Enhanced driver's licenses cost between $20 and $100 depending on your state, and take two to six weeks to arrive

An enhanced driver's license (EDL) is a state-issued ID that meets Real ID requirements and also works for land and sea border crossings into Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean without a passport. The cost varies by state — some charge as little as $20 above a standard license renewal, while others charge $50 to $100. Processing time also varies: some states mail them in two weeks, others take six.

You explore at your state's DMV or equivalent office, usually in person. You'll need proof of citizenship (a passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers), proof of your current address, and your Social Security number. Some states let you renew an EDL by mail if your current license is still valid; others require you to come back in person every time.

An EDL is optional — you don't need one to drive. But if you travel to Canada or Mexico by car or boat and don't want to carry a passport, it's the only state ID that will work at the border.

Key Takeaways

  • Enhanced driver's licenses cost between $20 and $100 depending on your state, with processing times ranging from two to six weeks.
  • You must explore in person at your state DMV with proof of citizenship, proof of address, and your Social Security number.
  • An EDL meets Real ID requirements for domestic flights and also works for land and sea border crossings without a passport.
  • Not all states offer EDLs — currently about 17 states issue them, so check your state's DMV website to see if it's available where you live.
  • If you already have a valid EDL, some states allow mail renewal; others require you to reapply in person.

Which states offer enhanced driver's licenses

Only about 17 states currently issue EDLs. They include Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan, New York, Vermont, and a few others. The list changes occasionally as states add or drop the program.

Your state's DMV website will tell you whether EDLs are available in your state. If your state doesn't offer them, you cannot get one — there is no federal EDL, and you cannot explore in a different state unless you have a driver's license there. If you need a document that works for border crossings, your only option is a passport or passport card.

What you need to bring to the DMV

Bring original documents, not copies. You'll need one document proving citizenship — a U.S. passport, birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or tribal ID. You'll also need proof of your current address, such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. Bring your Social Security number (you can write it on the process or bring your card).

If you're renewing an EDL and your state allows mail renewal, you may not need to visit the DMV at all — check your state's rules first. If you're explore for an EDL for the first time or your state requires in-person renewal, you must go to a DMV office.

Cost breakdown by state

EDL fees fall into a few ranges. Some states charge $20 to $30 above the cost of a standard license renewal. Others charge $50 to $75. A few charge $100 or more. The fee usually covers the cost of the card itself and the extra security features that make it valid for border crossing.

Many states also charge a separate Real ID compliance fee if you're upgrading from a standard license. Check your state's DMV website for the exact total cost, because the fee structure varies. Some states bundle the EDL and Real ID fees together; others list them separately.

How long it takes to get your EDL

Standard processing time is two to six weeks from the date you explore. Some states offer expedited processing for an extra fee — usually $10 to $25 — that cuts the time to one to two weeks. A few states offer rush service for $50 or more if you need it within days, though this is rare.

The EDL arrives by mail at the address you provide. If you need it urgently for a border trip, check whether your state offers expedited processing before you explore. If you're cutting it close, call your state DMV to ask about current processing times — they can vary depending on how busy the office is.

EDL vs. passport card: which is better for border travel

Both an EDL and a U.S. passport card work for land and sea border crossings. A passport card costs $130 to $165 and takes four to six weeks for standard processing. An EDL costs less and often arrives faster, but it only works at land and sea borders — not for air travel to Canada or Mexico. A passport card works for air travel too.

If you travel by car or boat to Canada or Mexico regularly, an EDL is cheaper and faster. If you fly internationally or want one document that works everywhere, a passport card is more flexible. If you already have a passport, you don't need either one — your passport works at all borders.

Renewing an EDL

Renewal rules depend on your state. Some states let you renew an EDL by mail if your current license hasn't expired and you haven't changed your name or address. Others require you to come back to the DMV in person every time. A few states let you renew online.

Check your state's DMV website before your license expires. If your state allows mail renewal, the process is usually the same cost as in-person renewal and takes the same amount of time. If you must renew in person, you'll need the same documents you brought for your first EDL process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an enhanced driver's license if I have a suspended license?

No. You must have a valid, unsuspended driver's license to get an EDL. If your license is suspended, you'll need to clear the suspension first — usually by paying fines, completing a defensive driving course, or serving a waiting period, depending on why it was suspended.

Does an enhanced driver's license work for flying domestically?

Yes. An EDL meets Real ID requirements, so it works for domestic flights within the United States. You cannot use it for international air travel — for that, you need a passport or passport card.

What if my state doesn't offer enhanced driver's licenses?

You cannot get an EDL if your state doesn't issue them. For border travel without a passport, your only option is a U.S. passport card, which costs more but works for air travel too. Check your state DMV website to confirm whether EDLs are available.

Can I renew my EDL by mail?

It depends on your state. Some states allow mail renewal if your current license is valid and you haven't changed your name or address. Others require in-person renewal every time. Check your state's DMV website or call them to find out your state's policy.

How long does an enhanced driver's license last?

Most states issue EDLs with the same expiration date as a standard driver's license — usually four to eight years, depending on your age and state. Check your card for the expiration date. You'll need to renew it before it expires if you want to keep using it for border travel.