You need proof of citizenship, a valid passport or birth certificate, and your Social Security number to get an enhanced driver's license

An enhanced driver's license (EDL) is a real ID that works for land and sea border crossings between the United States, Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean — you won't need a passport for those trips. To get one, you'll submit the same documents as a standard license renewal, plus one document proving you're a U.S. citizen. The exact list depends on your state, but the citizenship proof is the one new requirement that separates an EDL from a regular license.

Not every state offers an EDL. Currently, about 17 states issue them: Washington, Oregon, California, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, Texas, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, and a few others. If your state doesn't offer one, you'll need a passport or passport card for the same border crossings. Check your state's DMV website to confirm whether EDLs are available where you live.

Key Takeaways

  • You must provide a document proving U.S. citizenship, such as a passport, birth certificate, or naturalization certificate — this is the main difference from a standard license.
  • Your state DMV will also require proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number, the same as for any license renewal.
  • Only about 17 states currently offer enhanced driver's licenses, so check your state DMV website first to see if you can get one.
  • The fee for an EDL is higher than a standard license — typically $20 to $50 more — and the card itself looks different, with a special marking or hologram.
  • Processing time is usually two to four weeks, and you'll need to appear in person at a DMV office; you cannot renew an EDL by mail.

Citizenship Documents Accepted by Most States

The citizenship document is what you'll need to gather first. A U.S. passport or passport card is the easiest option — if you already have one, bring it. If you don't have a passport, a certified copy of your birth certificate works in most states. The birth certificate must be an official certified copy from the vital records office in the state or country where you were born, not a photocopy or hospital record.

If you were born outside the United States and are a naturalized citizen, bring your Certificate of Naturalization or your green card (Permanent Resident Card). Some states also accept a Certificate of Citizenship. If you were born abroad to a U.S. citizen parent, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (Form FS-240) or a Certificate of Birth Abroad (Form DS-1350) will work. Call your state DMV before you go to confirm which documents they accept — the list can vary slightly.

Identity and Residency Documents You'll Still Need

Beyond citizenship, you'll need to prove who you are and where you live, just as you would for a standard license. For identity, bring a document with your photo and signature — a current passport, military ID, or state ID card. If you don't have a photo ID, some states accept a combination of documents like a Social Security card plus a bank statement or utility bill with your name on it.

For residency, bring a recent document showing your current address: a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail from a government agency works too. If you've recently moved and your ID doesn't match your current address, bring both the old document and the new residency proof to show the DMV the change.

Social Security Number and Additional Information

You'll need your Social Security number when you fill out the process. Bring your Social Security card or a document that shows it — a tax return, W-2, or pay stub. If you don't have your number memorized and can't find the card, you can call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 to request a replacement, though that takes about two weeks.

You'll also need to know your current driver's license number (if you have one) and any previous addresses you've lived at in the past five to ten years — the exact timeframe varies by state. If you've been convicted of certain crimes or have had a license suspended, the DMV will ask about that on the process. Be honest; lying on the form can result in denial or criminal charges.

What to Bring to the DMV in Person

You cannot renew an EDL by mail or online in any state — you must appear in person at a DMV office. Bring originals of all documents, not photocopies. The DMV will scan or photograph them, and some offices keep copies on file. Bring your current driver's license if you have one. If you're renewing an EDL, bring the old card too.

Bring a pen and arrive early; DMV offices often have long waits, and some states require you to book an appointment online first. Check your state's DMV website to see if appointments are required or if you can walk in. Some states let you check wait times online before you go. Bring your phone or a way to pay the fee — most DMVs accept cash, debit, and credit cards, but a few still take cash only.

Cost and Processing Timeline

An enhanced driver's license costs more than a standard license. Most states charge between $20 and $50 extra, on top of the base license fee. The total cost typically ranges from $60 to $150, depending on the state and how long the license is valid for. Some states charge the same fee whether you're getting a new EDL or renewing an old one; others charge less for renewals. Check your state DMV's fee schedule online before you go.

Processing time is usually two to four weeks from the day you explore. Some states mail the card within one week; others take up to six weeks during busy periods. You'll receive a temporary paper license at the DMV that you can use to drive while you wait for the card. The EDL card itself has a special marking — usually a gold or silver star in the upper right corner — that identifies it as an enhanced license and makes it valid for border crossings.

Why States Require These Documents

The citizenship requirement exists because the Department of Homeland Security sets the standards for EDLs under the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative. Only U.S. citizens can hold an EDL; permanent residents and visa holders cannot. The identity and residency documents are standard for any license because the DMV needs to verify you are who you say you are and that you actually live where you claim to live.

The Social Security number is used to check whether you have outstanding warrants, unpaid child support, or other legal holds that would disqualify you from getting a license. It's also used to prevent fraud — someone can't walk into a DMV in a different state and get a license under a false name if the SSN check reveals they already have a license elsewhere.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a passport card instead of a full passport for citizenship proof?

Yes, a passport card counts as citizenship proof in all states that offer EDLs. It's smaller and cheaper than a full passport, and it works the same way for border crossings. If you're getting an EDL partly to avoid carrying a passport, a passport card is a lighter alternative.

What if my birth certificate is not certified or doesn't have a raised seal?

The DMV will reject it. You need an official certified copy from the vital records office in the state or country where you were born. You can order one online or by mail from that office — it usually costs $10 to $25 and takes one to two weeks. Some states now offer rush processing for an extra fee.

Do I need to renew my passport before I get an EDL?

No. If your passport is expired, you can still use it to prove citizenship for an EDL. The EDL itself doesn't expire on the same schedule as a passport. However, if you plan to travel internationally by air, you'll need a valid passport regardless of whether you have an EDL.

Can someone else pick up my EDL from the DMV if I can't go back?

Most states will mail the EDL to your address on file, so you don't have to pick it up in person. A few states require you to pick it up at the DMV within a certain time frame (usually 30 to 60 days) or it gets returned. Check your state's policy. If pickup is required and you can't go, some states allow a family member to pick it up with a signed authorization form.

What happens if I move after I get an EDL?

You'll need to update your address with the DMV, usually within 10 to 30 days of moving. In most states, you can do this online, by mail, or in person — you don't have to get a new EDL card unless your state requires it. Check your state DMV website for the address change process.