An Enhanced Driver's License Is a State ID That Meets Federal Travel Standards Without Being Real ID

An Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) is a driver's license issued by your state that lets you cross the U.S. border into Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean by land or sea without a passport. It meets federal travel requirements for those specific border crossings, but it is not the same as a Real ID-compliant license. The key difference: an EDL is designed for land and sea border travel, while Real ID is designed for domestic air travel and federal building access.

Not every state offers an EDL. Currently, only about 17 states issue them. If your state does not offer one, you would need either a Real ID license for domestic air travel or a passport for international travel. An EDL can serve both purposes — it works for domestic air travel in the U.S. and for land border crossings — but only if your state has chosen to make it Real ID-compliant as well.

The EDL requires more documentation to obtain than a standard driver's license, and the process takes longer. You will need to prove citizenship, which a standard license does not require. This is why EDLs are sometimes called "passport alternatives" for border travel, though they are not actual passports.

Key Takeaways

  • An Enhanced Driver's License lets you cross land and sea borders into Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean without a passport.
  • Only about 17 states currently offer EDLs, so check your state's DMV website to see if you can get one.
  • You must prove U.S. citizenship to get an EDL, which requires documents like a birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers.
  • Some states have made their EDLs Real ID-compliant, meaning they work for both domestic air travel and border crossings.
  • An EDL costs more than a standard license and takes longer to process because of the citizenship verification step.

Which States Offer Enhanced Driver's Licenses

The states that currently issue EDLs are: Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan, New York, Vermont, Maine, New Hampshire, Colorado, Delaware, and Ohio. A few other states have announced plans to offer them but have not yet launched the program. Your state's DMV website will tell you whether EDLs are available where you live.

If your state does not offer an EDL, you have two other options for border travel: a passport book or passport card. A passport card is smaller and cheaper than a passport book, and it works for land and sea border crossings just like an EDL does. However, it does not work for air travel to other countries — only an EDL or passport book will do that.

What Documents You Need to Prove Citizenship

To get an EDL, you must bring proof of U.S. citizenship. The documents that count as proof are: a U.S. birth certificate, a U.S. passport (book or card), a Certificate of Naturalization, a Certificate of Citizenship, or a Consular Report of Birth Abroad. Your birth certificate must be an official certified copy from the vital records office in the state or territory where you were born — a hospital copy or photocopy will not work.

You will also need to bring the same documents required for a standard driver's license: a Social Security number, proof of your current address (like a utility bill or lease), and a valid form of ID. Some states also require proof of your state residency, which can be a different document than proof of address. Check your state's DMV website for the exact list, because requirements vary slightly.

If you were born outside the U.S. but are a U.S. citizen, bring your Consular Report of Birth Abroad or your Certificate of Citizenship. If you became a citizen through naturalization, bring your Certificate of Naturalization. These documents take longer to obtain if you do not already have them, so plan ahead.

The Cost and Processing Time for an EDL

An EDL costs more than a standard driver's license. The price varies by state, but you can expect to pay between $20 and $100 more than you would for a regular license renewal. Some states charge a flat fee for the EDL itself; others charge an additional fee on top of the standard license fee. Check your state's DMV website for the exact price.

Processing time is longer than for a standard license because the DMV must verify your citizenship documents. A standard license might be ready in a few days or weeks, but an EDL typically takes 4 to 8 weeks. Some states offer expedited processing for an additional fee. If you need the EDL quickly, ask the DMV whether expedited service is available and what it costs.

How an EDL Differs From Real ID

Real ID is a federal standard that applies to driver's licenses and state ID cards. A Real ID-compliant license works for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings. An EDL is a separate state program designed for border travel. Some states have made their EDLs Real ID-compliant, which means a single card does both jobs. Other states issue EDLs that are not Real ID-compliant, so you would need both an EDL and a Real ID license if you wanted both border travel and domestic air travel.

The documentation required is also different. Real ID requires proof of identity, Social Security number, and state residency — but not citizenship. An EDL requires citizenship proof on top of those documents. If your state offers an EDL that is also Real ID-compliant, you can get both benefits with one card, but you will still need to provide the citizenship documents.

If you already have a Real ID license and your state offers EDLs, you can explore for an EDL separately. You do not have to give up your Real ID license. Some people carry both, though most people who travel internationally prefer to carry a passport instead of an EDL.

When an EDL Makes Sense for Your Travel

An EDL is most useful if you cross the U.S.-Canada or U.S.-Mexico border by car, bus, or boat regularly and do not want to carry a passport. It is also useful if you travel by air within the U.S. and want a single card that covers both domestic air travel and land border crossings — but only if your state has made its EDL Real ID-compliant.

An EDL is less useful if you travel internationally by air, because it does not work for flights to other countries. For international air travel, you need a passport book. An EDL is also less useful if you rarely cross the border, because the extra cost and processing time may not be worth it.

If you are unsure whether an EDL is right for you, think about your travel plans for the next few years. If most of your travel is domestic air travel, a Real ID license is enough. If you cross the land border frequently, an EDL saves you from carrying a passport. If you do both, an EDL that is Real ID-compliant covers both needs with one card.

how the process works for an Enhanced Driver's License

Start by checking your state's DMV website to confirm that EDLs are available in your state and to find the exact list of documents you need. Gather your citizenship proof (birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers), your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. Make an appointment with your local DMV office if your state requires one.

Bring all your documents to the DMV in person. You will need to complete an process form, have your photo taken, and pay the fee. The DMV will verify your citizenship documents and send your process for federal verification. This verification step is what makes the process take longer than a standard license.

Once your EDL is approved, the DMV will mail it to you. The card will have a special marking or design that identifies it as an Enhanced Driver's License. Check the card when you receive it to make sure all the information is correct. If you need to cross the border before your EDL arrives, you will need to use a passport or passport card instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use an Enhanced Driver's License to fly internationally?

No. An EDL works for land and sea border crossings to Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean, but not for flights to other countries. For international air travel, you need a passport book. You can use an EDL for domestic flights within the U.S.

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

If your state does not offer EDLs, you can get a passport card instead. A passport card works for land and sea border crossings just like an EDL and costs less in most cases. You can also get a standard passport book, which works for all international travel.

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

No. A passport works for all border crossings and international travel, so an EDL is not necessary. An EDL is mainly useful if you want to avoid carrying a passport for frequent land border trips or if you want a single card that covers both domestic air travel and border crossings.

How long does it take to get an Enhanced Driver's License?

Most states take 4 to 8 weeks to process an EDL because they must verify your citizenship documents. Some states offer expedited processing for an extra fee, which can reduce the time to 2 to 3 weeks. Check your state's DMV website for exact timelines.

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

Most states require you to renew an EDL in person at the DMV, unlike standard licenses which can often be renewed by mail or online. This is because the DMV needs to verify your identity and take a new photo. Check your state's DMV website for renewal rules.