Enhanced Drivers License
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- Washington State Enhanced Driver License …
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The enhanced driver’s license cost is $15 in addition to the basic price for a regular driver’s license or non-driver photo ID card. Enhanced Licenses vs. Passports in Minnesota The main difference between an MN enhanced license and a U.S. Passport is in the purposes why either credential may be used.
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Renew a PassportGet a New PassportReplace a Lost or Stolen PassportOther Passport ServicesThe U.S. has introduced a couple new government-approved documents to help us travel easier:
- Passport card—Basically a limited-use passport.
- Enhanced driver's license—Acts both as a driver license AND a travel document, but also with limits.
We'll walk you through the basic differences of each of these documents, and help you determine which one is right for you.
Passport Cards
The U.S. Passport Card (also known as a PASS Card) is a less expensive, wallet-sized version of a traditional passport—with a few travel-use conditions.
PASS Cards come equipped with a microchip that assigns a distinct number to its owner. This number, through vicinity-read radio frequency technology, matches up with a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) database to promote more secure crossings with faster queuing.
Thus, your passport card acts as approved identification at border communities—for example, when you travel by land or sea crossings between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, or the Caribbean)—however, it isNOT approved for air travel and CANNOT be used as an international travel document recognized worldwide.
Differences: Passport Card vs. Passport
Perhaps the biggest difference between a passport card and a traditional passport is that:
- Traditional passports are valid for international travel by air, sea, and land;
WHEREAS - Passport cards are valid only for re-entering the U.S. at land borders or sea ports-of-entry from:
- Canada.
- Mexico.
- Bermuda.
- The Caribbean.
Aside from traveling abilities/restrictions, other differences include:
- Size: Traditional passports are larger than wallet-sized passport cards.
- Cost: Both first-time applicants and renewing applicants pay more for passports than they do for passport cards.
However, both traditional passports and U.S. passport cards are valid for the same length of time.
Applying for a Passport Card
All U.S. citizens can apply for a passport card; however, if you already have a valid traditional passport, you don't need a passport card to travel internationally.
The application process depends on whether you need to apply as a:
- In-person applicant.
- Mail-in application.
OR - Expedited passport.
In-Person Applicants
Anyone who has never before applied for a passport or passport card must apply in person.
Additionally, you must apply in person if you:
- Are younger than 16 years old.
- Had a previous passport that was:
- Issued when you were under 16 years old.
- Damaged, lost or stolen.
- Issued more than 15 years ago.
- Have changed your name since your last passport issuance AND are unable to legally document the name change.
Refer to the U.S. State Department's page on first-time applicants for additional information regarding special requirements for minors of various ages, applying outside of the U.S., applying for a Diplomatic passport, and more.
When you're ready, apply at your nearest passport acceptance facility using the Application For a U.S. Passport (Form DS-11). This form provides all information about all application requirements including how to prove U.S. citizenship, ways to prove your identity, acceptable color photographs, and more.
Your passport card is valid for:
- Under 16 years old: 5 years.
- 16 years old and up: 10 years.
Currently, passport card fees for first-time applicants are:
- Passport card:
- Under 16 years old: $50.
- All other applicants: $65.
- Application fee
- Under 16 years old: $15
- All other applicants: $30
- Execution fee (ALL applicants): $35.
Call ahead to your passport acceptance facility for acceptable forms of payment.
By-Mail Applicants
You may apply for a passport card by mail if you're able to submit your current valid passport or passport card with your application.
You're eligible for mail-in application if you have a current passport or card that:
- Was obtained:
- When you were 16 years old or older.
- Within the last 15 years.
- Is NOT damaged, lost, or stolen.
- Features your current legalnameOR the you can show legal documentation of a name change.
Refer to the U.S. State Department's page on renewing a passport for additional information regarding special requirements such as applying outside of the U.S.
To apply for a passport card by mail, you must:
- Complete the U.S. Passport Renewal Application for Eligible Individuals (Form DS-82).
- You can print and complete the application by hand, or complete the application online and print it. Refer to the State Department's renewal guide for further instructions.
- Mail the completed form and the following documents to the applicable address listed on the form:
- Your valid U.S. passport or passport card.
- Your acceptable passport photo.
- Passport photo requirements are detailed on the application.
- Name change documents, if applicable.
- The $30 application fee.
- An execution fee does not apply for mail-in requests.
Expedited Passport Cards
Expedited passport cards are available in person or by mail (see application instructions above); you are able to notify the U.S. Department of State of this need using the appropriate application.
Generally, expedited passport cards are available within 8 weeks of application; however, you might be able to get it sooner if you can prove an urgent need.
An expedited passport card costs an additional $60, as well as any applicable delivery costs.
For more details, refer to the State Department's guide to expedited passports.
Enhanced Driver's Licenses (EDL)
As the name suggests, an enhanced driver's license (EDL) is a driver license with a few extra perks. For example, an EDL resembles a passport card in that it:
- Offers both convenience and easy portability.
- Provides proof of:
- Identification.
- U.S. citizenship.
- Allows you to re-enter the U.S. from Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean.
Also like a passport card, an EDL is accepted only at land and sea border crossings—not for air travel. It also contains radio-frequency microchipping that uniquely identifies you in Customs and Border Protection (CBP) databases, which should promote a more expeditious cross. They are also in full compliance with the new Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) security measures.
Applying for an Enhanced Driver's License
Unfortunately, not all U.S. states (or Canadian provinces) issue EDLs—yet.
The best way to find out if your state offers an enhanced driver's license (and get the state-specific application process and fees) is to check your state within our Applying for a New License section or contact your state's motor vehicle agency directly.
Related Tasks & Topics
- Appointments
- Change of Address
- Lost License
- New License
- REAL ID
Enhanced Driver's License Vs Real Id
- Renew License
- Take a Practice Test
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An enhanced driver’s license (EDL) in Minnesota is a credential that motorists can apply for in order to get additional benefits that a regular driver’s license does not offer. Minnesota residents may obtain either an enhanced license or an enhanced ID (EID) card through the Division of Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety (MN DPS).
An enhanced credential is a legal document that enables motorists to legally drive while also extending benefits like the ability to cross a U.S. border by land or sea from certain countries without the need of holding a U.S. passport. To discover more information about how to get an enhanced license in Minnesota and about the benefits and privileges that come with it, review the sections below.
What is an enhanced driver’s license in Minnesota?
A Minnesota enhanced driver’s license is a type of credential that motorists may obtain in order to operate their motor vehicles and to get additional benefits and privileges. Applicants for an EDL license will have access to the following benefits:
- Re-enter the U.S. border by land and sea from Canada, Mexico and some Caribbean countries
- Access federal facilities
- Travel on domestic flights
Washington State Enhanced Driver License …
Note that an EDL or an EID document cannot be used for international air travel. Therefore, motorists will have to apply for U.S. passports in such cases. Furthermore, both the EDL and the EID credential have a radio frequency identification (RFID) chip inserted in the card. This chip contains a unique number for each enhanced document and does not hold biometric data, such as fingerprints, facial recognition, etc.
What is an enhanced ID in Minnesota?
The Minnesota enhanced ID card (EID) is another type of enhanced credential that can serve motorists for dual purposes. This credential does not only serve as proof of identity, but it can also be used for re-entering the U.S. border by land or sea from Canada, Mexico or some of the Caribbean countries. The similarity between the EDL and the EID is that both credentials may be used instead of passports when entering from the above-mentioned countries into the U.S.
Moreover, both the EDL and the EID credentials are federally approved border-crossing documents approved by the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI). However, the basic difference between these two enhanced documents is that apart from the travelling benefits, the driver’s license is also used for operating motor vehicles, while the ID card is only utilized for identification purposes.
Minnesota Enhanced License Eligibility Requirements
Residents may apply for a Minnesota enhanced driver’s license (EDL) or an enhanced ID (EID) card only after they satisfy certain eligibility requirements. The eligibility criteria for getting an EDL or and EID credential include the following:
- Be a U.S. citizen
- Be an Minnesota resident
- Be at least 16 years of age
Motorists who do not satisfy these DMV enhanced license requirements cannot apply for either of the two documents. Therefore, prior to beginning the application, drivers must ensure that they satisfy the above-listed criteria in order to be eligible for an enhanced credential.
Documents Needed for an Enhanced Driver’s License in Minnesota
The most important part of the Minnesota enhanced license application is to present a set of mandatory documents to the MN DVS. Motorists who are wondering, “What do you need to get an enhanced driver’s license?” need to know that the DVS has a list of required documents that must be submitted at a local MN DVS branch. To complete the application procedure for both an EDL or EID credential, applicants need to provide the following:
- Proof of date of birth
- Proof of full legal name
- Proof of Social Security Number (SSN)
- Photographic proof of identity
- Proof of U.S. citizenship
- Two proofs of Minnesota residency
How to Get an Enhanced License in Minnesota
Motorists may apply for an MN enhanced driver’s license or ID card through the MN DVS at any time. For instance, drivers may get an enhanced credential when their current license or standard ID card approaches its expiration date. They can also get one when they are applying for a driver’s license, permit or ID card for the first time. Finally, they can request one when replacing their current credentials long before the date of expiry.
To begin the EDL or EID application procedure, motorists must:
- Be at least 16 years of age.
- Prepare the mandatory documentation.
- Visit a local MN DVS branch in person.
- Submit all required documentation.
- Complete an interview questionnaire.
- Pay the applicable fees.
How long does it take to get an enhanced license in Minnesota?
After drivers complete the required steps for getting a Minnesota enhanced license or ID card, the MN DVS has to process the application and issue the credential. Motorists will receive the new document after three to four weeks at their MN residential addresses.
Enhanced Driver’s License Cost in Minnesota
The final step of the application procedure for a Minnesota enhanced driver’s license or ID card is to pay the applicable fees. The enhanced driver’s license cost is $15 in addition to the basic price for a regular driver’s license or non-driver photo ID card.
Enhanced Licenses vs. Passports in Minnesota
The main difference between an MN enhanced license and a U.S. passport is in the purposes why either credential may be used. While a U.S. passport is used primarily for international flights, the enhanced driver’s license and ID card have dual purposes.
The EDL, on the one hand, is used not only for operating motor vehicles, but also for re-entering the U.S. border by land or sea from a select number of countries. The EID, on the other hand, does not have only a purpose to serve as proof of identity, but it may also be used for re-entering the U.S. border and for accessing federal facilities.