An Enhanced Driver License is a state-issued ID that meets federal travel requirements without being a Real ID
An Enhanced Driver License (EDL) is a driver license or ID card that has been upgraded to include additional security features and proof of citizenship or lawful permanent residency. It allows you to cross the U.S. border into Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean by land or sea without a passport, and it satisfies federal identification requirements for entering federal buildings and boarding domestic flights — the same way a Real ID does.
The key difference: not all states offer EDLs, and they are not the same document as a Real ID. An EDL is a separate category of ID that some states issue instead of, or alongside, their Real ID program. If your state offers an EDL, you can choose to get one rather than a Real ID, and it will meet the same federal requirements for domestic air travel and federal building access.
EDLs cost more than a standard driver license but typically cost less than or the same as a Real ID, depending on your state. The process process requires proof of citizenship or lawful permanent residency — the same documents a Real ID requires — plus a visit to your state's DMV office.
Key Takeaways
- An Enhanced Driver License meets federal travel and identification requirements for domestic flights and federal buildings, just as a Real ID does.
- Only 17 states currently issue EDLs: Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington.
- To get an EDL, you must prove citizenship or lawful permanent residency with documents such as a birth certificate, passport, or green card.
- An EDL allows you to cross land and sea borders into Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean without a passport, which a Real ID does not permit.
- If your state does not offer an EDL, you must get a Real ID to meet federal requirements for domestic air travel and federal building entry.
Which States Offer Enhanced Driver Licenses
Only 17 states currently issue EDLs. They are: Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington. If you live in any other state, an EDL is not an option, and you will need to get a Real ID instead to meet federal requirements.
Each state's EDL program operates independently, so the documents required, fees, and processing times vary. Some states allow you to renew an existing EDL by mail; others require an in-person visit. Check your state's DMV website to confirm whether your state offers an EDL and what the current requirements are.
Documents You Need to Get an Enhanced Driver License
To get an EDL, you must prove your identity, residency, and citizenship or lawful permanent residency. The specific documents vary slightly by state, but the general list includes:
- Proof of citizenship or lawful permanent residency: a U.S. birth certificate, passport, Certificate of Naturalization, Certificate of Citizenship, or green card (Permanent Resident Card).
- Proof of Social Security number: a Social Security card, W-2 form, or tax return.
- Proof of current residency: a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.
- Proof of identity: a current passport, military ID, or other government-issued ID.
If you were born outside the United States, you will also need to provide your green card or Certificate of Naturalization. Some states require certified copies of birth certificates; others accept photocopies. Call your state's DMV before you visit to confirm which documents they accept and whether originals or copies are needed.
How an Enhanced Driver License Compares to a Real ID
| Feature | Enhanced Driver License | Real ID |
|---|---|---|
| Domestic air travel | Yes | Yes |
| Federal building access | Yes | Yes |
| Land/sea border crossing (no passport) | Yes | No |
| Available in all states | No (17 states only) | Yes |
| Proof of citizenship required | Yes | Yes |
| Typical cost | $20–$50 | $20–$50 |
Both an EDL and a Real ID require proof of citizenship or lawful permanent residency and satisfy federal requirements for domestic air travel and federal building access. The main advantage of an EDL is that it also permits land and sea border crossings into Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean without a passport. A Real ID does not grant this border-crossing privilege.
If you travel frequently to Canada or Mexico by car or boat, an EDL is more convenient than a Real ID because you do not need to carry a separate passport. If you do not cross land or sea borders, both documents meet the same federal requirements, and your choice depends on which one your state offers and which you prefer.
The process Process for an Enhanced Driver License
To get an EDL, you must visit your state's DMV office in person. You cannot complete an EDL process entirely by mail, even if you are renewing an existing license. Bring all required documents — originals or certified copies, depending on your state's rules — plus your current driver license or ID card.
At the DMV, you will be asked to verify your citizenship or permanent residency status. The staff will scan or photograph your documents and may ask you questions about your identity and residency. You will also have your photo taken and your signature recorded. Processing times vary by state and by how busy your local DMV office is; some states issue an EDL on the same day, while others mail it to you within two to four weeks.
Some states allow you to renew an EDL by mail if you are straightforward renewing an existing EDL and your documents have not changed. Check your state's DMV website to see whether mail renewal is an option for you.
Cost and Validity Period of an Enhanced Driver License
The cost of an EDL varies by state. Most states charge between $20 and $50 for a new EDL, though some charge more. Renewal fees are typically the same or slightly lower. A few states charge an additional fee on top of the standard driver license fee specifically for the enhanced security features. Check your state's DMV website for the exact fee.
An EDL is valid for the same period as a standard driver license in your state — usually four to eight years, depending on your age and state law. When your EDL expires, you must renew it in person at the DMV, just as you did when you first obtained it, because you must re-verify your citizenship or permanent residency status.
When You Should Get an Enhanced Driver License Instead of a Real ID
Get an EDL if your state offers one and you meet any of these conditions: you travel to Canada, Mexico, or the Caribbean by car or boat; you want to avoid carrying a passport for land or sea border crossings; or you straightforward prefer the EDL option. An EDL meets all federal requirements for domestic air travel and federal building access, so it is a complete alternative to a Real ID.
Get a Real ID instead if your state does not offer an EDL, or if you do not plan to cross land or sea borders and prefer not to undergo the citizenship verification process. Both documents meet federal requirements equally; the choice is yours based on your travel needs and which option your state provides.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use an Enhanced Driver License to fly internationally?
No. An EDL allows you to cross land and sea borders into Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean without a passport, but you cannot use it for international air travel. You must carry a passport to fly to any country outside North America and the Caribbean.
Do I need a passport if I have an Enhanced Driver License?
Not for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean. However, you still need a passport for international air travel and for traveling to countries outside North America and the Caribbean. An EDL does not replace a passport for all purposes.
What happens if my state stops offering Enhanced Driver Licenses?
If your state discontinues its EDL program, your existing EDL will remain valid until it expires. When it expires, you will need to renew it as a Real ID or standard driver license, depending on what your state offers at that time. Your state's DMV will notify you of any changes to the program.
Can I get an Enhanced Driver License if I am a permanent resident but not a U.S. citizen?
Yes. An EDL requires proof of citizenship or lawful permanent residency. If you hold a green card (Permanent Resident Card), you can get an EDL. Bring your green card, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency to the DMV.
Is an Enhanced Driver License the same as a Real ID?
No. Both meet federal requirements for domestic air travel and federal building access, but an EDL also permits land and sea border crossings without a passport. An EDL is a separate category of ID offered by only 17 states. If your state does not offer an EDL, you must get a Real ID to meet federal requirements.