What an enhanced driver's license actually is

An enhanced driver's license (EDL) is a standard driver's license with extra security features and proof that you've verified your identity and citizenship to a higher standard. It lets you cross the U.S. border into Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean by land or sea without a passport — something a regular license does not allow.

Not every state offers an EDL. Currently, about 17 states issue them, including Washington, New York, Vermont, Michigan, Minnesota, and others. If your state does not offer one, you cannot get an EDL no matter what documents you bring. Check your state's DMV website to confirm whether it is available where you live.

The cost is higher than a standard license — usually between $20 and $60 more, depending on your state — and the document requirements are stricter because the federal government has set standards for what counts as proof of citizenship and identity.

Key Takeaways

  • You must provide a certified birth certificate or passport as proof of U.S. citizenship; a regular birth certificate copy from the hospital is not enough.
  • You need a Social Security card or a document showing your full Social Security number, plus two forms of identity like a passport, military ID, or previous driver's license.
  • Your state's DMV must be one of the roughly 17 that currently issue enhanced licenses; if it does not, you cannot get one.
  • The entire document package must show your current legal name, so if you have changed your name, bring the court order or marriage certificate proving the change.

Proof of citizenship you will need

The single most important document is proof of U.S. citizenship. A photocopy of your birth certificate from the hospital is not acceptable. You need either a certified copy of your birth certificate (ordered from the vital records office in the state or county where you were born) or a valid U.S. passport.

A certified birth certificate has an official seal and signature from the vital records office. You order it by mail or in person from your state's vital records department — search "[your state] vital records" to find the office. It typically costs $10 to $25 and takes one to three weeks by mail. If you need it faster, many states offer in-person or expedited options for an extra fee.

If you already have a valid U.S. passport, you can use that instead. The passport serves as both proof of citizenship and proof of identity, so it covers two requirements at once. A passport card (the small wallet-sized version) counts; a passport book (the full-size one) also counts.

Proof of identity and Social Security number

Beyond citizenship, you need to prove your identity and provide your Social Security number. Bring your Social Security card itself, or a document that displays your full nine-digit number — such as a tax return, W-2, or Social Security statement. Some states will accept a letter from the Social Security Administration confirming your number.

For identity, bring two documents from this list: a valid passport, military ID, previous driver's license or state ID, employee ID from a federal agency, or a tribal ID card. These must be current or expired no more than five years. A school ID, library card, or credit card does not count.

If you are renewing an EDL and your previous license is still valid, that previous license counts as one of your two identity documents. You still need a second one from the list above.

Proof of your current legal name

Every document you bring must show the same legal name you are using now. If you have changed your name through marriage, divorce, or court order since your last license, bring the document that proves the change.

For a name change due to marriage, bring your marriage certificate. For a divorce, bring the divorce decree showing your new name. For a legal name change through the court, bring the court order. These documents must be certified copies (with an official seal), not photocopies.

If your birth certificate shows a different name than you use now, you must bring both the birth certificate and the document proving the name change. The DMV will not accept a birth certificate alone if the name does not match your current legal name.

Proof of your current address

You also need to show where you currently live. Bring one document from this list: a utility bill, lease or mortgage statement, bank statement, insurance policy, or government mail (such as a tax notice or Social Security statement). The document must show your name and current address and be dated within the last 60 days.

A cell phone bill, credit card statement, or mail from a retailer usually does not count. If you have recently moved and do not yet have a utility bill in your name, ask the DMV what alternatives they accept — some will take a signed letter from your landlord or a lease agreement instead.

What to bring to the DMV appointment

Gather all documents before you go. Bring the originals, not photocopies, except where noted. Most states require you to schedule an appointment for an EDL rather than walk in, so check your state's DMV website and book ahead.

Bring your completed process form (read it from your state's DMV website before you go). Bring your passport-style photo if your state requires you to provide one; some DMVs take the photo on-site. Bring your payment method — cash, check, or card, depending on what your DMV accepts.

If you are under 18, bring a parent or guardian and their ID. If you are renewing and your previous license is still valid, bring that too. Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early with all documents organized in the order the DMV requests.

What happens after you submit your documents

The DMV will review your documents on the spot. If anything is missing or incorrect, they will tell you when ready and may ask you to come back with the missing item. If everything is in order, they will take your photo and fingerprints (some states require fingerprints for EDLs as part of the federal security standard).

Your EDL will be mailed to your address within two to four weeks in most states. Some states offer a temporary paper license you can use while you wait. Check your confirmation receipt to see whether your state provides one and what it covers.

Once your EDL arrives, check that all information is correct — name, address, date of birth, and license number. If anything is wrong, contact the DMV when ready to request a correction.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a regular birth certificate from the hospital instead of a certified one?

No. The hospital-issued birth certificate is not an official certified copy. You must order a certified copy from your state or county vital records office. It will have an official seal and signature. This typically takes one to three weeks and costs $10 to $25.

What if I do not have a Social Security card?

You can bring any document showing your full nine-digit Social Security number, such as a tax return, W-2, or a letter from the Social Security Administration. Some states also accept a Social Security statement mailed to you by the SSA.

Do I need an EDL if I already have a passport?

No. A passport allows you to cross borders by air, land, or sea. An EDL only works for land and sea crossings and is less expensive. Choose based on how you travel and whether you want to carry a passport-sized document or a standard license.

What if my name on my birth certificate does not match my current name?

Bring both your birth certificate and the document proving your name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. All documents must be certified copies with official seals. The DMV will not accept a birth certificate alone if the name does not match.

How long does it take to get an enhanced driver's license?

The appointment itself takes 15 to 30 minutes. Your EDL will be mailed to you within two to four weeks in most states. Some states issue a temporary paper license you can use while you wait for the card to arrive.