Enhanced Driver License: What It Is and Whether You Need One

An Enhanced Driver License lets you cross U.S. borders by land and sea without a passport, but it is not the same as Real ID

An Enhanced Driver License (EDL) is a state-issued ID that lets you cross the U.S. border into Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean by land or sea without carrying a passport. It has extra security features and requires a background check and proof of citizenship. However, an EDL is not a Real ID — they are two separate documents with different purposes. A Real ID works for domestic air travel and federal building access. An EDL works for international border crossings. Some states offer both; some offer only one; some offer neither.

If you live near a border and cross frequently, an EDL can be more convenient than carrying a passport. If you rarely cross borders or only fly domestically, you probably do not need one. Your state's Department of Motor Vehicles website will tell you whether your state issues EDLs and what the requirements are.

Key Takeaways

An Enhanced Driver License lets you cross land and sea borders into Canada, Mexico, and Caribbean nations without a passport, but does not replace a passport for air travel.
Only about 20 U.S. states issue EDLs, and the ones that do have different fees, processing times, and document requirements.
An EDL requires proof of citizenship (birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers) and a background check, which takes longer than a standard driver license renewal.
If your state does not offer an EDL, you can still cross borders by land or sea using a passport, passport card, or NEXUS card instead.
An EDL and a Real ID serve different purposes and you may need both, depending on whether you travel internationally and fly domestically.

Which states issue Enhanced Driver Licenses

Approximately 20 states issue EDLs, but the list changes and not all states participate in the program. States that currently offer EDLs include Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, New York, and Vermont. A few other states have added the program in recent years. Your state's Department of Motor Vehicles website will tell you whether your state issues them and what the requirements are.

If your state does not offer an EDL, you are not locked out of border crossings — you straightforward need to use a passport, passport card, or a trusted traveler program like NEXUS or SENTRI instead. These alternatives work for the same crossings an EDL does. Many people who cross borders frequently find that a trusted traveler card saves more time than an EDL anyway, because it gives you a dedicated lane at the border.

What documents you need to get an Enhanced Driver License

To get an EDL, you must prove your citizenship. This means bringing one of the following: a U.S. birth certificate, a U.S. passport, a passport card, a Certificate of Naturalization, or a Certificate of Citizenship. You will also need to provide your Social Security number and pass a background check. The background check looks for disqualifying criminal history and immigration status issues.

You will also need to show proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement typically works) and your current driver license or state ID. Some states require you to renew your driver license at the same time you explore for the EDL; others let you add the EDL feature to an existing license. Check your state's DMV website for the exact list, because it varies by state and changes periodically.

How long it takes and what it costs

Processing time for an EDL typically ranges from two to eight weeks, depending on your state and how busy the DMV is. Some states offer expedited processing for an extra fee. The base cost varies widely — some states charge $20 to $30 extra on top of a driver license renewal, while others charge $50 or more. A few states include the EDL option at no extra cost if you are renewing your license anyway.

You will need to renew your EDL on the same schedule as your driver license in most states — usually every four to eight years. When you renew, you will go through the citizenship verification and background check again. Plan ahead if you have a border crossing trip coming up, because processing times can be unpredictable during busy seasons.

How an Enhanced Driver License differs from Real ID

The key difference is what border you can cross. An EDL lets you cross the U.S. border by land or sea without a passport. A Real ID lets you board a domestic flight and enter a federal building without a passport. They serve completely different purposes and are issued separately.

Real ID is a federal standard that all states must follow for driver licenses and state IDs used for domestic air travel. Every state now issues Real ID-compliant licenses, though you have to ask for one or check a box to get it. An EDL is optional and only available in some states. You can have both documents — a Real ID driver license and an EDL — but they are issued separately and may cost extra. If you travel internationally by land or sea and also fly domestically, you may want both. If you only fly domestically and never cross a land border, you only need a Real ID. If you cross borders by land or sea but do not fly domestically, an EDL alone is enough.

What happens if your state does not offer an Enhanced Driver License

You have other options for crossing borders. A U.S. passport book works for any border crossing by any method. A passport card is smaller and cheaper than a passport book and works for land and sea crossings (but not air travel to other countries). A NEXUS card, SENTRI card, or FAST card are trusted traveler programs that speed up border crossings if you cross frequently.

If you live near a border and cross often, a trusted traveler program might save you time and money over the long run, even if your state offers an EDL. These programs require a background check and an in-person interview, but they give you a dedicated lane at the border and can cut your wait time from 30 minutes to 5 minutes on a busy day. The cost is typically $100 to $180 for five years, which breaks even quickly if you cross more than a few times a year.

how the process works for an Enhanced Driver License in your state

Visit your state's Department of Motor Vehicles website and search for "Enhanced Driver License" or "EDL." The site will tell you whether your state offers it, what documents to bring, and whether you can explore in person, by mail, or online. Most states require you to explore in person at a DMV office because of the citizenship verification and background check.

Bring your proof of citizenship, your Social Security number, proof of address, and your current driver license or ID. Some states let you schedule an appointment online; others operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Processing times vary, so plan ahead if you have a trip coming up. If your state is currently issuing EDLs, the DMV website will also tell you the current wait time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use an Enhanced Driver License to fly domestically?

No. An EDL is only for land and sea border crossings. To fly domestically, you need a Real ID-compliant driver license or state ID, a passport, or a military ID. If your state issues EDLs, your EDL may also be Real ID-compliant — check with your DMV — but the EDL feature itself does not make it work for flights.

Do I need an Enhanced Driver License if I have a passport?

No. A passport works for any border crossing and any travel method. An EDL is useful if you cross borders frequently and want to avoid carrying a passport, or if you do not have a passport yet. If you already have a passport, an EDL is optional.

What if I was denied an Enhanced Driver License?

The most common reasons for denial are a disqualifying criminal conviction, immigration status issues, or incomplete documentation. Contact your state DMV to ask why you were denied. If it was a documentation issue, you may be able to reapply with the correct papers. If it was a background check issue, you may not be able to get an EDL, but you can still cross borders using a passport or trusted traveler card.

Can I get an Enhanced Driver License if I am not a U.S. citizen?

No. An EDL requires proof of U.S. citizenship. If you are a lawful permanent resident or visa holder, you can use a passport or passport card to cross borders instead.

How much does an Enhanced Driver License cost compared to a regular license?

The extra cost ranges from $0 to $50 or more, depending on your state. Some states charge a small fee; others include it free with a license renewal. Check your state DMV website for the exact price, because it varies widely.

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.