Which States Issue Enhanced Driver's Licenses and How They Differ from Real ID

Enhanced Driver's Licenses Are Issued by 17 States, Not All States

An Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) is a document that meets federal Real ID standards and also allows you to cross the U.S.–Canada and U.S.–Mexico land borders without a passport. Not every state offers this option. Only 17 states currently issue EDLs: Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Vermont, Washington, and Wisconsin.

If your state is not on this list, you cannot get an EDL there, even if you move to that state temporarily. You would need to either obtain a Real ID-compliant standard driver's license from your state, or carry a passport or passport card when crossing land borders into Canada or Mexico.

EDLs cost more than standard Real ID licenses because they require additional identity verification and a background check. The fee varies by state—typically between $20 and $50 more than a regular Real ID license—but you should check your state's DMV website for the exact amount.

Key Takeaways

Only 17 states issue Enhanced Driver's Licenses; if your state is not one of them, you cannot obtain an EDL even if you are a resident.
An EDL allows you to cross U.S.–Canada and U.S.–Mexico land borders without carrying a passport, whereas a standard Real ID license does not.
EDLs require a background check and additional identity verification beyond what a standard Real ID license requires.
You will pay a higher fee for an EDL than for a standard Real ID license, with costs varying by state.
If your state does not offer EDLs, you can still meet federal Real ID requirements with a standard Real ID-compliant driver's license.

How an Enhanced Driver's License Differs from a Standard Real ID License

Both documents meet federal Real ID standards and can be used for domestic air travel and federal building access. The key difference is border crossing. A standard Real ID license requires you to carry a passport, passport card, or other federally approved document when crossing land borders into Canada or Mexico. An EDL eliminates that requirement—the license itself serves as proof of citizenship and identity at the border.

The process process for an EDL is also more rigorous. You must provide proof of citizenship (such as a birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers), proof of Social Security number, proof of state residency, and proof of identity. You will also undergo a background check conducted by the state police or a designated agency. A standard Real ID license requires similar documents but typically does not include the background check step.

EDLs are marked with a special design element—usually a star or other symbol—to indicate they meet enhanced standards. This marking allows border agents to recognize the document when ready.

Which States Issue EDLs and Their Specific Requirements

The 17 states that issue EDLs are spread across the country, with concentrations in the Midwest and Northeast. States near the Canadian border—such as Washington, Michigan, Minnesota, Maine, and Vermont—were among the first to offer EDLs because of high cross-border traffic. States near the Mexican border, such as Arizona and Texas, do not currently issue EDLs, though residents can still cross with a standard Real ID license and a passport.

Each state's DMV sets its own fee, processing time, and specific document requirements within the federal framework. For example, some states require an in-person appointment for EDL applications, while others allow you to renew by mail if you already hold an EDL. You must check your state's DMV website for the exact list of required documents, the current fee, and whether appointments are required.

If you live in a state that does not issue EDLs but frequently cross the border, you have two options: carry a passport or passport card along with your standard Real ID license, or obtain a Real ID-compliant license from one of the 17 EDL states if you have a legitimate residency claim there (which is rare and not recommended for this purpose alone).

Documents You Will Need to explore for an Enhanced Driver's License

The federal government sets minimum document standards for EDLs, but each state may require additional items. You will always need to bring proof of citizenship, proof of Social Security number, proof of state residency, and proof of identity. Acceptable documents vary slightly by state but typically include:

Proof of citizenship: U.S. birth certificate, passport, passport card, naturalization certificate, or Certificate of Citizenship.
Proof of Social Security number: Social Security card, W-2 form, tax return, or 1099 form.
Proof of state residency: utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days.
Proof of identity: current passport, passport card, military ID, or previous driver's license.

You will also need to complete the state's EDL process form, which you can usually read from the DMV website or obtain in person at a DMV office. Bring the original documents or certified copies—photocopies are not accepted for citizenship or Social Security proof.

Some states require you to appear in person for the process and photograph, while others allow you to renew an existing EDL by mail. Check your state's specific rules before visiting the DMV to avoid making a wasted trip.

Processing Time and Fees for Enhanced Driver's Licenses

Processing times for EDLs range from two to eight weeks depending on the state and whether the background check reveals any issues. Some states offer expedited processing for an additional fee, typically $10 to $25. You should plan for the longer timeline and not assume expedited service will be available.

The base fee for an EDL varies by state. In states like Washington and Michigan, the fee is approximately $30 to $50 above the cost of a standard Real ID license. Some states bundle the EDL fee with the standard license renewal fee, while others charge them separately. A few states offer EDLs at no additional cost beyond the standard Real ID fee, though this is uncommon.

Once issued, an EDL is valid for the same period as a standard driver's license in your state—typically four to eight years. You can renew it by mail in most states if you have not had any address changes or legal name changes since your last EDL was issued.

When You Should Get an Enhanced Driver's License Instead of a Standard Real ID

You should pursue an EDL if you cross the U.S.–Canada or U.S.–Mexico land border regularly and want to avoid carrying a passport. This is most practical if you live near the border or travel there frequently for work, family visits, or recreation. The cost and time investment pay off quickly if you cross the border more than once or twice per year.

If you cross the border rarely or only for occasional vacations, a standard Real ID license paired with a passport card is usually more practical. A passport card costs about $130 and is valid for 10 years, whereas an EDL costs $20 to $50 more than a standard license and must be renewed every four to eight years. For infrequent travelers, the passport card is the better value.

You should also consider whether your state actually issues EDLs before investing time in the process. If your state is not on the list of 17, you cannot obtain an EDL no matter how often you cross the border. In that case, a passport or passport card is your only option for land border crossing without a standard Real ID license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an Enhanced Driver's License if my state doesn't issue them?

No. You can only obtain an EDL from a state that offers them, and you must be a resident of that state. If your state does not issue EDLs, you will need to carry a passport or passport card when crossing land borders into Canada or Mexico, even if you have a Real ID-compliant standard driver's license.

Is an Enhanced Driver's License the same as a Real ID license?

No. Both meet federal Real ID standards for domestic air travel and federal building access, but an EDL also allows land border crossing without a passport. A standard Real ID license does not permit land border crossing without additional documents. EDLs require a background check; standard Real ID licenses typically do not.

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

Processing time ranges from two to eight weeks depending on your state and whether the background check is completed quickly. Some states offer expedited processing for an extra fee. You should contact your state's DMV or check their website for the current processing time before explore.

What happens if I move to a state that doesn't issue EDLs?

Your EDL remains valid for its full term, even if you move. However, you cannot renew it in your new state if that state does not issue EDLs. When it expires, you will need to obtain a standard Real ID license from your new state and carry a passport for land border crossing.

Do I need an Enhanced Driver's License for air travel?

No. A standard Real ID-compliant driver's license is sufficient for domestic air travel. An EDL is only necessary if you want to cross land borders into Canada or Mexico without carrying a passport.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.