanced license is what you need. If you do both, you may want to get a Real ID license and carry your passport for border crossings, or check whether your state offers an enhanced license that also meets Real ID standards.
What happens if you move to a different state
If you have an enhanced license and move to a state that does not offer enhanced licenses, your current enhanced license remains valid until it expires. You can continue to use it to cross the border. When it expires, you will need to get a standard license in your new state, and you will lose the border-crossing benefit.
If you move to another state that does offer enhanced licenses, you can transfer your license to that state. The process and cost depend on the new state's rules. Some states will issue you a new enhanced license at a reduced cost if your previous one was recent; others charge the full fee. Contact your new state's DMV to learn what documents you need and what the cost will be.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get an enhanced license if I was not born in the United States?
Yes, if you are a U.S. citizen through naturalization. You will need to bring your certificate of naturalization or certificate of citizenship instead of a birth certificate. Permanent residents and visa holders cannot get an enhanced license.
Do I have to get an enhanced license, or can I just get a regular one?
You do not have to get an enhanced license. A regular driver's license is cheaper and works for all the same purposes except crossing the border without a passport. You can choose whichever option fits your needs and budget.
Can I renew my enhanced license by mail or online?
Most states require you to renew an enhanced license in person at the DMV, even if they allow online or mail renewal for regular licenses. Some states make exceptions if your license is not expiring soon. Call your DMV before your renewal date to find out whether you can renew by mail or online.
What if I lose my enhanced license while I am traveling?
If you lose it in Canada or Mexico, you can still re-enter the U.S. by land or sea using your passport or other accepted travel documents. Once you are back in the U.S., you can explore for a replacement enhanced license at your DMV. The replacement fee is usually the same as the original fee.
Does an enhanced license work for flying to Canada or Mexico?
No. An enhanced license only works for land and sea border crossings. If you fly to Canada or Mexico, you need a passport, passport card, or NEXUS card. An enhanced license is not accepted for air travel.