What an Enhanced Driver's License Is and Why You Might Want One
An Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) in Michigan is a standard driver's license with added security features and a special marking that allows you to cross the U.S. border into Canada, Mexico, and Caribbean nations by land or sea without a passport. It costs more than a regular license and requires proof of citizenship, but it serves as both your Michigan driver's license and a travel document.
The EDL is not the same as a REAL ID-compliant license. A REAL ID license lets you board domestic flights and enter federal buildings; an EDL does all that plus lets you cross certain borders without a passport book. You can have one or the other, or both, depending on your needs.
Michigan began issuing EDLs in 2009. The state stopped issuing new EDLs in 2017 but resumed in 2020. If you already have an EDL from Michigan, you can renew it. If you do not have one, you can explore for one now.
Key Takeaways
- You must prove U.S. citizenship with a birth certificate, passport, or naturalization certificate before the Secretary of State will issue an EDL.
- An EDL costs more than a standard license — the fee varies depending on whether you are explore for a new license or renewing an existing one.
- You must visit a Secretary of State office in person; you cannot renew an EDL by mail or online.
- An EDL is valid for eight years for drivers under 65 and four years for drivers 65 and older, the same as a standard Michigan license.
Documents You Need to Bring to the Secretary of State
The Secretary of State requires specific documents to prove your identity, residency, and citizenship. Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted for most documents.
Proof of citizenship: You must bring one of these: a U.S. birth certificate (certified copy with the state seal), a U.S. passport (book or card), a Certificate of Naturalization, or a Certificate of Citizenship. A driver's license or state ID from another state does not count as proof of citizenship.
Proof of identity: Bring a current, valid photo ID. If you already have a Michigan driver's license or state ID, bring that. If not, bring a U.S. passport, passport card, military ID, or tribal ID.
Proof of Michigan residency: Bring one document dated within the last 12 months showing your current Michigan address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease or mortgage statement, property tax bill, bank or credit card statement, or insurance policy. A piece of mail from a government agency also works.
Social Security number: You do not need to bring a card, but you must provide your number. The Secretary of State will verify it with the Social Security Administration.
Step-by-Step Process for Getting an EDL
- Gather your documents. Collect your proof of citizenship, proof of identity, proof of residency, and know your Social Security number.
- Schedule an appointment or find walk-in hours. Visit the Michigan Secretary of State website to locate your nearest office and check whether appointments are required. Some offices accept walk-ins; others require advance booking.
- Visit the Secretary of State office. Bring all original documents. Arrive early if you have an appointment; lines can be long even with a reservation.
- Complete the process. A staff member will help you fill out the EDL process form. You will provide your personal information, address, and confirm your citizenship status.
- Provide your signature and thumbprint. You will sign the process and provide a digital thumbprint as part of the security process.
- Have your photo taken. The office will take a new photo for your license. Wear clothing that contrasts with the background and avoid sunglasses or hats.
- Pay the fee. Pay the EDL fee at the counter. Michigan accepts cash, debit, and credit cards at most offices.
- Receive your temporary license. You will get a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your EDL is printed and mailed.
- Wait for your EDL to arrive. Your EDL will be mailed to the address you provided, usually within 7 to 10 business days.
EDL Fees and Renewal Costs in Michigan
Michigan charges different fees depending on whether you are explore for a new EDL or renewing an existing one. Fees also vary by age and license validity period.
For a new EDL, the fee is $25 plus the cost of the license itself. A standard eight-year license costs $35 for drivers under 65; a four-year license for drivers 65 and older costs $20. So a new EDL for someone under 65 costs $60 total ($35 license + $25 EDL fee).
For renewal of an existing EDL, the fee is $15 plus the license renewal fee. Renewal of an eight-year license costs $35, and renewal of a four-year license costs $20. So renewing an EDL for someone under 65 costs $50 total ($35 license + $15 EDL fee).
These fees are current as of 2024 but may change. Check the Michigan Secretary of State website before your visit to confirm the exact amount you need to pay.
How Long an EDL Takes and When You Can Use It
Your temporary paper license is valid for 30 days from the date you explore. During this time, you can drive in Michigan and use it for most purposes, but it is not valid for border crossing. You must wait for your physical EDL card to arrive before you can use it to cross the border.
The physical EDL is usually mailed within 7 to 10 business days, though processing can take longer during peak periods or if there are issues with your process. Once it arrives, you can use it when ready for border crossing and all other driving purposes.
Your EDL is valid for eight years if you are under 65 years old, or four years if you are 65 or older. These validity periods are the same as a standard Michigan driver's license. You do not need to renew it more often just because it is an EDL.
Renewing Your Michigan EDL
If you already have an EDL and it is still valid, you can renew it at a Secretary of State office. You must renew in person — Michigan does not allow EDL renewal by mail or online.
To renew, bring your current EDL, proof of Michigan residency (dated within the last 12 months), and be ready to provide your Social Security number. You do not need to bring proof of citizenship again if you are renewing an EDL you already have; the Secretary of State has your citizenship information on file.
If your EDL has expired, you can still renew it, but you must bring proof of citizenship again. If your EDL expired more than four years ago, you may need to explore for a new one instead of renewing; contact your local Secretary of State office to confirm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get an EDL 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 have another immigration status, you can get a standard Michigan driver's license or a REAL ID-compliant license, but not an EDL. Check with the Secretary of State about what documents you can use for a standard license.
What if my birth certificate does not have the state seal?
The Secretary of State requires a certified copy with the state seal. Contact the vital records office in the state where you were born and request a certified copy. This usually costs $10 to $30 and takes one to two weeks by mail. Some states offer expedited processing for an additional fee.
Can I renew my EDL online or by mail?
No. Michigan requires all EDL renewals to be done in person at a Secretary of State office. You must bring your current EDL and proof of residency. Standard driver's licenses can be renewed by mail or online in some cases, but EDLs cannot.
What happens if I lose my EDL before it expires?
You can replace it at a Secretary of State office. Bring your proof of identity and residency. You do not need to bring proof of citizenship again. The replacement fee is typically lower than the cost of a new EDL, but confirm the exact amount with your local office.
Is an EDL the same as a REAL ID license?
No. An EDL allows border crossing without a passport; a REAL ID license allows you to board domestic flights and enter federal buildings. Some people have both, some have one or the other. Ask the Secretary of State which one meets your needs.