I have been getting a lot of questions about the new Enhanced Drivers license. What is an International Drivers License? Will I need it to travel out of the country? Will I need it travel within the US and Canada? When will this take affect? Is there a cost? How to I apply for one?
These are all great questions and I am here to answer them for you!
Here is the definition of an Enhanced Drivers license:
An enhanced driver license (also known as a passport card) eases your ability to travel in and out of the United States by land and sea, doubling as a driver's license and passport.
With it, no other documents are needed for proving citizenship and identity when entering the U.S. or any other of the following participating Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) countries, territories, and islands (by land or sea only):
- Anguilla
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Aruba
- Bahamas
- Bermuda
- Boniare, St. Eustatius and Saba (BES)
- British Virgin Islands
- Canada
- Cayman Islands
- Dominica
- Dominican Republic
- Dutch Caribbean
- Grenada
- Jamaica
- Mexico
- Montserrat
- St. Kitts and Nevis
- St. Lucia
- St. Vincent and the Grenadines
- Turks and Caicos
Bear in mind that you cannot use an EDL for international air travel. Passports are still required for when flying to and from the U.S. You can, however, use an ELD when flying domestically for boarding planes.
So to sum it up, you will still need a passport for international travel by plane, the Enhanced drivers license if used for domestic travel as well as international travel by land or sea.
Not all states (including Minnesota at this time) require an EDL. Here are the states that this currently applies to:
- Michigan
- New York
- Vermont
- Washington
When will Minnesota require a EDL?
As of now, there is a date set for October 1, 2020 but this could change. If it doesn't, everyone living in Minnesota will need an EDL for any air travel. Remember, you will still need your passport for international air travel. This has been extended once already so we may see another extension before it goes into affect.
What do I need and how much is it?
Apply for an Enhanced Driver's License
- Proof of your: Date of birth. Name. Social Security number (SSN). Photo identity. U.S. citizenship. Minnesota residency. The DPS provides a complete list of accepted documents.
- A completed interview questionnaire (completed at the DPS exam station).
- Payment for the $15 fee.
How do I apply?'
You can apply for an EDL at any time:
- At the time your current driver license or ID is due for renewal
- First time application for your driver’s license (and learner’s permit) or non-driver photo ID card
- Replace your current driver’s license prior to the date you are due for renewal, with no change in the expiration date of your license
- At time of application: You will be asked to complete an Interview Questionnaire; please allow extra time when applying. An application takes between 3-4 weeks to process.
- Identification Documentation for EDL-Must provide proof of: Date of Birth, Full Legal Name, Social Security Number, Photographic Identity, United States Citizenship and Minnesota Residency. https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/dvs/forms-documents/Documents/EDL-EID-Identification-Requirements.pdf
(PDF).
To apply for an EDL in Minnesota, you must visit one of the following 14 Exam Stations:
- Anoka - 530 West Main Street
- Arden Hills (North Metro) - County Road I & 35W
- Austin - 430 10th Street NE
- Bemidji - 111 2nd Street, Union Square
- Detroit Lakes - 1000 Highway 10 W
- Duluth - 4602 Grand Avenue
- Eagan (South Metro) - 2070 Cliff Road
- Hastings - 1355 S Frontage Rd., Ste. 150
- Mankato - 2161 Bassett Drive
- Plymouth (West Metro) - 2455 Fernbrook Lane
- Rochester - 1633 North Broadway
- St. Paul - 445 Minnesota Street
- St. Cloud - 3333 West Division Street, Midtown Square
- Virginia - 101 Hoover Road
You will be asked to complete an Interview Questionnaire; please allow extra time when applying. An application takes between 4-6 weeks to process.
