Enhanced driver's licenses are available in 17 states, and they work as both a standard ID and a Real ID alternative for domestic travel

An Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) is a Real ID-compliant document that also serves as a travel credential for land and sea border crossings. Not every state offers them. Currently, these 17 states issue Enhanced Driver's Licenses: Washington, Oregon, California, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, British Columbia (Canada), and Ontario (Canada).

The key difference between an Enhanced Driver's License and a standard Real ID driver's license is what you can use it for. An EDL lets you cross the U.S. border into Canada or Mexico by land or sea without a passport. A regular Real ID driver's license does not. Both satisfy the Real ID requirement for domestic flights, but only the EDL doubles as a travel document.

If your state does not offer an Enhanced Driver's License, you can still meet Real ID requirements with a standard Real ID driver's license, a passport, a passport card, or a REAL ID-compliant ID card. The EDL is an option, not a requirement.

Key Takeaways

  • Enhanced Driver's Licenses are issued in 17 states and work for both domestic flights and land or sea border crossings to Canada and Mexico without a passport.
  • If your state does not offer an EDL, you can meet Real ID requirements with a standard Real ID driver's license, passport, passport card, or state ID card instead.
  • Getting an EDL requires the same documents as a Real ID driver's license, plus proof of citizenship and a visit to your state's DMV in person.
  • An EDL costs more than a standard driver's license but less than a passport, and the fee varies by state.

How an Enhanced Driver's License differs from a standard Real ID license

Both an Enhanced Driver's License and a Real ID driver's license meet federal requirements for domestic air travel. The difference lies in international travel by land and sea. With an EDL, you can drive or take a ferry across the U.S. border into Canada or Mexico without carrying a passport. With a standard Real ID license, you cannot—you must have a passport, passport card, or Enhanced Driver's License to cross.

An EDL also contains a machine-readable zone (MRZ) on the back, which is a special barcode that border agents can scan. This technology speeds up the crossing process at busy land borders. A standard Real ID license does not have this feature.

Both documents require the same proof of identity and residency at the DMV. The main additional requirement for an EDL is proof of citizenship—a birth certificate, naturalization papers, or passport. If you already have a passport, you may find it simpler to use that for border crossings and stick with a standard Real ID license for domestic flights.

Which states currently offer Enhanced Driver's Licenses

The 17 states that issue Enhanced Driver's Licenses are spread across the country, though many are concentrated in the northern U.S. near the Canadian border. The full list is: Washington, Oregon, California, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. Two Canadian provinces—British Columbia and Ontario—also issue EDLs that work the same way.

States that do not offer Enhanced Driver's Licenses include Texas, Florida, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Georgia, North Carolina, and most others. If you live in a state without an EDL program, you cannot get one from your state's DMV. You would need to use a passport or passport card for land and sea border crossings.

Some states have discontinued their EDL programs or never started one. Before visiting your DMV, check your state's official website to confirm whether EDLs are currently available. Program details, fees, and required documents can vary from state to state.

Documents you need to get an Enhanced Driver's License

To get an Enhanced Driver's License, you need everything required for a standard Real ID driver's license, plus proof of citizenship. Real ID requirements include a valid photo ID (passport, military ID, or current driver's license), proof of Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days).

The additional requirement for an EDL is proof of U.S. citizenship. Acceptable documents include an original or certified birth certificate, a naturalization certificate, a passport, or a passport card. If you were born outside the U.S., you may also use a Certificate of Citizenship or a Consular Report of Birth Abroad.

You must explore in person at your state's DMV. You cannot renew an EDL by mail, and you cannot explore online. Bring all original documents or certified copies—photocopies are not accepted. Some states allow you to bring documents in digital form on your phone, but policies vary, so call ahead to confirm what your DMV accepts.

Cost and processing time for an Enhanced Driver's License

The cost of an Enhanced Driver's License varies by state. Most states charge between $20 and $50 more than a standard driver's license. For example, Washington charges around $80 for an EDL compared to $60 for a standard license, while New York charges approximately $30 extra. Check your state's DMV website for the exact fee, as prices change and may differ based on how long the license is valid.

Processing time also varies. Some states issue EDLs on the spot during your DMV visit, while others mail them to you within 1 to 3 weeks. A few states take longer if they need to verify your citizenship documents. Ask at your DMV appointment how long you should expect to wait.

If you need an EDL quickly for an upcoming border crossing, call your state's DMV before you visit to ask whether they can issue it the same day. Some locations can, but others cannot, depending on how busy they are and whether your documents are complete.

When an Enhanced Driver's License makes sense versus other options

An Enhanced Driver's License is most useful if you frequently cross the U.S. border by land or sea and want to avoid carrying a passport. If you drive to Canada or Mexico regularly, an EDL saves time at the border and is cheaper than a passport (which costs $130 to $165). It also satisfies Real ID requirements for domestic flights, so it serves double duty.

A standard Real ID driver's license is sufficient if you only fly domestically and rarely or never cross the border. A passport or passport card is the better choice if you travel internationally by air or if your state does not offer an EDL. A passport card costs $35 to $65 and works for land and sea border crossings but not for air travel outside North America.

If you already have a passport, getting an EDL may not be worth the extra cost and DMV visit. If you do not have a passport and cross the border by land or sea, an EDL is usually the most practical and affordable option.

Renewing or replacing an Enhanced Driver's License

Renewing an Enhanced Driver's License depends on your state's rules. Some states allow you to renew by mail if your license is not expiring soon and your address has not changed. Others require you to renew in person at the DMV every time. Check your state's DMV website or call to find out your state's renewal policy.

If your EDL is lost, stolen, or damaged, you must replace it in person at the DMV. You will need to bring proof of citizenship again, along with your other Real ID documents. Replacement fees are usually the same as the original EDL fee, though some states charge a small additional processing fee.

When your EDL expires, you cannot use it for border crossings, but you can still use it as a Real ID for domestic flights until you renew it. Plan ahead and renew before your expiration date if you have a border crossing planned.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. An Enhanced Driver's License works for land and sea border crossings to Canada and Mexico, but not for air travel outside North America. For international flights, you need a passport or passport card. You can use an EDL for domestic flights within the U.S.

What if I live in a state that does not offer Enhanced Driver's Licenses?

You cannot get an EDL from a state that does not issue them. Instead, you can use a passport, passport card, or standard Real ID driver's license. A passport card is a good middle-ground option—it works for land and sea border crossings and costs less than a full passport.

Do I need to prove citizenship to get an Enhanced Driver's License?

Yes. You must bring an original or certified birth certificate, naturalization certificate, passport, or similar proof of U.S. citizenship. This is the main additional requirement beyond what you need for a standard Real ID driver's license.

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

It depends on your state. Some states allow mail renewal if your license is not expiring soon and your information has not changed. Others require in-person renewal every time. Contact your state's DMV to find out the renewal rules where you live.

How much does an Enhanced Driver's License cost compared to a passport?

An Enhanced Driver's License typically costs $20 to $50 more than a standard driver's license, making it roughly $80 to $110 total depending on your state. A passport costs $130 to $165. An EDL is cheaper if you only need it for border crossings, but a passport is more versatile for international air travel.