- Enhanced Driver’s Licenses (EDLs) can only be obtained in five US states: Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont, and Washington. They can be used for international travel to countries like Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean.
- EDLs are not a substitute for a passport and do not grant access to all international borders. Temporary EDLs are not accepted at border crossings, so travelers need to wait for the formal copy of their license.
- REAL IDs are another form of identification that can be used at airports and for secondary identification within the United States. However, a passport is still required for international travel with a REAL ID. Passports are often seen as superior to EDLs and are recommended for those without access to EDLs.
For anyone who doesn’t live in a state that offers enhanced driver’s licenses, also known as EDLs for short, there’s probably a bit of confusion at this headline. What the heck is an enhanced driver’s license? Can you get them anywhere? Are they used to travel across any international borders? Does one still need a regular driver’s license in addition to an EDL? Can you get one in any state or for another state? Understandably, the list of questions surrounding this unusual travel ticket is extensive.
Alternatively, there’s the passport, which is a tried and true form of travel identification that’s been used for decades. However, does one need a passport if they have an EDL? And, when it comes to crossing the border, does one need a passport in addition to an EDL? Once again, there are many questions – which is why we’re here to answer all the things that confuse travelers about both of these forms of identification. While they can’t be used interchangeably, they do overlap in terms of where a person can travel and how.
UPDATE: 2023/08/04 15:53 EST BY NOAH STAATS
Adding To The Travel Saga: What Is A REAL ID?
This article has been updated with new information regarding travel domestically and internationally in and out of the United States, as well as comparing EDLs to REAL IDs. Whether someone has an upcoming trip, needs help before the airport, or has other concerns, we’re here to help!
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For Starters, What Is An Enhanced License, And Where Can You Get One?
- Enhanced Driver’s Licenses, or EDLs, can only be obtained in five US states.
- People won’t be able to get these unless they’re in Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont, or Washington.
An Enhanced Driver’s License, EDL for short, can only be obtained in five states: Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont, and Washington. These are all states that border another country (Canada). Therefore, an EDL can be used at border crossings. However, an EDL also permits travel in other countries, as well, and not just those that share borders with the U.S. So, what is this magical card all about, then?
To obtain an EDL, drivers must go to the DMV and apply for one. The cost of an enhanced license will vary based on the state, but there’s always an extra fee to pay for having a license that also doubles as a means for travel identification. The ID will have a visible differentiation between what it is vs. a regular driver’s license, which is to keep people from replicating them or counterfeiting an EDL. It also might take slightly longer to get an EDL in the mail since, while it is a driver’s license, it does vary from the typical license.
EDLs are extended licenses allowing a person to travel between states and certain countries. They will have a different look than a standard license and should be permissible at border checks, state lines, and traffic stops. People can use them to get in and out of Mexico and Canada, which is helpful.
The benefit of having one of these is the fact that travelers can use it to get into both Canada and Mexico, and it can be shown at both border crossings as a form of legitimate identification for entry. An EDL can also be used in the event that a traveler is going to the Caribbean, which is helpful in the event that someone doesn’t have a passport or doesn’t have time to obtain one (always check territory restrictions before booking trips).
So, it could be said that an EDL is great for use in ‘local’ international travel. However, this doesn’t mean that it’s always a substitute for a passport. Additionally, since the EDL is not available in every state, it means that more than half of the country does not have access to such a form of identification. So, there are still downsides to this, and it does not grant travelers access across all international borders, nor does it replace a passport when boarding a plane to another country. Temporary EDLs also are not accepted at border crossings, so, similar to a passport, travelers will be required to wait until they’ve received the formal copy of their license before using it for travel purposes.
Enhanced ID Versus REAL ID: Which Is Better?
- Enhanced Driver’s Licenses are used without passports, while REAL IDs are not.
- Obtaining a REAL ID is good for airports and secondary identification when entering or leaving the United States.
On top of an EDL, there is also something called a REAL ID. These work similarly, allowing government agencies to distinguish who’s a US citizen versus a foreigner. With a REAL ID, the card will have a specialty stamp of citizenship, which can be used at airports, borders, etc. However, these aren’t considered better than Enhanced Driver’s Licenses, as they can’t get people in and out of countries without a passport.
According to the Department of Homeland Security, a REAL ID is a nationwide effort to improve the integrity and security of State-issued driver’s licenses and ID cards. They essentially offer a second layer of trust and protection to you and the ID in question, so this could be an alternative to look into. People still need a passport to enter the country with a REAL ID, so that’s one downside. Domestically, it’s not required to have both. They’re also about $30 cheaper than EDLs.
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If someone travels domestically often, a REAL ID is a good investment. They’re cheaper than Enhanced Driver’s Licenses but need a passport with them at international entry and exit points.
Is A Passport Better Than An Extended Driver’s License?
- Passports are often seen as superior to EDLs.
- Those who don’t have access to Extended Driver’s Licenses can apply for passports.
For people who don’t live in states where EDLs are available, obviously, it makes sense to get a passport. EDLs are much cheaper, but for those on a budget who are looking to do that ‘local’ international travel, a passport card might be something to look into. For those who do live in EDL states, it’s a worthy thing to have, even if they’re not planning on crossing international borders anytime soon. For a fee that’s not extraordinary, it won’t break the budget to splurge for the extra $30 or so license.
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Anyone who does live in a state where an EDL is an option but is planning on traveling to a country that’s not Canada, Mexico, or the Caribbean should absolutely invest in a passport. Simply put, EDL does not grant access to any other countries and will likely never be used for such purposes. It’s easier to think of the EDL as a special privilege granted to certain states that share borders with other countries – it won’t grant access to the world, but it will allow country-to-country crossings. A passport is a long-term investment that, in the long run, will permit travel practically anywhere and will last longer than an enhanced license.
Getting A Passport Just Got Easier
The United States is (finally) making it easier to apply for passports. Starting in 2023, Americans will be able to apply for their passport renewals online (but not for their first passports – that takes longer). This will help make the whole process much simpler. It could be better as the new system will still lag behind the speed and convenience of other countries like New Zealand (which have been renewing passports online for many years).
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The standard fee for renewing a passport will be $130.00, and it will be valid for 10 years. It will take 7 to 10 weeks to receive one’s passport – although this can be expedited for an extra fee.
- Standard Fee: $130.00 Standard Renewal
- Routine Service: 7 to 10 Weeks
Over the border in Canada, the Canadians have been at work simplifying the renewals of their passport too.
The question should not be an either/or debate about whether one should get a passport or an EDL. Instead, one should have both – especially if one lives near the borders with Canada or Mexico. That way, one can spontaneously decide to cross the border (one may not always be carrying a passport around). Most people should just invest in having both. There are many reasons why everyone should have a passport.
