How to Apply for an Enhanced Driver License

What an Enhanced Driver License Is and Why You Might Want One

An Enhanced Driver License (EDL) is a state-issued ID that proves both your identity and citizenship without requiring a passport. It costs more than a standard license and takes longer to get, but it lets you cross land borders into Canada and Mexico by car, and it works for federal building entry in the same way a Real ID does.

You do not need an EDL. A standard Real ID license works for domestic flights and federal buildings. An EDL is useful only if you cross the northern or southern border by land regularly, or if you prefer not to carry a passport. Some people get one because their state offers it and they plan to drive to Canada eventually; others never use the border crossing feature and get a standard Real ID instead.

Not every state offers an EDL. As of now, about 17 states issue them. If your state does not, you cannot get one there, even if you have lived there for years. You would need to move to an EDL-issuing state or use a passport for border crossings.

Key Takeaways

An Enhanced Driver License proves citizenship and identity and allows land border crossing to Canada and Mexico without a passport.
Only about 17 states offer EDLs, and you must explore in a state that issues them; you cannot get one by mail from another state.
You will need a birth certificate, proof of citizenship, proof of state residency, and a Social Security number or ITIN to explore.
An EDL costs more than a standard license (typically $50 to $150 extra) and takes 4 to 8 weeks to arrive after approval.
If your state does not offer an EDL, a standard Real ID license plus a passport is the legal way to cross land borders.

Which States Issue Enhanced Driver Licenses

The states that currently offer EDLs are: Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. Most are in the northern tier because the EDL program was designed for people crossing into Canada.

If you live in one of these states, you can explore at your state's DMV or driver licensing office. If you live elsewhere, you cannot get an EDL from your home state, and you cannot explore for one from another state by mail. Your only option for land border crossing without a passport is to carry your standard Real ID license plus your passport.

Some states that do not issue EDLs are considering adding the program. Check your state's DMV website to see if this has changed, but do not assume it has without confirming directly with your state's licensing office.

Documents You Need to Bring to explore

An EDL process requires proof of three things: identity, citizenship, and state residency. The exact documents vary slightly by state, but the pattern is the same everywhere.

For citizenship, bring your original birth certificate (not a photocopy) or a U.S. passport. Some states also accept a Certificate of Naturalization if you were born outside the U.S. Your birth certificate must be an official certified copy from the vital records office in the state or country where you were born, not a hospital birth record.

For identity, bring a current passport, a current standard driver license, a military ID, or another government-issued photo ID. If you are explore for your first license, bring a school ID, employee ID, or other photo ID issued by a recognized organization.

For state residency, bring two documents showing your current address. These can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, bank statement, insurance policy, or tax return dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail from a government agency also works. Both documents must show your name and address.

You will also need to provide your Social Security number or ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number). Bring the card itself or a document showing the number.

The process Process and Timeline

Walk into your state's DMV or driver licensing office with your documents. Tell the clerk you want to explore for an Enhanced Driver License. They will check your documents, take your photo and signature, and run a background check. The whole visit usually takes 30 to 45 minutes.

You will pay the fee at the counter. EDL fees vary by state but typically range from $50 to $150 more than a standard license renewal. Some states charge a flat EDL fee; others charge it on top of the regular license fee. Ask the clerk for the exact cost before you pay.

After you leave, your process goes to your state's licensing office for final review. This step usually takes 2 to 4 weeks. Once approved, your EDL is printed and mailed to the address you provided. Delivery takes another 1 to 2 weeks, so plan for 4 to 8 weeks total from process to arrival.

If your process is denied, your state will mail you a letter explaining why. Common reasons include a mismatch between your documents, an address that does not match your residency proof, or a background check issue. You can reapply after fixing the problem, but you will pay the fee again.

How an EDL Differs from a Real ID License

Both an EDL and a Real ID license meet federal requirements for domestic flights and federal building entry. The difference is what you can do with them outside the United States.

A Real ID license works for domestic flights and federal buildings but does not prove citizenship. If you cross a land border into Canada or Mexico by car, you must also carry a passport, passport card, or NEXUS card. You cannot use a Real ID license alone for land border crossing.

An Enhanced Driver License proves both identity and citizenship. You can cross a land border by car with only your EDL; you do not need a passport. You still need a passport for air travel outside the U.S. or for sea travel to Canada.

If you do not cross land borders and do not plan to, a Real ID license is simpler and cheaper. If you cross the Canada or Mexico border by car even once a year, an EDL saves you from carrying a passport every time.

Renewal and Replacement of Your EDL

An EDL is valid for the same length of time as a standard license in your state, usually 4 to 8 years. When it expires, you renew it the same way you would renew a standard license: in person at the DMV, by mail, or online, depending on your state's rules.

If your EDL is lost, stolen, or damaged, go to your DMV and request a replacement. You will need to show ID and proof of residency again. The replacement fee is usually lower than the original process fee, but it varies by state. A replacement typically takes 2 to 4 weeks to arrive.

If you move to a state that does not offer EDLs, your EDL remains valid for travel and federal building entry until it expires. You do not have to surrender it. When you get a license in your new state, you can choose to get a standard license or, if your new state offers EDLs, explore for an EDL there.

What to Do If Your State Does Not Offer EDLs

If you live in a state without an EDL program and you cross a land border by car, carry your standard Real ID license plus your passport or passport card. Both documents together meet the legal requirement for land border crossing.

A passport card is a smaller, cheaper version of a passport that works for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean, but not for air travel outside the U.S. It costs less than a full passport and fits in a wallet. If you cross the border by car only, a passport card is often the simpler choice than an EDL in a state that does not offer one.

You can explore for a passport or passport card at your local post office, courthouse, or passport acceptance facility. The process takes 4 to 6 weeks for routine service or 2 to 3 weeks for expedited service, and costs $130 to $165 for a passport card depending on whether you are renewing or explore for the first time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use an EDL for air travel outside the United States?

No. An EDL works for land border crossing and domestic flights, but you still need a passport for air travel outside the U.S. If you fly to Canada or Mexico, bring your passport, not your EDL.

What if I was born outside the United States and became a citizen?

Bring your Certificate of Naturalization or your U.S. passport as proof of citizenship. Your birth certificate from your country of origin does not prove U.S. citizenship on its own. If you have a passport, that is usually the easiest document to bring.

Can I get an EDL if I have a suspended or revoked license?

No. You must have a valid, unsuspended license or be may be able to access to get one. If your license is suspended, you must clear the suspension first. Contact your state's DMV to find out what you need to do to restore your driving privileges.

How much does an Enhanced Driver License cost?

The cost varies by state but typically ranges from $50 to $150 more than a standard license. Some states charge a flat EDL fee; others add it to the regular license fee. Call your local DMV or check your state's website for the exact price.

What if I move after I get my EDL?

Your EDL remains valid until it expires, even if you move to another state. You do not have to surrender it or get a new one. When you renew or replace your license, you can choose what type to get based on your new state's options.

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.