What an Enhanced Driver's License Is and Why You Might Want One
An Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) is a state-issued ID that meets Real ID requirements and also allows you to cross land and sea borders into Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean without a passport. It costs more than a standard Real ID driver's license and takes longer to obtain, but it combines two documents into one if you travel frequently to those countries.
Not every state offers an EDL. Currently, about 20 states issue them, and the list changes occasionally. If your state does offer one, you can get it instead of a standard Real ID license — you do not need both. The main trade-off is cost and processing time: an EDL typically costs $50 to $150 more than a regular license and requires additional documentation to prove citizenship.
You should consider an EDL if you cross into Canada or Mexico by land or sea regularly, or if you want a single ID that covers both Real ID compliance and border travel. If you rarely travel to those countries, a standard Real ID license is simpler and cheaper.
Key Takeaways
- An Enhanced Driver's License meets Real ID requirements and also serves as a travel document for land and sea border crossings to Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean.
- Only about 20 states currently offer EDLs, so check your state's DMV website to see if yours is one of them.
- You will need to prove U.S. citizenship with documents like a birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers, plus standard license process documents.
- An EDL costs significantly more than a standard Real ID license and takes longer to process, sometimes four to eight weeks.
- You cannot use an EDL for air travel — you still need a passport for flights, even to Canada or Mexico.
Which States Offer Enhanced Driver's Licenses
The states that currently issue EDLs include Arizona, California, Colorado, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, and Wisconsin. A few others have announced plans to add them. Because this list does change, your first step is to visit your state's DMV website and search for "Enhanced Driver's License" to confirm your state offers one.
If your state does not offer an EDL, you have two options: get a standard Real ID license (which meets federal requirements for domestic air travel and federal buildings), or get a passport card, which is smaller than a passport book and works for land and sea border crossings but not air travel. Many people choose the passport card if they want border crossing ability without waiting for an EDL program to launch in their state.
Documents You Will Need to Bring
An EDL requires proof of citizenship in addition to the documents needed for a standard Real ID license. Acceptable citizenship documents include an original or certified birth certificate, a U.S. passport, a passport card, a Certificate of Naturalization, or a Certificate of Citizenship. You will also need your Social Security number or a Social Security card.
Bring the same identity and residency documents you would for a standard license: a current or expired driver's license, a state ID, a passport, or a military ID for identity; and a recent utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement for proof of current address. Some states also require a completed process form, which you can usually read from the DMV website before you go.
Check your specific state's DMV website for the exact list, because requirements vary slightly. Some states accept certified copies of birth certificates; others require originals. Some accept digital utility bills; others do not. Having the wrong version of a document can mean a wasted trip.
The process and In-Person Process
Most states require you to explore for an EDL in person at a DMV office. You cannot complete the process online. Bring all your documents, your completed process form (if your state requires one), and your payment. You will be photographed and may have your fingerprints taken as part of the citizenship verification process.
The DMV will verify your citizenship documents and run a background check. This is where the EDL process differs most from a standard Real ID process — the additional verification takes time. You will receive a receipt with an expected processing date, which is usually four to eight weeks. Some states mail the EDL to your address; others require you to pick it up in person.
Plan ahead if you have an upcoming trip. If you need an EDL before your state's normal processing time, ask the DMV whether expedited processing is available and what it costs. Not all states offer it, and it may add $25 to $50 to your fee.
Cost and Processing Time
An Enhanced Driver's License costs between $50 and $150 more than a standard Real ID license, depending on your state. The total fee typically ranges from $100 to $200 for a new EDL, or $75 to $150 to upgrade an existing license to an EDL. Renewal fees are usually lower than the initial fee.
Processing time is the biggest difference from a standard license. While a Real ID license may be ready in two to three weeks, an EDL usually takes four to eight weeks because of the citizenship verification step. If you need your EDL quickly, contact your state DMV to ask about expedited options before you explore.
The EDL is valid for the same length of time as a standard driver's license in your state — usually four to eight years. When it expires, you can renew it by mail in most states, which is faster and cheaper than the initial process.
Using Your EDL for Border Travel
Once you have your EDL, you can use it to enter Canada, Mexico, and certain Caribbean countries by land or sea without a passport. You do not need anything else — just your EDL and proof of citizenship (which the EDL itself provides). This works for driving across the border, taking a ferry, or traveling by cruise ship.
Your EDL does not work for air travel. If you are flying to Canada, Mexico, or anywhere else, you still need a passport or passport card. The EDL is strictly for land and sea border crossings. If you travel by air frequently, a passport is more useful than an EDL, even though it costs about the same.
Keep in mind that border agents may ask additional questions about the purpose of your trip, where you are staying, or what you are bringing back. An EDL proves citizenship but does not change border crossing rules or inspection procedures.
EDL vs. Real ID License vs. Passport Card
| Document | Real ID Compliant | Land/Sea Border Travel | Air Travel | Typical Cost | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Enhanced Driver's License | Yes | Yes | No | $100–$200 | 4–8 weeks |
| Real ID Driver's License | Yes | No | Yes | $50–$100 | 2–3 weeks |
| Passport Card | No | Yes | No | $65–$130 | 4–6 weeks |
| Passport Book | No | Yes | Yes | $130–$165 | 4–6 weeks |
Frequently Asked Questions
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 permanent resident or have a visa, you can get a standard Real ID driver's license, but not an EDL. For border travel, you would need a passport from your country of citizenship.
Do I need to renew my EDL in person?
Most states allow you to renew an EDL by mail if you are renewing before it expires and have not changed your address. However, some states require an in-person renewal every other cycle. Check your state DMV's renewal rules before your EDL expires.
What if my state does not offer Enhanced Driver's Licenses?
You can get a standard Real ID license for domestic air travel and federal buildings, or a passport card for land and sea border travel. A full passport book covers both. If your state plans to launch an EDL program, you can check the DMV website for updates.
Can I use an EDL to cross the border by air?
No. An EDL works only for land and sea border crossings. For air travel to Canada, Mexico, or any other country, you must have a passport or passport card.
How long is an Enhanced Driver's License valid?
An EDL is valid for the same period as a standard driver's license in your state, usually four to eight years. Check your state DMV website for the exact validity period and renewal important date.