An enhanced driver's license (EDL) in Minnesota is an optional, dual-purpose card that functions both as a standard driver's license and as a limited passport alternative for re-entry into the United States by land or sea from Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, or the Caribbean. It is compliant with the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) and serves as proof of identity and U.S. citizenship without requiring additional documents at border crossings
. Key features of the Minnesota EDL include:
- It is available only to Minnesota residents who are U.S. citizens and at least 16 years old
- The card contains enhanced security features such as special lamination, holograms, and an embedded RFID chip that transmits identification information to border agents. The RFID chip does not store biometric data but acts like a barcode linked to TSA or Customs databases
- It allows for domestic air travel and federal facility access as a Real ID-compliant document, effective for federal purposes starting May 7, 2025
- Applicants must provide extensive documentation proving date of birth, full legal name, Social Security number, photographic identity, U.S. citizenship, and Minnesota residency. Examples include birth certificates, passports, tax documents, utility bills, and more
- The EDL costs an additional $15 on top of the regular driver's license fee
- The card is mailed to the applicant's Minnesota residential address after issuance
Unlike a passport, the Minnesota EDL cannot be used for international air travel but facilitates faster border crossing by land or sea with neighboring countries. It is designed to be more secure and harder to counterfeit than a standard driver's license
. In summary, the Minnesota enhanced driver's license is a federally approved, secure identification card that combines driving privileges with limited international travel capabilities and enhanced security features, providing convenience for residents who frequently cross U.S. land or sea borders
