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Velvet Digest

What is an enhanced driver's license in Canada?

Author

Eleanor Gray

Updated on May 26, 2026

An enhanced driver's licence in Canadian English, enhanced driver's license (EDL) in U.S. English, or enhanced ID in other common usage, is a card which functions both as driving licence and ID card with limited passport features issued in some provinces in Canada, in some states in the United States, and for the

.

Herein, can I enter Canada with an enhanced driver's license?

Americans with an Enhanced Identification Card (EIC) or Enhanced Drivers License (EDL) from Washington State, Minnesota, South Dakota, Michigan, New York, or Vermont are allowed to travel to Canada without a Passport.

Beside above, what is the difference between an enhanced driver's license and a regular one? A REAL ID costs the same as standard identification, while an Enhanced Driver's License costs $30 more. The biggest difference is an Enhanced ID allows you to travel to Canada, Mexico and some Caribbean countries without a passport -- but not by plane. A passport is still required for international flights.

Simply so, what is an enhanced driver's license Ontario?

Overview. As of June 2019, the Enhanced Driver's Licence ( EDL ) is no longer offered. The Enhanced Driver's Licence ( EDL ) was a travel document that acted as proof of identity and citizenship when traveling to the United States by road or water.

What is an enhanced driver license Nova Scotia?

Enhanced Driver's Licence (EDL) and Enhanced Identification Card (EIC) Programs. The EDL is a voluntary program open to all Canadian citizens residing in a province or territory that has implemented an EDL program.

Related Question Answers

Can you get into Canada without a passport or enhanced license?

According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. citizens entering the United States by land or sea are required to present a valid Western Hemisphere travel initiative-compliant document, which includes: U.S. passport cards. Enhanced driver's licenses. Trusted Traveler cards (Global Entry*, NEXUS, SENTRI, or FAST

Can you get into Canada without an enhanced license?

Canadian law requires all persons entering Canada from the U.S. by car present proof of citizenship and identity. However, be warned that if you go to Canada by car with your driver's license and birth certificate but no passport you will not be able to re-enter the U.S. with these documents.

Can an enhanced license be used as a passport?

An Enhanced license (permit, or non-driver ID) is a New York State DMV issued document that you can use instead of a passport to return to the US by land or sea from Canada, Mexico and some countries in the Caribbean. 1 It is not acceptable for air travel between these countries.

How long can you stay in Canada with an enhanced license?

six months

What are the benefits of an enhanced driver's license?

Two primary reasons: First, an enhanced license contains a radio frequency identification (RFID) chip for more security and faster border crossings. This makes an enhanced license “especially handy for business travel, vacations or quick trips,” according to the Secretary of State.

What happens when you cross the Canadian border by car?

What you should know before crossing the Canadian border
  • Check your entry eligibility.
  • Have correct identification.
  • Know the guidelines for traveling with minors.
  • Keep vehicle registration and proof of insurance available.
  • Don't bring restricted items.
  • Check entry requirements for pets.
  • Get familiar with entry points.

How do I know if I have an enhanced drivers license?

How do you know what ID you have? Enhanced IDs have your full legal name, your address and an American flag on the bottom right corner of the license. They also say "enhanced" at the top of the licenses.

How can I tell if my driver's license is enhanced?

REAL ID-compliant licenses are marked by a star on the top of the card. Michigan, Vermont, Minnesota, and New York states issue REAL ID and state-issued enhanced driver's licenses, both of which are acceptable. State-issued enhanced driver's licenses do not have a star on the top of the card.

How long is an enhanced driver's license good for?

Your enhanced license is valid for up to four years and should arrive in the mail within two to three weeks.

What is required to get an enhanced driver license?

Identification Documentation for EDL/EID-Must provide proof of: Date of Birth, Full Legal Name, Social Security Number, Photographic Identity, United States Citizenship and Minnesota Residency. View EDL/EID Identification Requirements (PDF).

Where can you go with an enhanced driver's license?

The Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) is a special driver's license that allows Michigan motorists to cross into the U.S. when traveling by sea or land from Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and the Caribbean nations without the need for a passport or other identification documents.

How much does an enhanced driver's license cost in Ontario?

The enhanced driver's licence costs an extra $40 above the regular driver's licence fee of $90. It features a radio-frequency chip that includes a unique number for border staff to use to find personal information that identifies the traveller in a secure database.

Can you cross the border with a temporary driver's license?

Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) U.S. citizens returning from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean or Bermuda, by land or sea, are required to present a U.S. Passport, U.S. Passport Card or an Enhanced Driver's License (EDL). A temporary EDL will NOT be accepted for border crossing, plan accordingly.

How do I renew my enhanced driver's license?

To renew your enhanced driver's licence (EDL) or enhanced identification card (EIC) you need to book an in-person appointment and reapply.

To renew your licence:

  1. Visit any driver licensing office up to six months (180 days) before your licence expires.
  2. Bring two pieces of accepted ID.

Does Saskatchewan have an enhanced driver's license?

The Saskatchewan government has approved a program that will offer an enhanced driver's licence (EDL) or an enhanced identification card (EIC) as voluntary options for Saskatchewan residents to purchase through Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI). These cards will be available by June 1, 2009.

What is the difference between real ID and enhanced ID MN?

It's a Real ID that also acts as a “mini passport,” allowing travelers to re-enter the United States by land or sea from Mexico, Canada and some Caribbean countries. It is marked with an American flag. An Enhanced ID cannot be used for international air travel.

How much is an enhanced license?

How much does an EDL cost? The fee for an EDL is $40 in addition to the cost of any other driver licensing fees . cash, debit card, credit card, money order, certified personal cheque or a business cheque.

Can I travel to Canada with real ID?

No. REAL ID cards cannot be used for border crossings into Canada, Mexico or other international travel.

Whats the difference between a real ID and a standard ID?

You'll also need to decide between a Standard driver's license/ID and a REAL ID driver's license/ID. REAL ID is a federal ID that you can use, beginning October 2020, to fly within the United States or enter federal buildings.