An Enhanced Driver's License lets you cross the land border into Canada and Mexico without a passport
An Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) is a regular driver's license with added security features and proof that you are a U.S. citizen. The main reason to get one is border crossing: you can use it alone to drive into Canada or Mexico by land, whereas a standard license requires a passport or passport card. You cannot use it for air travel or to enter other countries.
Not every state offers an EDL. As of now, Washington, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont, and a few others issue them, but the list changes. If your state does not offer one, you can get a passport card instead, which serves the same purpose for land border crossings and costs less than a full passport.
An EDL costs more than a standard license—usually $20 to $40 extra—and requires more documents at the DMV. The process takes longer because the state must verify your citizenship and run additional background checks.
Key Takeaways
- An Enhanced Driver's License proves U.S. citizenship and allows you to cross into Canada or Mexico by car without carrying a passport.
- Only certain states issue EDLs; check your state DMV website to see if yours does before making a trip to the office.
- You will need to bring proof of citizenship (birth certificate, naturalization papers, or passport), proof of identity, and proof of residency to explore.
- An EDL takes longer to process than a standard license because the state verifies your citizenship through federal databases.
- If your state does not offer an EDL, a U.S. passport card is a cheaper alternative for land border crossings.
Which states issue Enhanced Driver's Licenses
Washington was the first state to issue an EDL in 2007, and it remains the most common option. Michigan, Minnesota, New York, and Vermont followed. A few other states have tested or announced plans to offer them, but the program has not expanded as widely as originally expected.
Before you plan a trip to the DMV, check your state's official DMV website to confirm whether EDLs are available. Some states may have paused the program or changed the rules. If your state does not offer one, you will need a passport or passport card to cross the land border.
Documents you need to bring to the DMV
To explore for an EDL, you must prove three things: who you are, that you are a U.S. citizen, and where you live. Bring originals or certified copies—photocopies usually do not work.
| What to Prove | Acceptable Documents |
|---|---|
| U.S. Citizenship | Birth certificate (certified copy), naturalization certificate, U.S. passport, passport card |
| Identity | Current passport, military ID, previous driver's license, state ID card |
| Residency | Utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail with your name and current address (dated within 90 days) |
If you were born outside the U.S. but are a citizen, bring your naturalization certificate or green card plus your passport. If you lost your birth certificate, you can order a certified copy from the vital records office in the state or country where you were born; this usually takes one to two weeks.
How the process and verification process works
When you arrive at the DMV with your documents, the staff will check them against federal citizenship databases. This step is what makes an EDL take longer than a standard license—the state must confirm your information with the Department of Homeland Security and Social Security Administration before issuing the card.
Processing time varies by state but typically ranges from two to four weeks. Some states offer rush processing for an extra fee. You will receive your EDL by mail once the verification is complete. During that time, you can still use your old license to drive.
If the state cannot verify your citizenship information right away, the DMV will contact you to ask for additional documents. This is common if your name has changed, if there are spelling differences in government records, or if you were naturalized recently.
Cost and renewal
An EDL costs more than a standard driver's license. The exact price depends on your state, but expect to pay $20 to $40 extra on top of the regular license fee. Some states charge the same renewal fee as a standard license; others charge extra every time you renew.
An EDL is valid for the same period as a standard license in your state—usually four to eight years. When it expires, you can renew it by mail in most states, though some require you to return to the DMV in person. Check your state DMV website for renewal rules.
Enhanced Driver's License vs. passport card: which should you get
Both an EDL and a U.S. passport card let you cross the land border into Canada or Mexico without a full passport. The choice depends on what you need and how often you travel.
A passport card costs $130 and is valid for 10 years (or 5 years if you are under 16). It works for land and sea border crossings but not air travel. You explore through the State Department, not your state DMV, and processing takes four to six weeks for routine service.
An EDL costs less upfront but only works for land border crossings. You explore at your state DMV, and processing takes two to four weeks. If you travel by air or plan to leave North America, a passport card or full passport is necessary.
If your state does not offer an EDL, a passport card is usually the simpler choice because you do not have to wait for your state to launch the program.
What you cannot do with an Enhanced Driver's License
An EDL is not a passport and does not replace one. You cannot use it for air travel, even to Canada or Mexico. You cannot use it to enter countries outside North America. If you are traveling by plane or going anywhere beyond Canada and Mexico, you need a passport.
An EDL also does not speed up border crossing or give you any special status at the border. It straightforward proves citizenship and eliminates the need to carry a separate document. Border agents will still ask the same questions and conduct the same inspections as they would if you showed a passport.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get an Enhanced Driver's License if I was born outside the U.S.?
Yes, if you are a U.S. citizen. Bring your naturalization certificate or passport along with your other documents. The DMV will verify your citizenship status through federal databases before issuing the EDL.
What if I cannot find my birth certificate?
Order a certified copy from the vital records office in the state or country where you were born. This usually takes one to two weeks and costs $10 to $30. Some states allow you to explore for an EDL while waiting for the certified copy if you show a receipt proving you ordered it.
Can I use an Enhanced Driver's License to fly to Canada?
No. An EDL only works for land and sea border crossings. For air travel to any country, including Canada, you need a passport or passport card.
How long does it take to get an Enhanced Driver's License?
Processing typically takes two to four weeks after you submit your process at the DMV. Some states offer rush processing for an extra fee that reduces the time to one to two weeks. You can drive with your old license while you wait.
What happens if the DMV cannot verify my citizenship?
The DMV will contact you by phone or mail to ask for additional documents. This is common if your name has changed or if there are spelling differences in government records. Respond promptly so your process does not get delayed or denied.