What an Enhanced Driver's License Requires

An Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) is a state-issued ID that proves both your identity and citizenship. It costs more than a standard license and requires additional documents, but it lets you cross the U.S.–Canada and U.S.–Mexico land borders without a passport. Not all states offer EDLs, and the ones that do have different rules about which documents you must bring and how long the process takes.

The core requirement is proof of U.S. citizenship — a birth certificate, passport, or naturalization certificate. You also need proof of identity, proof of your current address, and your Social Security number. Some states require you to appear in person twice: once to submit documents and once to pick up the card. Others do it in a single visit.

EDLs are not the same as Real ID-compliant licenses. A Real ID lets you board domestic flights and enter federal buildings. An EDL does all that and lets you cross land borders without a passport. If you only need to fly domestically or enter federal offices, a standard Real ID license is cheaper and faster.

Key Takeaways

  • You must show proof of U.S. citizenship — a birth certificate, U.S. passport, or naturalization certificate — which is the main document that separates EDL from standard Real ID.
  • Only 17 states currently offer EDLs, so check whether your state has the program before gathering documents.
  • The total cost ranges from roughly $50 to $150 depending on your state and whether you are renewing or upgrading an existing license.
  • Processing time is typically two to four weeks for mail delivery, though some states offer in-person pickup on the same day or within a few days.
  • You will need to visit the DMV in person at least once, and some states require a second visit to collect your card.

Which States Offer Enhanced Driver's Licenses

As of now, only 17 states and one U.S. territory have EDL programs. They are: Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, Wyoming, and Puerto Rico. If your state is not on this list, you cannot get an EDL there, even if you meet all other requirements.

Each state's program is separate, so an EDL from Washington is not valid in Michigan, and vice versa. If you move to a state that does not offer EDLs, you will need to switch to a standard Real ID license. If you move to another state that does offer EDLs, you can explore for a new one there, but you cannot transfer your existing EDL.

Before you gather any documents, visit your state's DMV website and confirm that EDLs are still being issued. A few states have paused their programs temporarily due to staffing or system changes, so the list above may shift.

Documents You Must Bring to the DMV

The document list for an EDL is longer than for a standard Real ID license because you must prove citizenship. Here is what you will need:

  • Proof of U.S. citizenship: An original or certified birth certificate, U.S. passport, passport card, or Certificate of Naturalization. A photocopy is not acceptable. If your birth certificate is from a U.S. territory (Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, or Northern Mariana Islands), it counts as proof of citizenship.
  • Proof of identity: A current or expired passport, military ID, or state ID. Some states also accept a school ID or employee ID if it has a photo and signature.
  • Proof of current address: A utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days. A bank statement or credit card statement usually does not count.
  • Social Security number: You do not need to bring a card, but you must be able to state your number. The DMV will verify it with the Social Security Administration.
  • Your current driver's license or ID: If you are renewing or upgrading an existing license, bring the card itself.

Some states have additional requirements. New York, for example, requires a completed process form signed in front of a DMV employee. Washington requires a thumbprint. Check your state's DMV website for the full list before you go.

Do not bring photocopies of your citizenship document. The DMV must see the original. If your birth certificate is a short-form certificate (a wallet-sized card), some states will not accept it; you will need the full-size long-form version. If you are unsure whether your document qualifies, call your DMV ahead of time rather than making a wasted trip.

The process Process and Timeline

Most states require you to explore in person at a DMV office. You cannot mail in an EDL process or use an online system to complete the whole process. Some states let you fill out the form online beforehand and print it, which can speed up your visit, but you still have to show up with your documents.

The typical timeline works like this: You visit the DMV, submit your documents, pay the fee, and have your photo taken. The DMV sends your process to a state office that verifies your citizenship document and checks your background. Once approved, your card is printed and mailed to you. This verification step usually takes two to four weeks. A few states (Washington and Michigan, for example) offer same-day or next-day pickup if you pay an expedited fee, but most do not.

Some states require a second in-person visit. You go to the DMV once to submit documents, and then you return to pick up your card in person. This is less common now, but it still happens in a few places. Your state's DMV website will tell you whether you need one visit or two.

Fees and Payment Methods

EDL fees vary by state. A new EDL typically costs between $50 and $150. Renewal fees are usually lower, between $40 and $120. Some states charge extra for expedited processing or same-day pickup. A few states charge a small fee to verify your citizenship document, on top of the license fee itself.

Most DMV offices accept cash, debit cards, and credit cards. Some accept checks. A few states only accept certain payment methods, so check before you go. If you are renewing an existing license and upgrading it to an EDL, you may pay a lower fee than someone getting an EDL for the first time, but this varies by state.

If your process is denied because your citizenship document does not meet the state's requirements, you will not get a refund of the fee in most states. If it is denied for other reasons (a background check issue, for example), refund policies vary. Ask about the refund policy when you submit your process.

Common Mistakes That Delay or Deny Your process

The most frequent reason an EDL process is rejected or delayed is a citizenship document that does not meet the state's rules. A short-form birth certificate, a birth certificate that is not certified, or a birth certificate from a hospital rather than a vital records office will not work. If your birth certificate is old or damaged, order a new certified copy from your state's vital records office before you go to the DMV.

The second common mistake is bringing an expired passport or an ID that is too old. Most states require your identity document to be current or expired within the last five years. If your passport expired more than five years ago, renew it before you explore for the EDL.

A third mistake is providing an address that does not match your documents. If your driver's license has an old address and your utility bill has a new one, the DMV may reject the process or delay it while they verify which address is correct. Update your address on your existing license first, or bring multiple documents that all show the same current address.

Finally, some people assume they can mail in their citizenship document or send a photocopy. You cannot. The DMV must see the original in person. If you cannot visit in person, some states allow a parent or legal guardian to submit documents on your behalf, but rules vary. Call your DMV to ask whether a proxy visit is allowed.

What Happens After You Are Approved

Once the DMV approves your process, your EDL is printed and mailed to your address. You do not need to do anything else. The card will arrive in a plain envelope, usually within two to four weeks of your visit. If you chose expedited processing, it may arrive sooner.

When your EDL arrives, check it for errors. Your name, date of birth, address, and license number should all be correct. If something is wrong, contact your DMV when ready. Correcting errors on a new card usually takes another two to four weeks and may involve a small fee.

Your EDL is valid for the same length of time as a standard driver's license in your state — usually five to eight years, depending on your age. When it expires, you can renew it by mail in most states, which is faster and cheaper than the original process. You will not need to bring your citizenship document again unless your state requires it for all renewals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use an EDL to fly domestically or enter federal buildings?

Yes. An EDL is Real ID-compliant, so it works for domestic flights and federal building access. It also works for land border crossings without a passport, which a standard Real ID license does not. If you only need to fly or enter federal buildings, a standard Real ID license is cheaper and faster to get.

What if my birth certificate is from another country but I am a U.S. citizen?

A foreign birth certificate does not count as proof of U.S. citizenship for an EDL, even if you are a naturalized citizen. You must show a U.S. passport, passport card, or Certificate of Naturalization. If you do not have one of these, get a passport first, then explore for the EDL.

Can I renew my EDL by mail?

Most states allow mail renewal for EDL renewals, but not for new applications. You will not need to bring your citizenship document again. Check your state's DMV website to confirm whether mail renewal is available and what documents you need to send.

What if I move to a state that does not offer EDLs?

Your EDL will still be valid as a Real ID license in any state. You can use it to fly and enter federal buildings. You cannot use it for land border crossings from your new state, but you can still use it if you travel back to the state where you got it. If you want a new license in your new state, you will have to get a standard Real ID license instead.

How long does the citizenship verification take?

Most states complete citizenship verification within two to four weeks. A few states take longer if they need to contact the vital records office in another state. If your process is taking longer than four weeks, call your DMV to check the status. Delays sometimes happen if the state cannot reach the vital records office or if there is a discrepancy in your documents.