{"id":2645,"date":"2026-01-08T11:26:07","date_gmt":"2026-01-08T11:26:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.way.com\/ask\/?p=2645"},"modified":"2026-01-08T11:26:07","modified_gmt":"2026-01-08T11:26:07","slug":"what-is-an-enhanced-drivers-license","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.way.com\/ask\/what-is-an-enhanced-drivers-license\/","title":{"rendered":"What is an enhanced driver\u2019s license?"},"content":{"rendered":"
An enhanced driver\u2019s license is Federal REAL ID compliant. You can use it to board a domestic airplane (inside the US), enter military bases, and some federal facilities. Due to the following factors, EDL makes it simpler for citizens to enter the country from abroad.<\/p>\n
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As you approach the border inspection station, a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) chip will signal to retrieve your biographical and biometric information for the CBP officer.<\/li>\n
If RFID isn\u2019t available, the CBP officer can read a barcode or machine-readable zone (MRZ) instead.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Do all states have an enhanced driver\u2019s license?<\/h2>\n
No, you can currently apply for this license in these five states only.<\/p>\n
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Washington<\/li>\n
Vermont<\/li>\n
New York<\/li>\n
Michigan<\/li>\n
Minnesota<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
How to get an enhanced driver\u2019s license<\/h2>\n
Where you live determines how to apply for an enhanced driver\u2019s license (EDL). In most participating states, applying for an EDL is similar to applying for a regular driver\u2019s license if you match the residency requirements.<\/p>\n
Things to note<\/h3>\n
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Before getting your license, you must successfully pass the written knowledge and driving skills tests. However, you don\u2019t need to complete a driver\u2019s education if you\u2019re 18 or older. However, we recommend that you do it.<\/li>\n
Suppose you have a valid driver\u2019s license. In that case, you can apply for the EDL after renewing it or extending the expiry date.<\/li>\n
You must provide the required documents that prove your identity, citizenship, residency, and Social Security.<\/li>\n
Present valid and legal proofs if you have changed your name.<\/li>\n
There shouldn\u2019t be any violations, suspensions, revocations, or denials on your driving record that prevent you from driving a vehicle.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Then, have your biometrics and pictures taken and sign the required declaration documents. After applying, you will get a temporary operator\u2019s permit or a temporary enhanced ID. This permit is only good for identification and can\u2019t be used to cross borders.<\/p>\n
$30 plus the fees for a regular driver\u2019s license\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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Michigan\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n
$45\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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Minnesota\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n
$51 in addition to $15 for your Class A driver\u2019s license\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n
How long does it take to get an enhanced driver\u2019s license?<\/h2>\n
You will receive the license via mail within two to three weeks, which is good for up to four years. The enhanced license usually has the same duration as your standard driver\u2019s license.<\/p>\n
Is REAL ID an enhanced driver\u2019s license?<\/h2>\n
No, REAL ID and EDL aren\u2019t the same. REAL IDs do not require the additional documents that enhanced IDs do, such as citizenship proof, photographic identification proof, and an interview questionnaire at the time of application. Only US citizens can get enhanced IDs.<\/p>\n
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You can use REAL IDs to fly on domestic flights and enter nuclear power plants and federal facilities since they meet the security requirements for identification. However, using a valid ID alone won\u2019t let you enter the US by land or sea.<\/li>\n
An enhanced driver\u2019s license is proof of US citizenship. It is more secure than a REAL ID, making travel easier for you. You can also use this ID to enter federal facilities and domestic flights, allowing holders to enter the country by land and sea without a passport.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Do I need an enhanced driver\u2019s license to fly?<\/h2>\n
From May 7, 2025, all travelers aged 18 and older require a REAL ID-compliant driver\u2019s license, a state-issued enhanced driver\u2019s license, or another approved ID to fly within the US.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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