An Enhanced Driver's License is a state-issued ID that proves citizenship and identity without requiring a passport

An Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) is a driver's license that includes proof of U.S. citizenship and identity in a single document. It has an extra security feature — usually a radio frequency identification (RFID) chip or a machine-readable zone — that allows border agents to verify your information electronically at land and sea borders.

The key difference from a standard REAL ID is that an EDL proves you are a U.S. citizen, while REAL ID only proves your identity and residency. This matters at the U.S.-Canada and U.S.-Mexico land borders, where an EDL alone can get you through without a passport. REAL ID cannot.

Not every state offers an EDL. As of now, only about 17 states issue them, and each state's program works slightly differently. If your state does not offer one, you can still use REAL ID for domestic flights and federal buildings — you just cannot use it for land border crossings.

Key Takeaways

  • An Enhanced Driver's License proves both identity and U.S. citizenship, making it valid for land border crossings to Canada and Mexico without a passport.
  • REAL ID proves identity and residency but does not prove citizenship, so it cannot be used alone at land borders.
  • Only about 17 states currently offer EDLs, so availability depends on where you live.
  • Getting an EDL requires the same documents as REAL ID plus proof of citizenship, and the process takes longer because of the citizenship verification step.
  • An EDL costs more than a standard license but less than renewing your license and getting a passport separately.

Which states issue Enhanced Driver's Licenses

The states that currently offer EDLs are: Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, and British Columbia (which is Canadian but included in the EDL program). Some of these states call it an "Enhanced Driver's License," while others use different names like "Enhanced ID" or "Passport Card alternative."

If your state is not on this list, you cannot get an EDL there. Your options for crossing land borders are to carry a passport, a passport card, or a NEXUS card (a trusted traveler program). Check your state's Department of Motor Vehicles website to confirm whether your state offers EDL and what the current wait time is.

What documents you need to get an EDL

Getting an EDL requires everything you need for REAL ID — a state ID or birth certificate, proof of Social Security number, and proof of current address — plus one additional document that proves U.S. citizenship. Acceptable citizenship documents include a U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a naturalization certificate, or a Certificate of Citizenship.

If you were born outside the United States, you will need your naturalization certificate or Certificate of Citizenship. If you were born in the U.S., a certified copy of your birth certificate (not a photocopy) works. Some states also accept a U.S. passport as proof of citizenship, which speeds up the process if you already have one.

Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted. If your birth certificate is not certified, you can order one from the vital records office in the state or country where you were born. This step often takes two to four weeks, so plan ahead if you do not have a certified copy on hand.

How an EDL differs from REAL ID at the border

At a U.S. land border crossing, a REAL ID driver's license is not enough on its own. Border agents will ask you for a passport, passport card, NEXUS card, or other document that proves citizenship. An EDL, by contrast, is accepted as proof of both identity and citizenship, so you can cross without carrying anything else.

This matters most for frequent travelers. If you cross into Canada or Mexico regularly for work or family visits, an EDL eliminates the need to carry a passport every time. The RFID chip or machine-readable zone on the EDL lets the border agent scan your information in seconds, similar to how a passport works.

For air travel and federal buildings, REAL ID and EDL are treated the same way — both are accepted. The citizenship proof only matters at land borders.

Cost and processing time for an EDL

An EDL costs more than a standard driver's license but typically less than a passport. Most states charge between $30 and $60 for an EDL, compared to $15 to $30 for a standard license and $130 to $165 for a passport. The exact price varies by state.

Processing time is longer than REAL ID because the state has to verify your citizenship documents. Standard processing usually takes four to eight weeks, though some states offer expedited service for an additional fee. A few states allow you to renew an EDL by mail if you already have one, which can be faster.

If you need to cross a border soon and your state's processing time is too long, consider getting a passport card instead. A passport card is smaller than a full passport, costs $65 to $100, and is accepted at land borders. Processing time for a passport card is similar to an EDL, but the passport card is valid in all 50 states and does not depend on your state's program.

EDL versus passport card: which makes sense for you

If you live in a state that offers EDL and cross land borders occasionally, an EDL is usually the better choice. You get a document you need anyway — a driver's license — plus border-crossing capability, all in one card. You do not have to carry two documents.

A passport card makes more sense if your state does not offer EDL, or if you travel to countries other than Canada and Mexico. A passport card is valid everywhere a full passport is valid, while an EDL is only accepted at U.S. land borders. A passport card also does not expire as quickly as a driver's license in most states.

If you cross borders frequently and want the fastest possible processing, a NEXUS card might be worth considering. NEXUS is a trusted traveler program that lets you use dedicated lanes at certain border crossings. It costs $120 for five years and requires an in-person interview, but it can cut your border wait time from 20 minutes to two minutes.

Renewing or replacing an EDL

Renewing an EDL follows the same process as getting one the first time — you need to bring proof of citizenship again, along with your current EDL or ID. Some states allow mail-in renewal if your EDL is not expiring within a certain window, but most require an in-person visit to the DMV.

If your EDL is lost or stolen, report it to your state's DMV when ready. You can usually request a replacement in person or by mail, and the replacement will have a new RFID chip or machine-readable zone. Replacement typically costs $10 to $25 and takes two to four weeks.

If you move to a state that does not offer EDL, your EDL remains valid for border crossings as long as it has not expired. You do not have to exchange it for a standard license in your new state, though you will need to update your address with your new state's DMV.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use an EDL to fly domestically?

Yes. An EDL is accepted at TSA checkpoints for domestic flights, just like REAL ID. You do not get any special treatment at airport security — the citizenship proof on an EDL only matters at land borders.

What if I do not have a certified birth certificate?

You can order a certified copy from the vital records office in the state or country where you were born. This usually takes two to four weeks and costs $10 to $30. If you have a U.S. passport, you can use that as proof of citizenship instead and skip the birth certificate step.

Is an EDL valid in Canada and Mexico?

An EDL is valid for entering Canada and Mexico at land borders. It is not valid for air travel to those countries — you still need a passport for flights. Some Canadian provinces and Mexican states may have additional requirements, so check before you travel.

Can I get an EDL if I am not a U.S. citizen?

No. An EDL requires proof of U.S. citizenship. If you are a permanent resident or visa holder, you can get REAL ID or a standard driver's license, but not an EDL. You can use a passport or passport card for border crossings instead.

What happens if my EDL expires while I am out of the country?

An expired EDL is not valid for border crossing. You will need a passport or passport card to re-enter the United States. Check your EDL expiration date before you travel and renew it if it is expiring within six months of your trip.