Enhanced drivers license acts both as a driver license and a travel document, but also with limits. Enhanced drivers licenses what they are and where to get them. However, you can always get a passport card which is the same size as a drivers license. Voluntary enhanced security drivers license or identification card you must submit two 2 of the following. Enhanced driver s licenses edl as the name suggests, an enhanced driver s license edl is a driver license with a few extra perks. Travelers can continue to use their california state drivers licenses to travel. Reaching the age of 15 is an exciting time for teens across most of the country, but especially for those who are raring to get out onto californias beautiful and iconic roads. They can still use a valid california driver license or id card for federal purposes until october 1, 2020.
The edleid is also an acceptable real id document to use for air travel within the united states. Nov 16, 2017 california dmv to offer real id driver licenses and id cards in 2018 federal enforcement begins october 1, 2020. You can still use your california drivers license or id card to board an airplane until october 2020. An enhanced drivers license edl is equivalent to a u. Drivers who want to apply for an enhanced driver s license in new york should first understand what this credential is good for and what the application process entails. Arizona, and texas driver s licenses may soon be enhanced as well, which would make crossing the usmexico border easier for american citizens. Learn how to renew your enhanced driver license or enhanced id card. For example, an edl resembles a passport card in that it. Edls will also allow people whose main travel is to canada or mexico save money and time on obtaining a passport, since the edl will serve as both their license and id that allows for border crossing.
An enhanced license permit, or nondriver 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. How do you get a real idcompliant license, and when can you get it. Driver license for nonus citizens if you are not a us citizen, you may be eligible to obtain a dc dmv driver license if you meet the requirements for real id proof of identity, social security, current dc residency, and legal presence. In the united states, driver s licenses are issued by each individual state, territory, and the district of columbia rather than by the federal government due to federalism. An enhanced driver s licence in canadian english, enhanced driver s license edl in u.
Printed electronic copies are acceptable for the following four items. For instance, drivers may get an enhanced credential when their current license or standard id card approaches its expiration date. To learn more information about this credential, read the sections below. Sep 30, 2019 the new licenses will feature a gold star in the upper righthand corner or an american flag on michigan enhanced driver s licenses. Name on birth certificate does not match driver s license and ss card. The enhanced card is not mandatory, however, and california will continue issuing the standard driver s license and identification for those who dont need it. Travelers can continue to use their california state driver s licenses to travel. The states of michigan, minnesota, new york, vermont and washington state are currently the only states issuing these enhanced drivers licenses. Us dod id, permanent resident card, border crossing card, dhsdesigned enhanced drivers license, federally. Sacramento the california department of motor vehicles dmv will begin offering the option to apply for a federal compliant real id driver license or identification id card beginning january 22, 2018 at dmv offices statewide. California, arizona, and texas drivers licenses may soon be enhanced as well, which would make crossing the usmexico border easier for american citizens. Starting january 22, all drivers licenses in california will sport a new look.
If you have an enhanced driver s license, bear in mind that not all border crossings have the capability to read them. There is no extra fee to get a real idcompliant license. What will i need for the enhanced security drivers license. Enhanced driver license edl what is an enhanced driver license edl. Can an undocumented person in washington get a drivers license. Sos can i get an enhanced drivers license or state id. They provide travelers with a lowcost, convenient alternative for entering the united states from canada. Sos can i get an enhanced drivers license or state id card. The enhanced drivers license edl is an identification document that the department of homeland security dhs has been encouraging states to distribute. Oct 25, 2019 there appear to be different types of id right now. Applying for a real id requires proofs of identity, social security number ssn if eligible, california residency, and a trip to a dmv office. Can i use a driver license to drive into mexico or canada.
They both serve as acceptable identification for a drivers. An edl can be used for travel by land or sea between the united states and canada, mexico or the caribbean. The cards must denote citizenship and identity and contain technology and security features approved by the secretary of the united states department of homeland security. Checkpoints and borders policy debate why dont more states in particular california issue enhanced driver s licenses. If you have an enhanced drivers license, bear in mind that not all border crossings have the capability to read them. Is a real id california drivers license hard to get. Most importantly for travelers, you will now be given the option when renewing to get a standard id or one that is. The enhanced driver license edl or enhanced id card eid confirms your identity and u. This is what you need to know to get one so you can use it at the airport. The additional cost for an enhanced drivers license edl or an enhanced nondriver id card endid is the same for both documents. If you havent, you may have no idea that your driver s license or other stateissued id could soon become obsolete for air travel. In addition to serving as a driver s license or id card, the enhanced driver s license edl and the enhanced identification card eid are among the federallyapproved bordercrossing documents required under the western hemisphere travel initiative. Applying for an enhanced washington license or id a federally compliant real id document use this checklist to prepare for your visit to the department of licensing office. Is your california drivers license okay for air travel.
You must bring the documents listed from the categories below. Customers can always use a passport, military id, or tsaapproved identification documents in lieu of a federally approved driver license. Us passports vs enhanced drivers licenses rush my passport. Why dont more states in particular california issue. They can also use a state photo identity card issued by the dmv, us passport or passport card, dhs trusted. New ca drivers licenses required by 2020 a new driver s license for californians is coming out and you may not be able to get on a plane or on a military base without it by late2020. Motorists may obtain an enhanced license, permit or id card through the new york department of motor vehicles ny dmv. See how to update your address or name on your enhanced driver license id card. This blog post will address the issue of whether a felon can get a drivers license. By the time he or she is released, a felons drivers license has usually expired, or the offense resulted in his or her license being revoked. An enhanced driver license edl works doubleduty as a drivers license and a passport. I have used the last name of my stepfather since i was a small baby, although this is. Name on birth certificate does not match drivers license. Real idcompliant cards are marked with a star at the top of the card.
List of services we offer online so you dont have to visit a csc. Apr 23, 2015 the enhanced drivers license edl is an identification document that the department of homeland security dhs has been encouraging states to distribute. Just what does it take to get one of the voluntary enhanced security drivers licenses in arkansas. The california legislature is voting on sb 249 hueso a bill that would allow california to begin distributing these edl documents. It can be challenging to get a driver s license again and be able to travel. Enhanced drivers licenses 2015 aclu of northern ca. They both serve as acceptable identification for a driver s. With it you can enter the united states by land or sea from canada, mexico, or the caribbean without needing any other proof of identification. Enhanced driver s licenses can provide a significant economic benefit to the state of california, while strengthening border security, he wrote in a press release last may. Required documents to get your enhanced driver license or id. Veterans id on drivers license or id card by state by militarybenefits a list of states offering veterans designation logos on drivers licenses and id cards which now includes all 50 states plus puerto rico and washington d. Time is winding down to get a real idcompliant license. By the time they are released, a felons drivers license has usually expired.
Even if you did all of the above to get your driver s license years ago, before the dmv started issuing real id cards on jan. New york dmv get an enhanced driver license edl or real id. The washington state enhanced driver s license id card is basically a dumbeddown mini passport. Find out how to get your first washington enhanced driver license or enhanced id card. They can also get one when they are applying for a drivers license, permit or id card for the first time. Secondly, they fit more comfortably in your wallet than a passport book does, so they are more convenient. Oct 06, 2010 the new california driver s license was unveiled by the state wednesday. If you did not find the information you need, enter a descriptive word or phrase in the search field located in.
California dmv to offer real id driver licenses and id cards. 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 people who are both citizens of the country and residents in the relevant region. This will enable law enforcement officers to detect fraudulent licenses immediately. Using rfid technology, drivers licenses are getting a technological boost that will also save time at american borders. If you never had a driver license before, you must first apply for an enhanced learner permit. Veterans id on drivers license or id card by state by militarybenefits a list of states offering veterans designation logos on driver s licenses and id cards which now includes all. A stateissued enhanced driver s license edl provides travelers not only a license to drive but also a proof of identity and citizenship when exiting and reentering the united states borders. Where do you get an enhanced drivers license answers. On october 1, 2010, the california dmv began issuing a new enhanced driver s license and identification card with additional security features, including a laserengraved signature that can be felt by touch.
It is essential that you understand how to get a california drivers license as a teenager so that you can be wellprepared before beginning the process. Can i get an enhanced driver s license or state id card if i have a green card or work visa. Aug 10, 2012 an enhanced driver license edl works doubleduty as a drivers license and a passport. What you need to know if you have a valid edl, you can use it until it is expired or needs to be replaced. Enhanced drivers license edl department of motor vehicles. Should i get a real id or enhanced drivers license. New ca drivers licenses required by 2020 nbc 7 san diego. Enhanced drivers licenses what they are and where to. Enhanced driver license id card edleid steps to getting your edleid.
The new california driver s license was unveiled by the state wednesday. Travelers accustomed to using their current california drivers license to get through airport security might have heard that those days are numbered. Which is better, real id or enhanced drivers license. 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. Should i get a real id or enhanced driver s license. May 18, 2011 an american citizen with proper identification and the appropriate fee can obtain an enhanced drivers license edl at the state agency which issues drivers licenses in the states of. Stateissued enhanced drivers licenses edls provide proof of identity and u. Customers do not have to come into a field office immediately to apply for a real id card. Or, their offense resulted in their license being revoked. You can still use your california driver s license or id card to board an airplane until october 2020. Drivers are normally required to obtain a license from their state of residence and all states recognize each others licenses.
Unlike the standard wa dlid, it complies with the new federal real id act regulations that are current. California dmv home page is available for customers to check out publications, download forms, brochures, faqs, vehicle information, boats, vessel, and field offices. Note that five states michigan, minnesota, new york, vermont and washington also issue an enhanced driver s license edl as a. California dmv to offer real id driver licenses and id. Driver license for individuals with legal presence. All reentry to the united states requires proof of citizenship passports work for this and, if applicable, proof of right of residency. Heres our guide on getting a drivers license in california. Feb 27, 2020 you can apply for an enhanced license at a dmv office. It can be challenging to get a drivers license again and be able to travel. Can i get an enhanced drivers license or state id card if i have a green card or work visa. The enhanced driver s license edl is an identification document that the department of homeland security dhs has been encouraging states to distribute. Starting january 22, all driver s licenses in california will sport a new look.
Beginning october 1, 2021, every air traveler 18 years of age and older will need a real idcompliant driver s license, stateissued enhanced driver s license, or another acceptable form of id to fly within the united states. Jan 29, 2018 real id, the federally compliant drivers license that can be used as identification for getting on a plane starting in october 2020, became available jan. May 04, 2018 is your california drivers license okay for air travel. Real id is not needed to create a bordercrossing driver s license. Californias multistep dmv system for earning your drivers license can get confusing.
The last name on my birth certificate is different than the name i use on all of my legal documentation. Does california have an enhanced driver license zipfirm. They provide travelers with a lowcost, convenient alternative for entering the united states from canada, mexico or the caribbean through a land or sea port of entry, in. A california issued real id driver license or identification card meets these new requirements and is marked with a gold bear and star. If you received a dmv letter asking for a second proof of residency document and are unsure what to do, see our second residency requirement faqs when your real id driver license or identification card is up for renewal, you may be eligible to renew it online.
Californias real id extension extended again allowing state. Most importantly for travelers, you will now be given the option when renewing to get a standard id or one that is real id compliant which means that they can be used at airport security for the foreseeable future. Which is better, real id or enhanced driver s license. Jun 05, 2017 but, armenta said, you dont have to come in on day 1 to apply for a compliant card. Real id, enhanced drivers licenses in new york state. First of all, they are cheaper than getting a passport. This license cannot be used for air travel in any of the above mentioned countries. Californias real id extension extended again allowing.
So i now have to get a real id driver s license for domestic flights unless i want to carry one of the federal ids passport, ge card, etc. Each of these states is currently weighing the best options for supplying the cards and what it would mean for border control. An enhanced license for border crossing can be created without buying into the failed real id program. Read more about changes to the vermont driver s license and id cards enhanced driver s license edl u. To determine the fee for converting from a regular driver license or id card to an enhanced document, see early renewal with conversion to an enhanced document. May 08, 2019 new jersey motor vehicle commission will start issuing real id compliant drivers licenses next month. California drivers license eligibility requirements for teens younger than 18. Real id, the federally compliant driver s license that can be used as identification for getting on a plane starting in october 2020, became available jan. Sep 28, 2016 what will i need for the enhanced security drivers license. Only minnesota residents who are also united states citizens and at least 16 years of age may apply for an enhanced drivers license or enhanced identification card. By the time he or she is released, a felons driver s license has usually expired, or the offense resulted in his or her license being revoked.
388 867 1013 121 511 1340 792 781 42 210 403 661 767 247 42 207 476 555 584 181 1292 670 1435 1137 333 1273 664 668 159 426 1257 1155 255 1202 315 568 180 290 762 692 32 551 1133 1454 1236