The Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) is a special driver's license that allows Michigan motorists to cross into the U.S. when traveling by sea or land from Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and the Caribbean nations without the need for a passport or other identification documents.

How do I know if I have a Michigan enhanced driver's license?

REAL ID-compliant licenses are marked by a star on the top of the card. Michigan, Vermont, Minnesota, and New York states issue REAL ID and state-issued enhanced driver's licenses, both of which are acceptable. State-issued enhanced driver's licenses do not have a star on the top of the card.

What is the difference between REAL ID and enhanced license in Michigan?

Under the federal REAL ID law, Michigan residents must show a REAL ID-compliant document when flying in the United States beginning May 3, 2023. Your enhanced driver's license or ID card meets the federal REAL ID standards and may be used when flying domestically.

Do I have to get an enhanced driver's license in Michigan?

While not required, the enhanced license is an excellent alternative to a standard license because it is especially handy for business travel, vacations or quick trips. Several border states, in addition to Michigan, offer an enhanced license.

Is a Michigan enhanced license a REAL ID?

All enhanced driver's licenses (EDL) and state ID cards are automatically REAL ID-compliant with or without the star because they already meet the high security standards of the REAL ID Act. Some people have EDLs without the star because they got it before Michigan started issuing REAL IDs in 2017.

People living in Michigan will need to get new ID's to fly in the US

37 related questions found

Which is better REAL ID or enhanced?

One of the differences between the two is that they don't have the same price. The Enhanced ID will cost $30 more than a Real ID. However, probably the biggest difference between them is the fact that the Enhanced ID allows you to travel to Mexico, Canada, and a few Caribbean countries without requiring a passport.

Do I need an enhanced driver's license to fly in 2021?

Beginning October 1, 2021, you will need a REAL ID- compliant driver's license, enhanced driver's license* or another acceptable form of ID to fly within the United States. Check with your state driver's license agency to verify that your state-issued ID is compliant.

Can you fly without an enhanced license?

Flying with a REAL ID

Beginning May 3, 2023, every air traveler 18 years of age and older will need a REAL ID-compliant driver's license, state-issued enhanced driver's license, or another acceptable form of ID to fly within the United States.

Is it worth getting an enhanced driver's license?

The enhanced driver's license is a cost-effective and convenient document that meets driving, identification and border-crossing needs. ... While not required, the enhanced license is an excellent alternative to a standard license because it is especially handy for business travel, vacations or quick trips.

What's the gold star on Michigan driver's license?

A REAL ID-compliant driver's license or state ID card will have a star in a gold circle printed in the upper right corner of the card. Enhanced licenses and state ID cards that do not have a star on them are still REAL ID compliant and will be printed with a star when renewed or replaced.

Can I fly to Mexico with an enhanced license?

The EDL allows for a convenient and cost-effective method of crossing the U.S. border by land or sea. However, an Enhanced Driver License cannot be used for air travel, and it can only be used to go to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda or the Caribbean. ... Children under the age of 16 also may apply for a Non-Driver ID.

Is a enhanced ID the same as a passport?

Enhanced License: They Both Permit International Travel, So What's The Difference? The two are similar but not interchangeable and while an enhanced license grants access to certain countries, a passport unlocks most of them.

Where can you travel with enhanced ID?

An EDL may be used for land or sea travel (but is not sufficient for air travel) as the identification required to cross international borders between the United States with Canada, Mexico, and some Caribbean islands.

Do I need a REAL ID to fly domestically in 2021?

A REAL ID is a form of identification that meets increased security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards. Travelers will be required to provide either a REAL ID or another TSA-approved form of identification in order to fly after May 3, 2023.

Do I need a REAL ID to fly domestic?

The federal government says air travelers 18 or older will need a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or identification card or another TSA-acceptable for security checkpoints to fly domestically.

Do I need a passport to fly domestic 2021?

As of February 2021, there are no states that require passports from U.S. citizens to fly domestically. ... In short, you can fly to all 50 U.S. states and territories without a passport. Just make sure to carry either your driver's license or a state-issued ID.

What identification do I need to fly?

Adult passengers 18 and over must show valid identification at the airport checkpoint in order to travel.

• Driver's licenses or other state photo identity cards issued by Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent) ...
• U.S. passport.
• U.S. passport card.
• DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)

Do I need a negative Covid test to fly?

Yes, at this time all air passengers, 2 years or older, traveling to the US, regardless of vaccination or antibody status, are required to provide a negative COVID-19 viral test result or documentation of recovery unless exempted.

Will Real ID deadline be extended again?

Last week, the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced that the deadline for state compliance with the REAL ID Act would be pushed back a year and a half to May 3, 2023. This time, COVID-19 is the reason why the US national ID system cannot be implemented.

Can you go to Mexico with a Michigan enhanced driver's license?

The Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) is a special driver's license that allows Michigan motorists to cross into the U.S. when traveling by sea or land from Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and the Caribbean nations without the need for a passport or other identification documents.

What documents do I need to renew my enhanced driver's license in Michigan?

When Renewing at a Secretary of State branch office:

1. Bring your driver's license or other acceptable ID.
2. Bring glasses or contact lenses needed for driving.
3. You will be asked to take a vision test.
4. Pay by cash, check, money order, Discover, MasterCard or Visa debit or Credit Card.

What documents do you need for a REAL ID in Michigan?

When applying for a REAL ID, you will need to bring:

Your driver's license or state ID card. Your certified birth certificate, with a raised seal or stamp issued by a governmental agency; your valid, unexpired U.S. passport; or an approved citizenship or legal presence document.

Can I go to Canada with an enhanced license?

Americans with an Enhanced Identification Card (EIC) or Enhanced Drivers License (EDL) from Washington State, Minnesota, South Dakota, Michigan, New York, or Vermont can be allowed to travel to Canada without a Passport.

Can an American citizen enter the US without a passport?

American citizens entering the U.S. must show a valid passport, U.S. passport card, a Trusted Traveler Program card (NEXUS, SENTRI, Global Entry or FAST), or an enhanced driver's license.