An enhanced license has a vertical orientation, a gold or tan stripe, and a star symbol — and it works as both a driver's license and a travel document
An enhanced driver's license (EDL) looks different from a standard license in several visible ways. The card is taller than it is wide (vertical instead of horizontal), has a gold or tan-colored stripe running down the right side, and displays a gold star in the upper right corner. These features are the security markers that let border agents and law enforcement recognize it when ready.
The enhanced license serves two purposes at once: it works as your regular driver's license for driving and identification within the United States, and it also works as a travel document for land and sea border crossings into Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean. You do not need a passport to cross those borders if you have an enhanced license.
Not every state offers an enhanced license. Currently, about 20 states issue them, though the list changes as states update their systems. The ones that do offer them include Washington, New York, Vermont, Michigan, Minnesota, and others — but you will need to check with your own state's Department of Motor Vehicles to know whether your state is one of them.
Key Takeaways
- An enhanced license is taller than a standard license, has a gold or tan stripe on the right edge, and displays a gold star in the upper right corner.
- The enhanced license works as both a regular driver's license and a travel document for land and sea border crossings to Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean.
- Not all states offer enhanced licenses; you must request one when you renew or replace your current license if your state provides them.
- An enhanced license costs more than a standard license — the fee varies by state but is typically between $20 and $50 extra.
How the physical card differs from a standard license
The most obvious difference is the card's orientation. A standard driver's license is horizontal (wider than it is tall), while an enhanced license is vertical (taller than it is wide). This shape change alone makes it stand out in a wallet.
The gold or tan stripe running down the right side of the card is the second major visual marker. This stripe contains embedded security features and machine-readable data that border agents scan to verify the document's authenticity. The stripe is not just decoration — it is part of the security system.
The gold star in the upper right corner is the third identifying feature. This star signals to any official checking your ID that the card meets federal Real ID standards and can be used for border crossing. Without that star, a license cannot be used for land or sea border travel, even if it is otherwise valid for driving.
Beyond these three features, an enhanced license contains the same information as a standard license: your photo, name, address, date of birth, license number, and driving restrictions or endorsements. The back of the card also looks similar, with the same barcode and magnetic stripe that any license has.
What makes an enhanced license work at the border
The gold stripe contains a digital chip that stores your biometric data — a digital version of your fingerprint or iris scan. When you cross a land or sea border, the agent scans this chip to verify your identity without needing to look up your information in a separate database. This makes the crossing faster than it would be with a standard ID.
The enhanced license is recognized by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security as meeting the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) standards. This means Canada, Mexico, and several Caribbean nations accept it as proof of citizenship and identity for entry. You still need to answer the border agent's questions and declare what you are bringing across, but you do not need to carry a passport.
The enhanced license is only valid for land and sea crossings — you cannot use it for air travel across international borders. If you are flying to another country, you still need a passport, even if you have an enhanced license.
How to request an enhanced license in your state
The process begins at your state's Department of Motor Vehicles. You can usually start by visiting the DMV website for your state and searching for "enhanced driver's license" or "Real ID." The website will tell you whether your state offers them and what documents you need to bring.
Most states require you to request an enhanced license in person at a DMV office — you cannot order one by mail or online. You will need to bring proof of identity (such as a passport or birth certificate), proof of citizenship (usually a passport or certified birth certificate), and proof of your current address (a utility bill or lease). Some states also require proof of your Social Security number.
When you arrive at the DMV, tell the staff member you want an enhanced license, not a standard one. They will take a new photo, verify your documents, and process your request. The fee is higher than a standard license renewal — typically $20 to $50 more, depending on your state — and the card usually arrives in the mail within two to four weeks.
Which states currently offer enhanced licenses
Enhanced licenses are available in roughly 20 states, though the exact number changes as states update their systems and add the capability. States that currently offer them include Washington, New York, Vermont, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Mexico, Ohio, and others.
If you live in a state that does not offer an enhanced license, you can still travel to Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean — you will just need to carry a passport instead. A standard driver's license alone is not enough for land or sea border crossings.
To find out whether your state offers an enhanced license, visit your state's DMV website and search for "enhanced driver's license" or "Real ID." The site will list the documents you need and the fee. You can also call your local DMV office and ask directly.
Enhanced license versus Real ID: what is the difference
These terms are often confused because they are related but not identical. A Real ID is a federal standard that all driver's licenses must meet by law. A Real ID license is marked with a gold star and works for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings. An enhanced license is a specific type of Real ID that also works for land and sea border crossings.
In other words: all enhanced licenses are Real IDs, but not all Real IDs are enhanced licenses. A standard Real ID (marked with a star but horizontal in orientation) works for flying within the United States and entering federal offices, but it does not work for crossing land or sea borders. An enhanced license does all of that plus the border crossing.
If you only need to fly domestically or enter federal buildings, a standard Real ID is sufficient. If you want to cross into Canada or Mexico by car or boat without a passport, you need the enhanced version.
Cost and timeline for getting an enhanced license
The cost of an enhanced license varies by state. Most states charge between $20 and $50 more than a standard license renewal. Some states include the enhanced license fee in the regular renewal cost if you request it; others charge it as an add-on. Check your state's DMV website for the exact fee.
The timeline is usually two to four weeks from the time you submit your process at the DMV office. Some states are faster; others take longer depending on how busy the DMV is. You will receive the card in the mail at the address you provided.
If you need the card sooner, some states offer expedited processing for an additional fee, though this is not available everywhere. Ask the DMV staff member when you explore whether expedited options exist in your state.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use an enhanced license as my passport?
No. An enhanced license works for land and sea border crossings to Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean, but it does not work for air travel to other countries. If you are flying internationally, you must have a passport. The enhanced license is only a substitute for a passport when crossing by car, bus, or boat.
Do I have to get an enhanced license, or is it optional?
It is optional. You can keep a standard driver's license if you prefer. The enhanced license is only useful if you plan to cross land or sea borders frequently and want to avoid carrying a passport. If you rarely travel to Canada or Mexico, a standard license is fine.
What happens if I lose my enhanced license?
Report it to your state's DMV right away, just as you would a standard license. You can request a replacement card, which usually costs less than a new license and arrives in one to two weeks. You will need to show proof of identity and citizenship again.
Can I renew my enhanced license by mail?
Most states require you to renew an enhanced license in person at a DMV office, not by mail. This is because the DMV needs to take a new photo and verify your documents. Check your state's DMV website to confirm the renewal process for your state.
Is an enhanced license the same as a REAL ID?
An enhanced license is a type of Real ID, but not all Real IDs are enhanced. Both have a gold star and meet federal standards. The difference is that an enhanced license is vertical and has the gold stripe, and it works for border crossings. A standard Real ID is horizontal and only works for domestic air travel and federal building entry.