Getting an enhanced driver’s license can greatly simplify and expedite domestic travel and cross-border travel. It will be quite helpful, whether you’re planning a trip overseas or just need a more secure form of identification in general. In this full guide, we will lead you through the whole process of obtaining an enhanced driver’s license, covering eligibility requirements, application procedures, and crucial information to remember.
What Is An Enhanced Driver’s License?
When driving across the border in the United States, enhanced driver’s licenses (EDLs), which are issued by the state, serve as identification and citizenship documents. They come with technology that facilitates travel and are issued through a secure process. EDLs serve as a cheap, practical driving permit and are also a means of entering the United States from Canada, Mexico, or the Caribbean through a land or sea port of entry.
What Does an Enhanced Drivers License Look Like
The EDL has a similar appearance to a regular license but differs from current New York State documents in a few ways. On the front, it bears the word “Enhanced”. There will be the ID number, DOB date, expiration date, issued date, your ID photo, and an American flag. On the rear, it has a machine-readable zone as well as your document number.
Enhanced Driver’s License Sample:
What Countries Can I Enter with EDL?
If you have an EDL, you can travel by land or sea between the US, Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean, since an EDL is acceptable as a substitute for a passport.
Who Can Apply for an Enhanced Driver’s License?
Citizens of the United States who live in the states of Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont, and Washington are eligible to apply for EDLs.
No new EDLs will be issued in Canada since August 2022, and the program will end there when the validity of all current EDLs expires. EDLs were once accessible to citizens of Canada who lived in British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario, and Quebec.
To apply for an enhanced driver’s license, you also need to be in line with the following requirements:
- The applicant should be 18 years or older
- Proof of the US citizenship
To apply for an Enhanced driving license (EDL), you must be a citizen of the United States. You must bring with you proof of your U.S. citizenship that uses your current legal name. No document may be a photocopy; all must be originals. The following documents are acceptable:
- Valid U.S. passport or passport card
- Certified U.S. birth certificate issued by city, county, or state
- U.S. Certificate of Citizenship
- U.S. Certificate of Naturalization
- Consular Report of Birth Abroad issued by the U.S. Department of State
- Proof of your legal name
Unless you can provide documentation of a name change, your Enhanced License/ID must be provided with your complete legal name as it appears on your citizenship document.
- Proof of identity
You need to provide documents that can prove your identity, including the following:
- Valid U.S. passport or passport card
- Current, valid Washington driver’s license or ID card (If expired may be able to renew at time of enhanced appointment)
- Valid out-of-state driver’s license or ID card
- Government (federal, state, county, and municipal) employee ID card
- Valid U.S. military ID card
- U.S Certificate of Citizenship or Naturalization with a recognizable signature and photo
- Proof of address
You must provide TWO printed documents with your current name and residence address to prove your address.
You can utilize documents under your spouse’s name if you’re married. (You must present your marriage proof.)
You may use documents in your parent or guardian’s name if you are between the ages of 18 and 25. Your parent or legal guardian is not required to be present; you only need to provide proof of your relationship (birth certificate, adoption decree, court-issued custody decree, etc.).
The following documents can be used to prove your address:
- Previously issued WA license, ID card, or permit (This is not an option if you got a license in another state after your last WA license)
- Vehicle registration or title (a quick title isn’t acceptable)
- Cell phone bill or statement *
- Home utility or service document (bill, statement, hook-up order, etc.) for your address (gas, electric, water, garbage, sewer, landline phone, TV, internet, ISTA) *
- Bank or credit card document (statement, card mailer, etc.) *
- Voter card
- School transcript or report card
- DSHS benefits letter (medical, food, etc.)
- Tribal ID
- Proof of home ownership (mortgage documents, property tax documents, deed, title, etc.) *
- Selective Service Card
- Concealed weapons permit from a WA county (license to carry a concealed pistol)
- Homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy *
- Auto insurance policy, declarations page, or binder *
- Consulate ID card or Mexican Federal Electoral card
- Paycheck or pay stub with the employer’s name and phone number or address *
- Professional license (nursing, physician, engineer, pilot, etc.)
- W-2 form from an employer or form 1099
- Moorage document
- Letter attesting residence in alternate housing (e.g. assisted living, college campus, mission, senior housing, shelter, or retirement home) on company letterhead with a phone number that could be used in verification of the facility
- U.S. military document
- Certified Washington marriage certificate
- Form DS-2019
- Address confidentiality program card (won’t need a second document)
- Postmarked personal mail
- Your email address
You also need to provide your email address to receive notifications.
How to Get an Enhanced Driver’s License
In different states in the US, the process of applying for an enhanced driver’s license may be slightly distinct. Check the specific steps to get an EDL in the 5 US states.
How to Get an EDL in Michigan
You can upgrade to an EDL as long as there are no infractions on your Michigan driver’s license that would prohibit you from driving a car legally otherwise. You can make an office visit appointment to apply for an EDL. The following documents need to be presented: your valid Social Security number, U.S. citizenship, identity, and Michigan residency; a new photograph for your driver’s license; and a $45 fee.
How to Get an EDL in Minnesota
To apply for an EDL in Minnesota, candidates need to be at least sixteen years old. You need to complete a 120-item questionnaire in the Minnesota DMV. Furthermore, you have to supply:
- Evidence of identity, including full legal name and date of birth
- Validation of the Social Security number
- Evidence of residency in Minnesota and U.S. citizenship
- A fresh picture from the DMV
- A $15 charge on top of additional license expenses
How to Get an EDL in New York
By going to their local DMV, drivers in New York can upgrade their existing driver’s license to an EDL. Applying online, by phone, or by mail is not available right now.
Applicants need to provide:
- Verification of Social Security number
- Evidence of name
- Evidence of S. nationality and New York domicile
- A $30 enhanced document charge.
How to Get an EDL in Vermont
Citizens of the United States who live in Vermont may apply for an EDL. Only Bennington, Montpelier, Newport, Rutland, South Burlington, and Springfield are now accepting applications. Make an appointment in person at the DMV to apply, and bring the following:
- a completed ELD application
- Proof of identity, US citizenship, Vermont domicile, and Social Security number for the
- current operator license
- a $30 charge on top of any additional fees
e. How to Get an EDL in Washington
Residents of Washington State may schedule an appointment at a licensing office near you to receive an EDL. You’ll require:
- Evidence of identification, citizenship, and residency in Washington
- Your Social Security number
- To pay fees, use cash, cheque, or credit card.
- The $35 application charge, the $1 technology fee, and the $16 annual issuance fee ($116 for five years) are the costs associated with obtaining your first EDL.
- For the duration of your license ($7 to $56), you must pay an annual charge of $7 to upgrade your current Washington license to an EDL.
Enhanced Driver’s License Fee
In different states in the US, the fee for getting an enhanced driver’s license varies. Check the specific pricing to apply for an EDL in these states:
| US States | Fee |
| Michigan | $45 ($38 for renewal) |
| Minnesota | $15 in addition to the $51 fee required for your Class A driver’s license |
| New York | $30 in addition to regular driver’s license fees |
| Vermont | $30 in addition to the standard fees for licenses and/or non-driver ID |
| Washington | $113 (covers application and issuance fee) |
Benefits of Getting an EDL
An enhanced driver’s license has a variety of benefits. Here, we listed 3 main windfalls to get an enhanced driver license:
- Make your travel easier and safer
CBP agents can easily access your biometric information by scanning the Machine Readable Zone (MRZ) barcode and Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) chip included in each EDL. Consequently, it may facilitate and secure your travels.
- Entry in and out of the top 39 land ports in the United States
The top 39 land ports of entrance in the United States are outfitted with RFID readers. This makes it easier for people to move quickly who are presenting EDLs or other RFID-enabled documents.
- Faster processing
An enhanced driver’s license can be scanned using either the RFID or MRZ as fast as a regular passport. Additionally, an EDL is far more practical and long-lasting than a passport book.
Is Real ID an Enhanced Drivers License?
No. Real ID is not the same as an enhanced driver’s license.
When applying for a REAL ID, applicants do not need to provide the extra paperwork that an enhanced driver’s license requires, like evidence of citizenship, a photo ID, and an interview questionnaire.
As evidence of US citizenship, an enhanced driver’s license is safer than a REAL ID and facilitates travel. Additionally, holders of this ID can visit government buildings and domestic flights, negating the need for a passport to enter the nation by land or sea. In addition to being a driver’s license, it also provides a less expensive means of entry for individuals coming from the Caribbean, Mexico, or Canada into the US. And a real ID lacks these uses.
FAQ
- Can you still get an enhanced driver’s license in Canada?
Canada won’t issue new EDLs since August 2022. But the enhanced driver’s license issued before can still be used as normal if it has not expired.
- Can you cross the Canadian border with a temporary EDL?
For both land and sea entry into Canada, enhanced driver’s licenses are accepted as legitimate travel papers. Make sure the upgraded and machine-readable zones are prominently displayed on your temporary enhanced license.
- How long is EDL valid?
An enhanced driver’s license is valid for 8 years. Up to a year before your license expires, you can renew your Enhanced Driver License (EDL) online. If your renewal letter permits it, you may also renew by mail or in person at one of the driver’s license locations. You need to be aware that if your license has expired for more than 60 days, you need to pay a $10 late fee. Meanwhile, if you continue to use the out-of-date EDL, you may be fined by law enforcement.
- Can you fly with an EDL?
Yes, but you can only fly within the US domestic with an EDL. It is accepted as identification while boarding an aircraft, much like a standard driver’s license or non-driver ID. A passport is also required if you intend to travel abroad by air.
The Bottom Line
This is a full guide to how to get an enhanced driver’s license. Here, we have talked about the eligibility, document requirements, process, and benefits of an enhanced driver’s license. Indeed, an EDL card can benefit your life and travel a lot. Just gather the required documents and follow the instructions here to obtain your enhanced driver’s license.
Dolores Xiao