The difference between an Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) and a REAL ID lies in their nature and primary functionalities: REAL ID is a federal security standard for identification, while an Enhanced Driver's License is a specific type of state-issued identification that meets and exceeds those standards, offering additional travel benefits.
Understanding REAL ID
The REAL ID Act is a federal law passed in 2005 that sets minimum security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards. It's crucial to understand that a REAL ID is not an actual piece of identification itself, but rather a set of requirements that certain state-issued IDs must meet.
After the federal enforcement deadline, a REAL ID compliant card will be required for specific federal purposes, including:
- Boarding federally regulated commercial aircraft for domestic flights.
- Accessing federal facilities (like military bases or federal courthouses).
- Entering nuclear power plants.
A REAL ID compliant card typically features a star symbol (gold or black) in the upper right corner to indicate its compliance. Cards that are not REAL ID compliant often state "Federal Limits Apply" or "Not for Federal Identification."
For more details on REAL ID requirements, visit the official Department of Homeland Security (DHS) REAL ID page.
Understanding Enhanced Driver's Licenses (EDL)
An Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) is a specific type of driver's license offered by a limited number of states (e.g., Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont, Washington). EDLs are designed not only to meet the rigorous security standards of the REAL ID Act but also to serve as an acceptable document for specific border crossings.
Key features and benefits of an EDL include:
- Identity and Citizenship: It proves both your identity and U.S. citizenship.
- WHTI-Compliant: It is a Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) compliant document.
- Convenient Border Crossing: It allows U.S. citizens to re-enter the U.S. at land and sea ports of entry from Canada, Mexico, and some Caribbean countries without needing a U.S. passport.
- Domestic Air Travel: Like REAL ID compliant cards, an EDL can be used for domestic air travel within the United States.
EDLs typically incorporate technology like a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) chip and a Machine Readable Zone (MRZ) to facilitate secure and efficient border processing.
Key Differences at a Glance
| Feature | REAL ID | Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) |
|---|---|---|
| Nature | A federal security standard/law. | A physical driver's license/ID card. |
| Issuance | All states issue REAL ID compliant cards. | Issued by only a few specific states. |
| Identification Mark | Typically a star symbol (gold or black). | Varies by state, but clearly marked as "Enhanced." |
| Domestic Air Travel | Yes, allows boarding federally regulated domestic flights. | Yes, allows boarding federally regulated domestic flights. |
| Land/Sea Border Crossing | No, not sufficient for international land/sea border crossing. | Yes, allows entry to U.S. from Canada, Mexico, and some Caribbean nations via land/sea. |
| Proof of Citizenship | Proves identity, but not necessarily U.S. citizenship. | Proves both identity and U.S. citizenship. |
Practical Implications
- Flying Domestically: If your primary need is to fly within the United States, both a REAL ID compliant driver's license (one without "federal limits apply") and an Enhanced Driver's License will suffice.
- Traveling to Canada or Mexico by Car/Boat: An Enhanced Driver's License offers a convenient alternative to a passport for U.S. citizens traveling to these neighboring countries via land or sea. A REAL ID compliant card alone is not sufficient for this purpose.
- Accessing Federal Buildings: Both a REAL ID compliant card and an EDL will allow access to federal facilities.
In essence, while all Enhanced Driver's Licenses are REAL ID compliant, not all REAL ID compliant cards are Enhanced Driver's Licenses. An EDL offers an added layer of convenience for specific international travel.
