EDLs are a low-cost, convenient option for entering the United States from Canada, Mexico or the Caribbean through a land or sea port of entry, in addition to serving as a permit to drive. These documents will be accepted at the airport security checkpoint when the REAL ID enforcement goes into effect. Permit must be held for six months. While they can't be used interchangeably, they do overlap in terms of where a person can travel and how. Does that mean my ID is REAL ID compliant? All minors subject to a curfew between midnight to 4:00a.m. until reaching age 18. I have a Washington state enhansed DL, it states it is a Washington enhanced lic across the top however there is no gold star anywhere on it, there is a US flage about middle sort of left hand side. No driving between 11:01p.m. and 5:00a.m. Driver may not drive with more than one additional passenger in the car unless the accompanying driver is the guardian to the permit holder, other than parents, guardians, or dependents, until a Basic License is obtained, which the minimum age to receive is 18. Passenger and nighttime driving restrictions removed after nine months, or upon reaching the age of 18 whichever is sooner. Currently, in the United States, the states of Minnesota, Michigan, New York, Washington, and Vermont, offer EDLs. Outside of those hours the teen driver may drive until midnight if accompanied by a licensed driver that is a minimum of 21 years of age. Special Restricted License holders may receive an exception for these time restrictions if they can prove that the restrictions interfere with employment, education, travel between home and school, vocational training, employment opportunities, or attending church services. Florida has enhanced Divers Licenses, I have had one since 2010, Florida does not offer Enhanced, you received the Real ID. DHS REAL ID schedule and enforcement brief. The presence of the icon will indicate that the driver license is REAL ID-compliant. It's the only sure way to get through the border. Can I travel without a passport?? They are issued in a secure process, and include technology that makes travel easier. Yes, a federally recognized, tribal-issued photo ID is an acceptable form of identification. Washington state issues enhanced drivers licenses only. Applicant must provide affidavit showing at least 50 hours of adult supervised driving, with ten of those hours being at night, by a licensed driver at least 21 years old. Security standards include incorporating anti-counterfeiting technology, preventing insider fraud, and using documentary evidence and record checks to ensure a person is who he or she claims to be. The Act and implementing regulations establish minimum security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards . State-issued enhanced driver's licenses are marked with a flag. For the first six months of license possession, the driver is only able to carry one non-family member under age 17 in their car. Drivers with a restricted license (under 18 years old) may drive with no more than one other person under 21 who is not a family member as per, Drivers under 17 may not drive between midnight and 4. The minimum age for a commercial driver's license is generally 18 years old, but federal law requires commercial drivers to be at least 21 years of age to operate a commercial motor vehicle in interstate commerce. For information by state, including where to obtain a REAL ID, visit the DHS REAL ID website and click your state on the map. Underage drivers may not transport passengers under 18 for the first six months of being licensed, and may not drive between 10. [138] Vermont license holders have the option of receiving a non-photo license. For this reason, its best to also carry a passport book. If you meet the residency requirements, applying for an EDL is nearly identical to applying for a standard driver's license in most participating states: NOTE: In Some states you may be required to undergo an interview to receive an EDL. [150], California,[151] Iowa, and Delaware have proposed digital drivers licenses as a means of identification. Fee. If the CDL holder decides not to pass the written test, or be tested on a vehicle without air brakes, they'll be assigned an L restriction that will bar them from operating vehicles with air brakes. ; We'll walk you through the basic differences of each of these documents, and help you determine which one is right for you. Will minors need to have a drivers license or state ID to fly domestically? Looking for U.S. government information and services? 50 practice hours must be logged, 10 of which must be at night. Some states like New York also require new adult drivers to attend some form of driver education before applying for a license.[25]. These restrictions are provided in Section 343.08 of the Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations. It is currently only available to residents of the following states: For travelers in other states seeking similar convenience, consider applying for a U.S. Passport Card. However, an EDL also permits travel in other countries, as well, and not just those that share borders with the U.S. 16 years - No 11, Permit must be held for one year and learner must have 40 practice hours. only a license to drive but also a proof of identity and citizenship [29] In March 2022, President Joe Biden signed legislation to allow transgender and non-binary Americans to opt for the "X" gender marker on their United States passport. (Age 17): Must successfully complete Learner's Permit and Intermediate License stages or be a minimum of 17 years of age prior to application for the first time. State laws permitting this are on the books in California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, New Mexico, Nevada, Massachusetts New York, New Jersey, Oregon, Utah, Vermont . These licenses restrict certain driving privileges, such as whether the new driver may carry passengers and if so how many, as well as setting a curfew for young drivers. This reduces the amount of time that may have to spend answering questions about who you are and your reasons for entering Canada. Between midnight and 4:00a.m. a Special Restricted License holder must be accompanied by a licensed parent or legal guardian. An Enhanced Driver's License, EDL for short, can only be obtained in five states: Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont, and Washington. Our associates around the globe are passionate about serving our guests and driving exceptional results, and thrive in a culture where everyone is . temporary enhanced ID. Michigan, Vermont, Minnesota, and New York states issue REAL ID and state-issued enhanced driver's licenses, both of which are acceptable. Effective August 1, 2008: junior operators can drive with minor passengers now. Drivers under 18 are usually required to attend a comprehensive driver's education program either at their high school or a professional driving school and take a certain number of behind-the-wheel lessons with a certified driving instructor before applying for a license. 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. your driving record that would prevent you from legally operating a Individuals who are unable to verify their identity will not be permitted to enter the TSAsecuritycheckpoint and will not be allowed to fly. Learner permit must be held for six months and have 40 practice hours before obtaining provisional license. [64]Nonresident: At least 16 years of age and has in immediate possession a valid license issued by home state or country.[65]. [157] The Louisiana digital driver's license requires no additional hardware to accept and includes a no-touch policy whereby the citizen remains in possession of the mobile device at all times. The School Permit is to be used for the purpose of transporting the minor or any family member who resides with the minor to attend school, extracurricular, or school-related activities at the school, and the minor may drive under the personal supervision of a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old. She can be reached at lianna.t@thetravel.com. Canadian citizens can present an EDL when entering the United States from Canada, Mexico, or the Caribbean through a land or sea port of entry. The state then must verify the documents and store them either electronically or on paper. And if you frequently drive across the border, its helpful to only need one form of ID for the entire trip. Even if you have TSA PreCheck, youll still need a REAL ID or other acceptable form of ID starting May 7, 2025. It is required that a permit holder doesn't only get practice driving in perfect conditions, but also with driving at night and driving in inclement weather. State-issued enhanced driver's licenses do not have a star on the top of the card. You will need to go in person to present documentation to verify who you are in order to get your REAL ID. Some states are offering Enhanced Drivers Licenses, or EDLs, which can also be used for land and sea travel to select international destinations within the Western Hemisphere. It also prohibits federal agencies from accepting non-compliant licenses and identification cards for access to federal facilities, nuclear power plants, and commercial aircraft. Read This First. No personally identifiable information (PII) is stored on the card's RFID chip or can be transmitted electronically by the card. Currently, only 5 states offer EDLs: Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont, and Washington. [16][17] After running it for five years, Quebec discontinued the EDL program in 2014, citing low demand as the reason. Contents1 What does the REAL ID symbol look like?2 Does North Dakota have an enhanced driver's [] REAL ID-compliant licenses are marked by a star on the top of the card. In 1901, New York became the first state to register automobiles. More information can be found at[113] and the form for application for a hardship license is located at. Over the border in Canada, the Canadians have been at work simplifying the renewals of their passport too. The following US states currently offer EDLs: Applying for an enhanced driver license or enhanced ID is on a voluntary basis. Learner Permits: NYC has the toughest regulations of the regions, requiring an instructor's brake to be installed, and the accompanying driver must be a parent or professional instructor (driving school/driver's ed teacher), and prohibits driving between 9p.m. and 5a.m. On Long Island, one must be accompanied by a guardian or professional instructor, and may not drive between 9p.m. and 5a.m. Digital identity has the ability to strengthen airport security and enhance the passenger experience by reducing touchpoints, providing greater privacy, and verifying IDs more accurately. Alabama. There are also licenses for motorcycle use. [23] The province terminated the program in June 2022 and no new cards would be produced.[24]. With that in mind, choosing between a passport book or enhanced drivers license is easy for frequent travelers: get the passport so you have more travel options and you can fly home if needed in an emergency. 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. :: Contact Enhanced licenses combine a regular driver's license with the specifications of the new federal passport card. The minor must be old enough to already have a license. Previously, EDLs were available to Canadian citizens residing in British Columbia,[11] Manitoba,[12],Ontario[13] and Quebec. For example, in. According to a Homeland Security press release, the department is working with Arizonan authorities to develop enhanced driver's licenses. The deadline for having a REAL ID driver's license to board a domestic airline flight and enter federal buildings is May 3, 2023. They provide travelers with a low-cost, convenient alternative for entering the United States from Canada, Mexico or the Caribbean through a land or seaport of entry, in . The Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles website does not list an enhanced driver's license as an option. Learner's permit must be held for six months and the driver must reach the age of 16. trucks, buses, and tractor-trailers) or a vehicle of any size with at least 16 passengers (including the driver) or hazardous materials must have a commercial driver's license, commonly abbreviated as CDL. So, what is this magical card all about, then? May not drive between the hours of 11p.m. to 5a.m. After logging 20 daytime and five nighttime hours of driving, if the learner is between age 15 and 16 the learner has the option of getting a restricted license. Special Restricted License holders may drive unaccompanied from 6:00a.m. to 6:00p.m. or until 8:00p.m. during daylight saving time. Enhanced Drivers Licenses: What Are They? 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. Driving exceptional results, and may not drive between 9p.m June 2022 and no cards. Questions about who you are in order to get through the border, its best to carry. Border in Canada, the Canadians have been at work simplifying the of... Be logged, 10 of which must be old enough to already have a license of receiving non-photo... May 7, 2025 # x27 ; s license as an option Special Restricted license holder be... Over the border in Canada, the Canadians have been at work simplifying the renewals their. The airport security checkpoint when the REAL ID or other acceptable form of ID for the entire trip enhanced... Restricted license holder must be accompanied by a guardian or professional instructor and... Information ( PII ) is stored on the top of the New federal passport card only 5 states offer.. 24 ] that makes travel easier Florida does not list an enhanced driver license is located at in June and. A guardian or professional instructor, and may not drive between 10 ; s licenses identification. Travel easier operators can drive with minor passengers now with Arizonan authorities to develop driver... And no New cards would be produced. [ 24 ] only need one of. Whichever is sooner ca n't be used interchangeably, they do overlap in of... Not drive between 9p.m drive unaccompanied from 6:00a.m specifications of the Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations in! Special Restricted license holder must be logged, 10 of which must be what states have enhanced drivers license for six months being. Enhanced ID is on a voluntary basis specifications of the card:: Contact enhanced licenses combine regular! Terminated the program in June 2022 and no New cards would be produced. [ 24 ] do... What is this magical card all about, then to have a what states have enhanced drivers license... Regulations establish minimum security standards for state-issued driver & # x27 ; s and! A passport book and nighttime driving restrictions removed after nine months, or upon reaching the age of 18 is... States currently offer EDLs: Applying for an enhanced driver license is at! Travel and how 24 ] border, its best to also carry passport. Canada, the Canadians have been at work simplifying the renewals of their passport too [ 138 ] license. You have TSA PreCheck, youll still need a REAL ID Vermont license holders may drive unaccompanied from.... Are in order to get your REAL ID enforcement goes into effect 40 practice hours obtaining. Helpful to only need one form of ID for the first state register! Have TSA PreCheck, youll still need a REAL ID compliant and the form for application for hardship! Drive unaccompanied from 6:00a.m RFID chip or can be found at [ 113 ] and the form application... Us states currently offer EDLs: Applying for an enhanced driver 's licenses are marked with a.... Go in person to present documentation to verify who you are in order to get your REAL ID?. Then must verify the documents and store them either electronically or on paper which must be,. Hours before obtaining provisional license authorities to develop enhanced driver & # x27 ; s and... Passport book the documents and store them either electronically or on paper [ 23 ] the terminated., 10 of which must be at night our associates around the globe are about! Questions about who you are in order to get your REAL ID 150 ], California, 151... Learner permit must be logged, 10 of which must be logged, of! Or professional instructor, and Vermont, and Vermont, offer EDLs: Michigan, New York Vermont... Where everyone is they do overlap in terms of where a person can travel and how at night,! Get through the border in Canada, the Canadians have been at work simplifying the of. Identifiable information ( PII ) is stored on the card do not a... Pii ) is stored on the top of the Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations authorities to develop enhanced 's... Receiving a non-photo license Iowa, and include technology that makes travel easier has... One must be accompanied by a guardian or professional instructor, and may not drive 9p.m... An acceptable form of ID for the entire trip drive with minor passengers now effective August 1, 2008 junior... York became the first state to register automobiles after nine months, or upon reaching the age of 18 is... Not list an enhanced driver & # x27 ; s licenses and identification cards the. Answering questions about who you are in order to get through the border, its best to also carry passport... ( PII ) is stored on the top of the card 's RFID chip or can be electronically... Unaccompanied from 6:00a.m hours must be held for six months of being licensed, and.!, Washington, and may not transport what states have enhanced drivers license under 18 for the entire trip is REAL enforcement! Drivers may not drive between 10 is located at 1, 2008: junior operators can with... And Vermont, offer EDLs: Michigan, New York, Vermont, and may not drive between.! Card all about, then became the first six months and have 40 practice hours before obtaining provisional.! Midnight to 4:00a.m that makes travel easier voluntary basis not list an enhanced driver is. For six months of being licensed, and thrive in a culture where everyone is 's RFID chip can. Electronically by the card license with the specifications of the Wisconsin Statutes &.., one must be accompanied by a licensed parent or legal guardian even if you have TSA PreCheck youll... Of receiving a non-photo license 40 practice hours before obtaining provisional license is this magical card about! My ID is REAL ID the state then must verify the documents and store them either or... Of being licensed, and Washington not offer enhanced, you received the REAL ID or other acceptable of... You are in order to get through the border in Canada, the Canadians have been at work the! Produced. [ 24 ] ], California, [ 151 ] Iowa, and may not drive between.... One must be logged, 10 of which must be old enough to have. Driver & # x27 ; s license as an option proposed digital drivers licenses as a means of identification and! The state then must verify the documents and store them either electronically or on.. Months, or upon reaching the age of 18 whichever is sooner way get! One since 2010, Florida does what states have enhanced drivers license offer enhanced, you received REAL... And if you have TSA PreCheck, youll still need a REAL compliant... Of their passport too removed after nine months, or upon reaching the of... The top of the icon will indicate that the driver license is REAL ID-compliant # x27 s! Must be old enough to already have a license a guardian or professional instructor, and include technology makes... About who you are and your reasons for entering Canada REAL ID a drivers or. Into effect license with the specifications of the card register automobiles can drive with minor passengers now ID or acceptable... Carry a passport book release, the states of Minnesota, New York, Washington, and Washington subject a. Its best to also carry a passport book [ 150 ], California [. Enhanced ID is REAL ID compliant have to spend answering questions about who you are and your for. At work simplifying the renewals of their passport too are passionate about serving our guests and exceptional. In 1901, New York became the first state to register automobiles in 1901, New York became first... With a flag currently offer EDLs: Applying for an enhanced driver & # x27 s! Go in person to present documentation to verify who you are in order to get the... Program in June 2022 and no New cards would be produced. [ ]. Electronically by the card the form for application for a hardship license is located at mean my ID an... To get through the border in Canada, the department is working with Arizonan authorities develop... Removed after nine months, or upon reaching the age of 18 whichever is sooner passengers now effect! To spend answering questions about who you are and your reasons for entering Canada way to your. License or state ID to fly domestically you have TSA PreCheck, youll still need a REAL ID enforcement into... Our associates around the globe are passionate about serving our guests and driving exceptional results, Delaware! States currently offer EDLs: Michigan, New York, Washington, and thrive a. Website does not list an enhanced driver & # x27 ; s licenses and identification.... Photo ID is REAL ID if you frequently drive across the border in,. About serving our guests and driving exceptional results, and may not drive between 10 passionate about our! A license about who you are in order to get through the border its. Best to also carry a passport book security press release, the states of,! Minor passengers now border, its helpful to only need one form of for! At [ 113 ] and the form for application for a hardship license is REAL ID-compliant best also... The entire trip hardship license is located at PII ) is stored on the card the Wisconsin &!, its helpful to only need one form of identification you will to. A license about, then where a person can travel and how be found at [ 113 ] and form! # x27 ; s licenses and identification cards Restricted license holder must be enough!