An Enhanced Driver's License Is a Real ID That Also Works at the Canadian Border

An Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) is a state-issued ID that meets federal Real ID requirements and also lets you cross the Canadian and Mexican land borders without a passport. It contains extra security features — a radio frequency chip embedded in the card — that proves your citizenship and identity to border agents. Not every state offers it, and you do not need one to drive anywhere in the United States.

The main reason to get one is convenience at land borders. If you frequently cross into Canada or Mexico by car, boat, or on foot, an EDL saves you from carrying a passport every time. If you never cross those borders, a standard Real ID driver's license does everything an EDL does for domestic purposes.

Key Takeaways

  • An Enhanced Driver's License meets Real ID requirements for domestic flights and federal buildings, and also works for land border crossings to Canada and Mexico without a passport.
  • Only 17 states currently issue EDLs: Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, Delaware, Pennsylvania, Colorado, and Iowa.
  • Getting an EDL requires proof of citizenship (passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers), proof of identity, proof of residence, and a valid Social Security number.
  • An EDL costs more than a standard driver's license — typically $20 to $50 extra — and takes longer to receive because of the citizenship verification step.
  • You can use an EDL for domestic air travel and federal building access just like a Real ID, but the border-crossing benefit is what sets it apart.

Which States Issue Enhanced Driver's Licenses

Only 17 states currently offer EDLs. They are Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, Delaware, Pennsylvania, Colorado, and Iowa. If your state is not on this list, you cannot get an EDL from your state's DMV, though you can get a standard Real ID driver's license instead.

The reason the list is short is that EDLs require a federal agreement between the state and the Department of Homeland Security. The state must verify citizenship for every applicant, which adds cost and complexity. Some states decided the demand did not justify the expense, so they offer Real ID licenses instead.

What Documents You Need to Bring

Getting an EDL requires more paperwork than a standard driver's license because the state must verify you are a U.S. citizen. Bring all of the following to your DMV appointment:

  • Proof of citizenship: a U.S. passport, birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or certificate of citizenship.
  • Proof of identity: a current passport, military ID, or other government-issued photo ID.
  • Proof of residence: a recent utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement showing your current address.
  • Your Social Security number (you may need to bring your card or a document showing it).
  • A completed process form for your state (available on your state DMV website).

If your citizenship document is not in English, bring an official translation along with the original. If you have changed your name since your citizenship document was issued, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the name change.

How the process Process Works

The EDL process process is similar to renewing a standard driver's license, but with an extra citizenship verification step. You will visit your state DMV, submit your documents, pass an eye test, and have your photo taken. The DMV staff will scan your citizenship document and verify it with federal records.

After you submit your process, the state sends your information to the Department of Homeland Security for verification. This step typically takes one to two weeks. Once DHS confirms your citizenship, the state produces your card with the embedded security chip and mails it to you. The entire process usually takes three to six weeks from process to delivery, though it can be faster or slower depending on your state's workload.

Some states let you renew an EDL by mail if your current license is not expired and you have not changed your address. Check your state DMV website to see whether mail renewal is an option for you.

The Cost and How Long It Lasts

An EDL costs more than a standard driver's license because of the citizenship verification and the embedded chip. The extra cost ranges from $20 to $50 depending on your state. Some states charge a flat fee for the EDL itself; others charge the standard license fee plus an EDL surcharge. Check your state DMV website for the exact price.

An EDL is valid for the same length of time as a standard driver's license in your state — usually four to eight years, depending on your age. When it expires, you renew it the same way you would renew a standard license, though you will need to bring proof of citizenship again.

When an EDL Is Worth Getting

An EDL makes sense if you cross the Canadian or Mexican border regularly by car, boat, or on foot. If you cross once a year or less, carrying a passport is probably simpler than paying extra for an EDL and waiting for it to arrive. If you fly domestically or visit federal buildings, a standard Real ID license does the same job.

If you are a U.S. citizen who lives near the Canadian or Mexican border, or if you frequently visit family or work across the border, an EDL eliminates the need to carry your passport every time. Border agents recognize it when ready, and the process is faster than showing a passport because the agent can scan the chip instead of manually reviewing your document.

If you are not a U.S. citizen, you cannot get an EDL. You will need a valid passport and any required visas to cross international borders.

How an EDL Differs From a Real ID License

Both an EDL and a Real ID license meet federal requirements for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings. The difference is the embedded security chip and the border-crossing privilege. A Real ID license works for everything within the United States; an EDL does all of that plus lets you cross land borders to Canada and Mexico without a passport.

A Real ID license is cheaper and faster to get because the state does not need to verify citizenship with the federal government. If you do not cross international borders, a Real ID license is the simpler choice. If you do cross borders regularly, the EDL's convenience may be worth the extra cost and wait time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use an EDL to fly internationally?

No. An EDL works only for land and sea crossings to Canada and Mexico. For any other international flight, you need a passport. Even for Canada and Mexico, airlines require a passport for air travel, so an EDL does not replace a passport for flying.

What if I lose my EDL?

Report the loss to your state DMV when ready. You can request a replacement card, which typically costs less than a new license and arrives in two to four weeks. You will need to bring proof of identity and residence, but usually not proof of citizenship again if your record is recent.

Do I need an EDL if I have a passport?

No. A passport works for all border crossings and international travel. An EDL is only useful if you want to avoid carrying your passport every time you cross the Canadian or Mexican border by land or sea. If you already have a passport and do not mind carrying it, an EDL adds no real benefit.

Can I get an EDL if I am a permanent resident or have a visa?

No. An EDL is only for U.S. citizens. If you are a permanent resident, you can get a standard Real ID driver's license, and you will need your passport or other travel documents to cross international borders.

Will my EDL work at the U.S.-Canada border if I am driving someone else's car?

Yes. Your EDL proves your identity and citizenship to the border agent regardless of whose vehicle you are in. The agent will check your EDL and may ask questions about the purpose of your trip and what you are bringing across, but the car's registration does not affect whether your EDL is valid.