Enhanced licenses are available in 18 states, plus Washington D.C., and they let you cross the U.S.-Canada border by land without a passport

An enhanced driver's license (EDL) is a state-issued ID that meets federal REAL ID standards and also satisfies the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative requirements for land and sea border crossings. Not every state offers them. Currently, you can get an EDL in Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, and Washington D.C.

The main practical difference: a regular REAL ID lets you board domestic flights and enter federal buildings. An EDL does all that plus lets you drive into Canada or Mexico, or take a cruise from a U.S. port, without carrying a passport. If you live in a state that does not offer EDLs, you can still cross the border—you just need a passport, passport card, or NEXUS card instead.

The process and cost vary by state. Most charge between $20 and $60 extra on top of a standard license renewal, and most require an in-person visit to the DMV with specific documents proving citizenship and identity.

Key Takeaways

  • Eighteen states and Washington D.C. currently issue enhanced driver's licenses; your state may not offer them even if you meet all other requirements.
  • An EDL satisfies both REAL ID and Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative requirements, so it works for domestic flights, federal buildings, and land border crossings without a passport.
  • You must prove U.S. citizenship with a birth certificate, passport, or naturalization document, plus provide proof of residency and identity documents.
  • Processing times range from same-day to several weeks depending on the state, and most states charge $20 to $60 above the cost of a standard license renewal.
  • If your state does not offer EDLs, you can still cross land borders with a passport, passport card, or NEXUS card instead.

States that currently issue enhanced driver's licenses

The 18 states offering EDLs are spread across the country, but most are in the Midwest or Northeast. The complete list is Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington. Washington D.C. also issues them.

Some of these states have offered EDLs for over a decade; others added them more recently. The availability does not always follow a geographic pattern—for example, New York offers them but New Jersey does not, and Washington offers them but Oregon does not. If you are moving to a new state or planning a border trip, check your state's DMV website to confirm whether EDLs are available there.

A few states have discontinued their EDL programs or never launched them. If you hold an EDL from a state that no longer issues them, your current license remains valid until it expires, but you cannot renew it as an EDL in that state.

Documents you need to bring to the DMV

All states that issue EDLs require proof of U.S. citizenship. Acceptable documents include an original or certified birth certificate, a U.S. passport, a passport card, a Certificate of Naturalization, or a Certificate of Citizenship. A photocopy is not enough—you must bring the original document or a certified copy.

You will also need to prove your identity and current residency. Bring a current photo ID (such as an existing driver's license) and at least one document showing your name and current address, such as a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. Some states accept additional documents like insurance policies or government mail.

A few states have additional requirements. For example, some require a Social Security number verification or a fingerprint-based background check. Check your state's DMV website before you go to the office to avoid a wasted trip.

Cost and processing time for an enhanced license

The fee for an EDL varies by state. Most charge between $20 and $60 on top of the standard driver's license renewal fee. For example, New York charges an additional $30, while Washington charges $32. Some states include the EDL fee in the total renewal cost rather than listing it separately, so the total price may be anywhere from $50 to $150 depending on where you live and whether you are renewing or obtaining a new license.

Processing time also varies. Some states issue EDLs on the spot during your DMV visit, while others mail them to you within one to three weeks. A few states take longer—up to six weeks in some cases. If you need an EDL for an upcoming trip, contact your state's DMV ahead of time to find out how long the process takes and whether you can expedite it.

You can renew an EDL by mail in some states, but most require an in-person visit at least once every few years to verify your identity and update your information. Check your state's rules to see whether your next renewal can be handled by mail or if you must return to the DMV.

When an enhanced license makes sense for your situation

An EDL is most useful if you frequently cross into Canada or Mexico by car, or if you take cruises from U.S. ports. It eliminates the need to carry a passport in your vehicle, which many people prefer for security reasons. It also works for all the same purposes as a REAL ID—boarding domestic flights and entering federal buildings—so it is a single document that covers both needs.

If you rarely cross the border and already have a passport, an EDL may not be worth the extra cost and DMV visit. A standard REAL ID license is sufficient for domestic travel and federal building access. However, if your passport is expired or you are in the process of renewing it, getting an EDL at the same time you renew your license can be more convenient than managing two separate documents.

An EDL is also useful if you hold a NEXUS card or other trusted traveler program membership but want a backup option that does not require a separate process or annual fee.

What to do if your state does not offer enhanced licenses

If you live in a state that does not issue EDLs, you have other options for crossing the border. A U.S. passport book works for all land, sea, and air border crossings. A passport card is smaller and cheaper than a passport book, and it works for land and sea crossings but not for air travel. Both can be obtained through your state's passport acceptance facility or the U.S. State Department.

A NEXUS card is another option if you cross the border frequently. It is a trusted traveler program that costs $120 for five years and requires an in-person interview at a NEXUS enrollment center. It speeds up border processing and works at dedicated NEXUS lanes at land and sea borders. However, it does not replace your driver's license for identification purposes.

If you are planning a one-time border crossing and do not have a passport, you can obtain a passport card relatively quickly in most cases. Processing times vary, but expedited service is available for an additional fee. Check the U.S. State Department website for current processing times and fees in your area.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. EDLs require proof of U.S. citizenship, so you must be a U.S. citizen or national to obtain one. If you are a permanent resident or hold a visa, you can get a standard REAL ID driver's license, but not an EDL. You can still cross the border with a passport or other travel document issued by your country of citizenship.

Do I need an enhanced license to fly domestically?

No. A standard REAL ID driver's license is sufficient for domestic flights. An EDL is only necessary if you want to cross the land border into Canada or Mexico without a passport, or if you prefer having a single document that covers both purposes.

How long is an enhanced license valid?

EDLs are valid for the same period as a standard driver's license in your state, typically four to eight years depending on your age and state. Check your state's DMV website for the exact validity period. You will need to renew it before it expires, and renewal requirements vary by state.

Can I use an enhanced license to enter Canada by air?

No. An EDL only satisfies border requirements for land and sea crossings. For air travel to Canada, you need a passport book, passport card, NEXUS card, or SENTRI card. A standard REAL ID driver's license does not work for any international air travel.

What happens if I move to a state that does not offer enhanced licenses?

Your EDL remains valid until it expires. When you renew your license in the new state, you can get a standard REAL ID license instead. If you need an EDL in the future, you would have to move back to a state that offers them or use a passport for border crossings.