What an Advanced Driver's License Is and Who Needs One

An Advanced Driver's License (ADL), also called an Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) in some states, is a real ID document that proves both your identity and citizenship. It costs more than a standard license and takes longer to obtain, but it lets you cross the U.S.–Canada and U.S.–Mexico land borders without a passport.

You do not need an ADL for everyday driving. You need one only if you plan to drive across a land border and want to avoid carrying a passport. If you fly internationally or cross borders by air, a passport is still required. If you drive across a border without an ADL or passport, you will be turned back.

Not all states offer ADLs. As of now, about 20 states issue them. If your state does not, you must use a passport, passport card, or NEXUS card to cross a land border by car. Check your state's DMV website to see whether an ADL is available where you live.

Key Takeaways

  • An Advanced Driver's License proves citizenship and identity and allows you to cross U.S.–Canada and U.S.–Mexico land borders without a passport.
  • Only about 20 states offer ADLs, so check your state DMV website first to see if one is available in your state.
  • You must bring proof of citizenship (birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers), proof of identity, and proof of your current address to the DMV.
  • An ADL costs between $50 and $150 depending on your state and how long you want it to be valid.
  • Processing takes 2 to 6 weeks in most states, so plan ahead if you have a border trip scheduled.

Documents You Need to Bring to the DMV

To get an ADL, 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 alone will not work.

Proof of citizenship can be a U.S. birth certificate, U.S. passport, passport card, naturalization certificate, or certificate of citizenship. If you were born outside the U.S., a birth certificate from a U.S. territory (Puerto Rico, Guam, U.S. Virgin Islands) counts. A driver's license or state ID alone does not prove citizenship, so you must bring one of these documents.

Proof of identity can be your current driver's license, state ID, passport, military ID, or tribal ID. If you do not have a current license or ID, bring a document with your photo and signature, such as a passport or military ID.

Proof of your current address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days. A cell phone bill usually does not count. If you have moved recently and your license shows an old address, bring both your old license and a proof-of-address document.

Steps to Get an Advanced Driver's License

The process varies slightly by state, but the basic steps are the same everywhere an ADL is offered.

Step 1: Check availability and fees. Go to your state DMV website and search for "Advanced Driver's License" or "Enhanced Driver's License." Write down the fee (usually $50 to $150) and whether you need an appointment. Some states require one; others take walk-ins.

Step 2: Gather your documents. Collect your proof of citizenship, proof of identity, and proof of address. Make sure everything is an original or certified copy. If any document is in a language other than English, bring a certified English translation as well.

Step 3: Visit the DMV. Bring all documents, your current driver's license or ID, and the fee. If you need an appointment, book one online or by phone before you go. Bring more cash or a debit card than the stated fee in case there are additional charges.

Step 4: Complete the process. At the DMV, you will fill out a form (usually called an process for Driver's License or similar). The clerk will verify your documents and take your photo and signature. You may be asked questions about your citizenship or residency to confirm the information on your documents.

Step 5: Wait for processing. Most states mail the ADL within 2 to 6 weeks. Some states issue it on the spot if you pass the verification. Ask the DMV clerk when you should expect it and whether you can use your old license to cross the border while you wait.

Cost and How Long It Takes

An ADL costs between $50 and $150 depending on your state and the validity period you choose. Most states offer a 4-year or 8-year option, with the longer validity costing more. Some states charge the same fee regardless of length; others charge more for the longer term. Check your state DMV website for the exact price.

Processing time ranges from 2 to 6 weeks in most states. A few states offer expedited processing for an extra fee (usually $10 to $25) that cuts the wait to 1 to 2 weeks. If you have a border trip coming up, ask about expedited service when you explore.

If your state issues ADLs on the spot, you will walk out with your license the same day. This is rare but does happen in a few states. Call your local DMV to ask whether yours is one of them.

Renewal and Replacement

When your ADL expires, you renew it the same way you would renew a standard driver's license. You can renew by mail, online, or in person, depending on your state. You do not need to bring proof of citizenship again unless your state requires it for all renewals—check your DMV website.

If your ADL is lost, stolen, or damaged, you must replace it in person at the DMV. Bring your proof of citizenship, proof of identity, and proof of address again. Replacement usually costs less than a new ADL (often $10 to $30) and takes the same 2 to 6 weeks to process.

Alternatives if Your State Does Not Offer an ADL

If you live in a state that does not issue ADLs, you have three options for crossing a land border by car: a passport, a passport card, or a NEXUS card.

A U.S. passport is issued by the State Department and costs $130 to $165 for an adult. It takes 6 to 8 weeks to arrive under normal processing, or 2 to 3 weeks with expedited service (extra $60). You can explore at a passport acceptance facility, usually found at post offices, libraries, and some courthouses. A passport works for all international travel, not just land borders.

A passport card is smaller and cheaper ($35 to $50) than a passport and takes the same time to arrive. It works only for land and sea border crossings, not air travel. Many people carry both a passport card (for driving) and a passport (for flying).

A NEXUS card is a trusted-traveler program run by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. It costs $120 and is valid for 5 years. It lets you use dedicated lanes at the border and speeds up the crossing process. You must explore in person at a NEXUS enrollment center and pass a background check. NEXUS is useful if you cross the border frequently, but it does not replace a passport for air travel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use an Advanced Driver's License to fly internationally?

No. An ADL works only for land and sea border crossings. To fly internationally, you must have a passport or passport card. An ADL cannot replace a passport for air travel, even if you are flying to Canada or Mexico.

What if I was born outside the United States but am a U.S. citizen?

You can still get an ADL. Bring your naturalization certificate or certificate of citizenship. If you lost it, you can request a replacement from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) before you go to the DMV. The process takes several weeks, so plan ahead.

Do I need an appointment to get an Advanced Driver's License?

It depends on your state. Some states require appointments; others accept walk-ins. Check your state DMV website or call your local office. If appointments are required and you show up without one, you will be turned away.

Can I renew my Advanced Driver's License by mail?

Most states allow mail renewal for ADLs, but some require you to renew in person. Check your state DMV website. If mail renewal is available, you usually do not need to bring proof of citizenship again unless your state specifically requires it.

What happens if I cross the border without an ADL or passport?

U.S. Customs and Border Protection will turn you back. You will not be allowed to enter Canada or Mexico. You must have either an ADL, passport, passport card, or NEXUS card to cross a land border by car.