To get an enhanced driver's license (EDL), the typical steps are:
- Determine eligibility and which version of license you need, as requirements vary slightly by state.
- Gather necessary documents proving your identity, U.S. citizenship, Social Security number, and state residency. Examples include a valid passport, birth certificate, Social Security card, and utility bills or bank statements as proof of residency.
- Visit a local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or licensing office in person to submit your application. You will need to show the documents, take a new photo, and pay the applicable fees (which vary by state, commonly around $15-$45).
- After application, you will receive a temporary license and the enhanced driver's license card will arrive by mail in about two weeks.
Specific details vary by state:
- New York: $30 fee plus other DMV fees; proof of Social Security, identity, U.S. citizenship, and residency required.
- Michigan: $45 fee; valid non-violating license required; proof of citizenship, identity, Social Security, and residency required.
- Washington: $35 application fee, $1 tech fee, $16 per year issuance fee; proof of citizenship, residency, and Social Security needed.
- Minnesota and Vermont have similar processes with slightly different fees and localized application offices.
Generally, you must apply in person, meet state-specific document requirements, and pay required fees to receive an enhanced driver's license, which serves as a travel document for crossing U.S. borders by land or sea and meets REAL ID standards for identification.
