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 extra documents, but it lets you cross the US-Canada and US-Mexico borders by land without a passport. Not every state offers it — only about 17 do — and the documents you need depend on which state you live in.

The core requirement is proof of citizenship. That means a birth certificate, passport, naturalization certificate, or tribal document. You also need proof of identity (a current license or ID card works), proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. Some states add fingerprinting or an in-person interview. The whole process usually takes 4 to 8 weeks because the state has to verify your citizenship status with federal databases.

Key Takeaways

  • You must prove US citizenship with a birth certificate, passport, naturalization certificate, or tribal ID — a standard driver's license alone is not enough.
  • Only about 17 states offer Enhanced Driver's Licenses, so check your state's DMV website first to see if you can get one.
  • You will need your Social Security number, current address proof, and a valid ID in addition to citizenship documents.
  • An Enhanced Driver's License costs between $20 and $100 more than a standard license, depending on your state.
  • Processing takes 4 to 8 weeks because the state verifies your citizenship with federal records before issuing the card.

Which States Issue Enhanced Driver's Licenses

Enhanced Driver's Licenses are available in Arizona, California, Colorado, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, Vermont, and Washington. A few others have stopped offering them or never started. Your state's DMV website will tell you whether your state participates and what the local rules are.

If your state does not offer an EDL, you can still cross land borders into Canada or Mexico — you just need a passport, passport card, or NEXUS card instead. A NEXUS card is a trusted traveler program that costs $120 to $140 and requires an interview, but it speeds up border crossings if you travel frequently.

Citizenship Documents You Can Use

The state will accept one of these to prove you are a US citizen: an original or certified birth certificate, a US passport (valid or expired), a Certificate of Naturalization, a Certificate of Citizenship, or a tribal ID card issued by a federally recognized tribe. A photocopy is not enough — you need the original or an official certified copy. If your birth certificate is old or damaged, you can order a certified copy from the vital records office in the state or county where you were born.

If you were born outside the US and naturalized, bring your Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of Citizenship. If you were born on a tribal reservation, a tribal ID card counts. A passport is the easiest document to use because it is already certified and accepted everywhere, but it costs $130 to $165 to obtain if you do not have one.

Identity and Address Documents Required

You need a current, valid form of ID — usually your existing driver's license, state ID card, passport, or military ID. If you do not have any of these, some states will accept a school ID, employee ID, or tribal ID, but check your state's rules first. The ID must not be expired, though some states allow IDs that expired within the last year.

For proof of address, bring a recent utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail with your name and current address. The document usually has to be dated within the last 60 days. A cell phone bill, insurance statement, or tax return also works in most states. If you recently moved, bring two documents showing your old address and new address, or a lease with your new address.

Social Security Number and Fingerprinting

You must provide your Social Security number. Bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a tax return, or a bank statement that shows your number. If you do not have your card, you can order a replacement from the Social Security Administration online or by calling 1-800-772-1213.

Some states require fingerprinting as part of the EDL process. If yours does, the DMV will take your fingerprints at your appointment — you do not need to do it beforehand. A few states also conduct a brief interview to confirm your identity and citizenship information. These steps add time to processing but are part of the federal verification requirement.

Cost and Processing Timeline

An Enhanced Driver's License costs between $20 and $100 more than a standard driver's license, depending on your state. Some states charge a flat fee of $30 to $50 extra; others charge based on how long the license is valid (usually 4 or 8 years). Check your state DMV website for the exact price before you go in.

Processing takes 4 to 8 weeks because the state has to verify your citizenship with the federal government before issuing the card. Some states mail the card to you; others require you to pick it up in person. A few states offer expedited processing for an additional fee, usually $15 to $25, which cuts the time to 2 to 3 weeks. If you need to cross the border before your EDL arrives, use a passport or passport card instead.

What to Bring to Your DMV Appointment

Bring all original documents or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted. You need your citizenship document, current ID, proof of address, and Social Security proof. Bring your current driver's license or state ID if you have one. Fill out your state's EDL process form before you go; most states have it on their DMV website so you can print it and bring it completed.

Bring a pen and be ready to sign forms in front of the DMV staff. Some states require a new photo, so dress as you would for any ID photo. If you wear glasses, contacts, or a hearing aid, wear them for the photo. Bring your glasses case or hearing aid case with you so the photo shows you as you normally appear. Do not bring children or pets unless they are service animals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an Enhanced Driver's License if I was not born in the US?

Yes, if you are a naturalized US citizen. Bring your Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of Citizenship instead of a birth certificate. If you are a permanent resident (green card holder) but not yet a citizen, you cannot get an EDL — you can only use a passport to cross land borders.

What if I lost my birth certificate?

Order a certified copy from the vital records office in the state or county where you were born. You can usually do this online or by mail for $10 to $30. It takes 1 to 3 weeks. If you need your EDL faster, use a passport instead — you can get a passport card in 2 to 3 weeks with expedited processing.

Do I need an Enhanced Driver's License if I have a passport?

No. A passport or passport card works for land border crossings and is accepted everywhere. An EDL is cheaper to renew and fits in your wallet more easily, but it only works for land borders with Canada and Mexico, not for air travel or international trips.

Can I renew an Enhanced Driver's License by mail?

Most states require you to renew in person because they need to verify your citizenship again and take a new photo. A few states allow mail renewal if your EDL has not expired and you have not changed your address. Check your state DMV website for renewal rules.

What if my state does not offer Enhanced Driver's Licenses?

You can use a passport, passport card, or NEXUS card to cross land borders instead. A passport card costs $130 and is valid for 10 years. A NEXUS card costs $120 to $140 and requires an in-person interview but speeds up border crossings if you travel frequently.