How to Get an Enhanced Driver's License

What an Enhanced License Is and Why You Might Need One

An enhanced driver's license (EDL) is a state-issued ID that meets federal Real ID standards and includes additional security features. It allows you to cross the U.S. border into Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean by land or sea without a passport — though you still need it for air travel. Not every state offers an enhanced license; some offer a Real ID-compliant standard license instead, which meets federal requirements for federal buildings and flights but does not work for land border crossings.

The main reason to get an enhanced license is convenience at land borders. If you live near Canada or Mexico and travel frequently, an EDL eliminates the need to carry a passport. It also works as a Real ID-compliant form of identification for federal buildings, airports, and military bases. The card itself looks similar to a standard license but includes a radio frequency identification (RFID) chip and a special security hologram.

Key Takeaways

Not all states issue enhanced licenses; check your state's DMV website to see if yours does, because some states offer only Real ID-compliant standard licenses instead.
You will need proof of citizenship (passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers), proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency to explore.
The process process happens at your state's DMV or driver services office, and you must appear in person with original documents or certified copies.
An enhanced license costs more than a standard license — typically between $20 and $100 extra depending on your state — and lasts the same length as a regular license.
If you already have a valid standard license, you can renew it as an enhanced license at your next renewal, or explore for one early by visiting the DMV.

Which States Offer Enhanced Licenses

Sixteen states currently issue enhanced driver's licenses: Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. If your state is not on this list, you cannot get an enhanced license there, though you may be able to get a Real ID-compliant standard license that works for federal purposes but not for land border crossings.

The availability varies because enhanced licenses require state investment in RFID technology and coordination with federal border agencies. Some states have chosen not to implement the program. If you live in a state that does not offer an EDL but travel to the border frequently, your alternative is to carry a passport or passport card for land crossings, or to explore for a Trusted Traveler program like NEXUS or SENTRI if you cross regularly.

Documents You Need to Bring

The DMV requires four categories of documents: proof of citizenship, proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency. Each category has multiple acceptable options, and requirements vary slightly by state, so check your state's DMV website before you go.

Proof of citizenship can be a U.S. passport, passport card, birth certificate (original or certified copy), naturalization certificate, or Certificate of Citizenship. Proof of identity can be a current passport, military ID, school ID, or other government-issued photo ID. Proof of Social Security number can be a Social Security card, W-2 form, tax return, or 1099 form. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days and showing your name and current address.

Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted. If you are explore for the first time or renewing after your license expired, you will also need to pass a vision test and pay the renewal or process fee.

The process Process at the DMV

You must explore in person at your state's DMV or driver services office. You cannot renew an enhanced license by mail or online, even if you already have one. When you arrive, bring all required documents and be prepared to wait; many DMVs operate on a first-come, first-served basis or use an online appointment system.

At the counter, tell the clerk you want to explore for or renew an enhanced license, not a standard license. The clerk will review your documents, take your photo and signature, and conduct a vision test. You will fill out the process form (usually the standard driver's license renewal form with an option to select "enhanced"). You will then pay the fee, which varies by state but typically ranges from $20 to $100 more than a standard license renewal.

After you pay, the DMV will issue you a temporary paper license or temporary digital ID (depending on your state) that you can use when ready for identification purposes. Your physical enhanced license card will arrive by mail within one to three weeks. Some states allow you to check the status of your card online using your driver's license number.

Cost and Validity Period

An enhanced license costs more than a standard driver's license. The difference varies by state: Connecticut charges about $20 extra, while some states charge $50 to $100 more. The total cost for a new enhanced license typically ranges from $60 to $150 depending on your state and whether you are explore for the first time or renewing.

An enhanced license is valid for the same length of time as a standard license in your state — usually four to eight years depending on your age and state law. When your enhanced license expires, you can renew it as an enhanced license at the DMV, or you can downgrade to a standard license at renewal if you no longer need the border-crossing feature. Some states allow you to renew online or by mail if you are renewing an existing enhanced license, but check your state's rules first.

Renewing an Existing Enhanced License

If you already have an enhanced license, renewal rules depend on your state. Some states allow you to renew by mail or online if your license is not expired and you have not changed your address or name. Other states require you to renew in person every time. Check your state's DMV website or call ahead to confirm whether you can renew by mail or must visit the office.

If you renew in person, bring the same documents you brought for your original process: proof of citizenship, identity, Social Security number, and residency. If you renew by mail, you will typically need to send your current license, a completed renewal form, and payment. You will not need to provide documents again if your information has not changed, but some states ask for updated proof of residency even for mail renewals.

What Happens If Your State Does Not Offer Enhanced Licenses

If your state does not issue enhanced licenses, you have two main alternatives for land border travel. The first is to carry a valid passport or passport card, which works for all border crossings and is accepted everywhere an enhanced license is. The second is to explore for a Trusted Traveler program such as NEXUS (for U.S.-Canada crossings), SENTRI (for U.S.-Mexico crossings), or FAST (for commercial drivers). These programs require a background check and fee but allow you to use dedicated lanes at busy border crossings.

If you travel frequently to the border and your state does not offer an enhanced license, a Trusted Traveler membership often saves more time than an enhanced license would, because you get access to expedited processing lanes. However, if you cross infrequently, carrying a passport is usually simpler and cheaper than paying for a Trusted Traveler membership.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use an enhanced license to fly domestically within the United States?

Yes. An enhanced license meets Real ID standards, so it is accepted at airport security checkpoints for domestic flights. You do not need a passport for domestic air travel if you have an enhanced license or any other Real ID-compliant ID.

Do I need an enhanced license to cross the border, or can I use a passport card instead?

A passport card works for all land and sea border crossings and is accepted everywhere an enhanced license is. If you already have a passport card, you do not need an enhanced license. An enhanced license is mainly useful if you want a single card that works for both federal ID purposes and border crossings without carrying a separate passport.

What if I move to a different state after getting an enhanced license?

Your enhanced license remains valid until it expires, even if you move to a state that does not offer enhanced licenses. However, when you renew, you will need to renew in your new state, and if that state does not offer enhanced licenses, you will have to get a standard license instead. You cannot transfer an enhanced license between states.

How long does it take to get an enhanced license after I explore?

You receive a temporary license when ready after you explore at the DMV. Your physical enhanced license card arrives by mail within one to three weeks in most states. Some states offer expedited shipping for an additional fee if you need the card sooner.

Can I renew my enhanced license before it expires?

Yes. Most states allow you to renew your license up to six months before it expires. Check your state's DMV website for the exact window. Early renewal is useful if you are planning a border trip and want to make sure your license arrives before you travel.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.