What an Enhanced Driver's License Is and Which States Issue Them
An Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) is a state-issued ID that meets Real ID requirements and adds a second layer of security: it allows you to cross the U.S.–Canada and U.S.–Mexico land borders without a passport. Only nine states currently issue EDLs: Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, Minnesota, New York, Vermont, and Michigan. Each state's EDL looks different and carries its own fee, but all of them use the same RFID (radio frequency identification) technology embedded in the card to store your biometric data.
If you live in a state that does not offer an EDL, you cannot get one there — you cannot cross into another state to obtain one. The EDL is not a separate document; it replaces your standard driver's license. When you renew your license in an EDL state, you choose whether to get a standard Real ID-compliant license or upgrade to an EDL.
The EDL is useful only if you travel frequently to Canada or Mexico by land and want to avoid carrying a passport. For air travel within the U.S., a standard Real ID license works just as well. For international travel by air or sea, you still need a passport regardless of which license you hold.
Key Takeaways
- Only nine states issue Enhanced Driver's Licenses: Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, Minnesota, New York, Vermont, and Michigan.
- An EDL lets you cross U.S.–Canada and U.S.–Mexico land borders without a passport, but does not replace a passport for air or sea travel.
- You cannot obtain an EDL in a state where you do not hold a valid driver's license or state ID.
- EDL fees range from roughly $30 to $80 above the cost of a standard Real ID license, depending on the state.
- The EDL process requires proof of citizenship (passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers) and takes longer than a standard license renewal.
The Nine States That Issue Enhanced Driver's Licenses
Washington was the first state to issue an EDL, beginning in 2008. Oregon, Idaho, and Montana followed within a few years. Minnesota, New York, Vermont, Michigan, and North Dakota added EDL programs later, with North Dakota being the most recent addition. Each state manages its own EDL program independently, so the documents look different, the fees differ, and the processing timelines vary.
If you hold a driver's license in one of these nine states and want to cross a land border frequently, you can request an EDL when you renew your license or at any point during your license's validity. You do not have to wait for your renewal date to explore, though doing so may save you money because some states bundle the EDL upgrade into the renewal fee rather than charging it as a separate transaction.
If you move to one of these states from another state, you can obtain an EDL as part of your initial license process, provided you meet the citizenship and identity requirements. If you move away from an EDL state, your EDL remains valid until its expiration date, but you cannot renew it in your new state — you would need to return to the original state or obtain a standard Real ID license in your new state.
Documents You Need to Obtain an Enhanced Driver's License
The EDL process requires more documentation than a standard Real ID license because you must prove U.S. citizenship. Every EDL state requires one of the following as proof of citizenship: a U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a Certificate of Naturalization, or a Certificate of Citizenship. A passport card counts; a passport book counts. A birth certificate must be certified (raised seal) and issued by the vital records office of the state or territory where you were born — a photocopy or hospital birth certificate does not meet the requirement.
Beyond citizenship, you need the same documents as you would for a standard Real ID license: a current or expired driver's license or state ID, proof of Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and two documents proving your current address (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). Some states accept a pay stub as proof of address; others do not. Check your specific state's DMV website before you gather documents.
If your name has changed since your citizenship document was issued, bring a court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree showing the name change. If you have a passport, bring it even if you are using a birth certificate as your primary citizenship proof — it speeds up verification.
EDL Fees and Processing Time by State
| State | EDL Fee (above standard license) | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Washington | $32 | 2–4 weeks |
| Oregon | $30 | 2–3 weeks |
| Idaho | $15 | 1–2 weeks |
| Montana | $25 | 2–3 weeks |
| North Dakota | $20 | 1–2 weeks |
| Minnesota | $35 | 2–4 weeks |
| New York | $30 | 2–3 weeks |
| Vermont | $40 | 3–4 weeks |
| Michigan | $25 | 2–3 weeks |
These fees are current as of 2024 but may change. Processing times assume you submit all required documents correctly and have no issues with your citizenship verification. If the DMV needs to verify your birth certificate with the vital records office in another state, processing can take longer — sometimes up to six weeks.
Some states offer expedited processing for an additional fee (typically $10 to $20), which can reduce processing time by one to two weeks. Not all states offer this option. Check your state DMV's website to see whether expedited processing is available and whether it is worth the extra cost for your travel plans.
how the process works for an Enhanced Driver's License
The process begins at your state's DMV office — you cannot obtain an EDL online or by mail in any of the nine states that issue them. Schedule an appointment if your state's DMV requires one (most do). Bring all required documents: your citizenship proof, current ID, Social Security proof, address proof, and any name-change documents. Arrive early; EDL applications often take longer than standard license renewals because the DMV staff must verify your citizenship documents and photograph you for the RFID chip.
At the appointment, tell the DMV staff you want an Enhanced Driver's License, not a standard Real ID license. This is important because some DMV offices default to standard licenses unless you specify otherwise. The staff will review your documents, take a new photograph, and collect your fee. You will be asked to sign a form acknowledging that the EDL can be used for land border crossing but not for air travel or international travel by sea.
After you submit your process, the DMV will mail your EDL to the address you provided. Do not plan to use it when ready — it will not arrive for at least one to two weeks, and longer if your state is processing a high volume of applications. If you need to cross a border before your EDL arrives, you will need a passport.
EDL vs. Standard Real ID License: When Each Makes Sense
A standard Real ID license meets federal requirements for domestic air travel and federal building access. It costs less than an EDL and processes faster. Choose a standard Real ID license if you do not cross U.S.–Canada or U.S.–Mexico land borders, or if you cross them infrequently and do not mind carrying a passport.
An EDL makes sense if you cross a land border multiple times per year for work, family visits, or recreation. The EDL eliminates the need to carry a passport for land border crossings, which saves time at the border and reduces the risk of losing your passport. However, if you travel internationally by air or sea, you still need a passport regardless of your EDL status.
If you are unsure whether an EDL is worth the extra cost and processing time, consider how often you cross a land border in a typical year. If the answer is fewer than two or three times, a standard Real ID license and a passport may be more practical. If you cross regularly, an EDL pays for itself in convenience within a year or two.
Common Mistakes When explore for an Enhanced Driver's License
The most common mistake is submitting a birth certificate that is not certified. A certified birth certificate has a raised seal and an official signature from the vital records office. A photocopy of a certified certificate does not count. A hospital birth certificate does not count. If you do not have a certified birth certificate, order one from the vital records office in the state or territory where you were born — this can take two to four weeks, so plan ahead.
The second mistake is not bringing proof of your current address. The DMV will not process your process without it. A utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or recent bank statement all work. A credit card statement does not. If you have moved recently and your address proof is not yet in your name, bring a letter from your landlord or a utility company confirming your address, along with a lease or rental agreement.
The third mistake is requesting an EDL when you do not actually need one. If you do not cross land borders regularly, the extra cost and processing time are not worth it. You can always upgrade to an EDL at your next renewal if your travel plans change.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use an Enhanced Driver's License to cross the border into Canada or Mexico without a passport?
Yes. An EDL is specifically designed for land border crossing and is accepted at all U.S.–Canada and U.S.–Mexico land borders. You do not need a passport if you are crossing by car, bus, or on foot. However, if you are traveling by air or sea, you must have a passport regardless of your EDL.
What happens if I move out of an EDL state?
Your EDL remains valid until it expires. You can continue to use it for land border crossings. When it expires, you cannot renew it in your new state — you would need to obtain a standard Real ID license in your new state. If you move back to an EDL state later, you can explore for a new EDL at that time.
How long does it take to get an Enhanced Driver's License?
Processing time ranges from one to four weeks depending on the state, with most states taking two to three weeks. If your citizenship documents need to be verified with another state's vital records office, processing can take up to six weeks. Expedited processing may be available for an additional fee in some states.
Do I need a passport if I have an Enhanced Driver's License?
You still need a passport for air travel, sea travel, and international travel outside of Canada and Mexico. An EDL only covers land border crossings between the U.S. and Canada or Mexico. For any other international travel, a passport is required.
Can I get an Enhanced Driver's 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 hold another immigration status, you can obtain a standard Real ID license in most states, but not an EDL. You would need a passport to cross a land border.