All you need to know about Enhanced Drivers Licenses
Editor’s note: This post has been updated with new information. It was originally published on June 3, 2024.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security expects all U.S. adults traveling through airports to obtain a Real ID by May 7, 2025.
Not only will Real IDs be necessary for domestic air travel, but they're also required for an Enhanced Drivers License — a state-issued license that provides proof of U.S. citizenship and identity when crossing the U.S. border.
If you live in one of five northern border states and don't yet have a Real ID, here's what you need to know about EDLs and why you might want to consider getting both.
What is an Enhanced Drivers License?
EDLs provide proof of identity and U.S. citizenship when crossing the U.S. border from Canada, Mexico or the Caribbean by car or a seaport, as required by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Canadian citizens can also use them for proof of citizenship when entering the U.S.
Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont and Washington residents can apply for EDLs at their state Department of Motor Vehicles, as can Canadian citizens in British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario and Quebec.
How do I apply for an Enhanced Drivers License?
Residents can apply at their respective DMV or relevant state agency; each has its own application process. For example, the Michigan Department of State requires travelers to apply in person.
Fees vary by state, ranging from $15 to $45 plus fees, and states provide a checklist for applicants. Generally, states require you to provide proof of U.S. citizenship, your Social Security number and proof of residency.
Processing times vary, but receiving your EDL card by mail typically takes around two weeks.
For more information related to obtaining an EDL in a specific state, see:
- Michigan Department of State
- New York State Department of Motor Vehicles
- Minnesota Department of Public Safety Driver and Vehicle Services Division
- Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles
- Washington State Department of Licensing
What else can I use an Enhanced Drivers License for?
Beyond being used to cross the border, EDLs also serve as driver's permits and are an alternative to Canadian passports.
Canadian citizens can present an EDL when entering the U.S. from Canada, Mexico or the Caribbean through a land or sea port of entry. However, they cannot use them for international flights.
Who is eligible to get an Enhanced Drivers License?
U.S. and Canadian citizens who frequently cross the border and live in an issuing state or province can apply for an EDL.
“If you are a U.S. citizen eligible for a Real ID, then you are eligible for an enhanced driver’s license," Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles commissioner Wanda Minoli said. "Many of our residents choose the EDL because of our border communities, and they cross into Canada to visit families and participate in other events.”
How can I use an Enhanced Drivers License to cross the border?
According to the DHS, EDLs make it easier for U.S. citizens to cross the border for two reasons. First, they include a radio-frequency identification chip that signals a secure system to pull up your biographic and biometric data for the CBP officer as you approach the border inspection booth. Second, they contain a machine-readable zone or barcode that the CBP officer can read electronically if the identification chip isn't available.
CBP did not respond to a request for comment on why these licenses are only issued in northern border states when they can also be used to cross the southern border.
Bottom line
Enhanced Drivers Licenses are available for residents of certain U.S. states and Canadian provinces. They can be used to enter the U.S. from Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean via land and sea, but they are not eligible for air travel.
A Real ID is required to procure an EDL and will be necessary for domestic flights starting next year.
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Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.