What an Enhanced License Is and Why You Might Want One
An enhanced driver's license is a state-issued ID that lets you cross the U.S. border into Canada, Mexico, and some Caribbean countries without a passport. It costs more than a standard license and requires extra documents, but it serves as both your driver's license and a travel document in one card.
Not every state offers enhanced licenses — currently about 17 states issue them. If your state does, you can choose between a standard license and an enhanced one when you renew or get a new license. You do not have to get one; it is optional. But if you travel to Canada or Mexico by land or sea regularly, it can save you the cost and hassle of carrying a separate passport.
The main catch: enhanced licenses are only valid for land and sea border crossings. You still need a passport to fly internationally. And the documents you need to prove your identity and citizenship are more extensive than for a standard license.
Key Takeaways
- An enhanced license requires proof of U.S. citizenship (passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers) plus the same identity documents as a standard license.
- You must provide your Social Security number and pass a background check, just as you would for a standard license.
- The fee for an enhanced license is typically $20 to $50 more than a standard license, depending on your state.
- Processing time is usually the same as a standard license, but some states require an in-person appointment at a specific office rather than any DMV location.
- An enhanced license is valid for land and sea border crossings to Canada, Mexico, and some Caribbean nations, but not for air travel.
Documents Proving Your Identity
You will need one primary document that shows your name, date of birth, and signature. A valid passport, passport card, or standard driver's license from another state all work. If you do not have any of these, a state ID card, military ID, or tribal ID is acceptable.
You will also need one secondary document — something that confirms your identity but may not have all three pieces of information. Examples include a credit card, bank statement with your name and address, utility bill, lease or mortgage document, or insurance card. The secondary document must be current or issued within the last five years.
Bring the originals, not copies. The DMV staff will examine them in person and may make copies for your file. If any document is in a language other than English, bring an official translation as well.
Proof of U.S. Citizenship — The Key Difference
This is what separates an enhanced license from a standard one. You must prove you are a U.S. citizen. The DMV will accept one of the following:
- A U.S. passport or passport card (valid or expired within the last five years)
- An original or certified copy of your birth certificate issued by a vital records office
- A Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of Citizenship
- A Consular Report of Birth Abroad
- A valid military discharge document (DD Form 214) if you were born outside the U.S. to a military parent
If your birth certificate is a photocopy or was issued by a hospital rather than a vital records office, it will not work — you need an official certified copy. If you were born outside the U.S. and are a naturalized citizen, bring your naturalization papers. If you lost your citizenship documents, you can request replacements from the vital records office in the state or country where you were born, though this can take several weeks.
Some states allow you to submit citizenship documents by mail before your appointment, while others require you to bring them in person. Check your state DMV website to see which applies to you.
Proof of Your Address and Social Security Number
Bring a document showing your current address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail all work. It must be dated within the last 60 days. A credit card statement or insurance bill is also acceptable if it shows your name and address.
You will also need to provide your Social Security number. Have your Social Security card with you, or know the number by heart. The DMV will verify it against Social Security Administration records as part of the background check.
What Happens at Your Appointment
When you arrive, bring all original documents in a folder or envelope so they do not get separated. The DMV staff will examine each one, verify your information against their database and the Social Security Administration, and run a background check. This is the same process as getting a standard license.
You will take a new photo for the enhanced license (unless your state allows you to use a recent photo from a previous license). You may also be asked to sign a form confirming that you are a U.S. citizen and that the information you provided is correct.
Processing time is usually 1 to 2 weeks for an enhanced license, the same as a standard license. Some states mail it to your address; others let you pick it up at the DMV office. A few states require you to pick it up in person rather than having it mailed. Check your state's website to see which applies.
Cost and Renewal
An enhanced license costs more than a standard license. The difference varies by state — typically $20 to $50 extra. Some states charge a flat fee for the enhanced license; others charge the standard license fee plus an enhancement fee. A few states offer both options at the same price.
Enhanced licenses are valid for the same length of time as standard licenses in your state — usually 4, 5, or 8 years depending on your age and state. When you renew, you can choose to renew as an enhanced license or switch to a standard license. You will need to bring proof of citizenship again at renewal time.
If Your State Does Not Offer Enhanced Licenses
If you live in a state that does not issue enhanced licenses, your only option for a travel document that works at land borders is a passport or passport card. These are issued by the U.S. State Department, not your state DMV, and the process process is separate.
A passport card looks like a credit card and costs less than a full passport, but it is only valid for land and sea travel — not air travel. If you need to fly internationally, you must get a full passport book. Both are issued through your county courthouse, a passport acceptance facility, or a passport agency office.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get an enhanced license if I was born outside the U.S.?
Yes, if you are a U.S. citizen. You will need to bring your Certificate of Naturalization, Certificate of Citizenship, or Consular Report of Birth Abroad instead of a birth certificate. If you are a permanent resident but not yet a citizen, you cannot get an enhanced license — you can only get a standard license.
What if I lost my birth certificate?
Contact the vital records office in the state where you were born and request a certified copy. This usually costs $10 to $30 and takes 1 to 3 weeks by mail. Some states offer expedited processing for an extra fee. You cannot use a hospital birth certificate or a photocopy — it must be an official certified copy with a raised seal.
Do I need an enhanced license to visit Canada or Mexico?
No. You can cross the border with a passport, passport card, or NEXUS card. An enhanced license is optional — it is just another way to prove citizenship and identity at the border. If you already have a passport, you do not need an enhanced license.
Can I use an enhanced license to fly internationally?
No. An enhanced license is only valid for land and sea border crossings. If you fly to Canada, Mexico, or any other country, you must have a passport or passport card.
How long does it take to get an enhanced license?
Processing time is usually 1 to 2 weeks, the same as a standard license. Some states mail it to you; others require you to pick it up in person. Check your state DMV website for the specific timeline and pickup method in your area.