Enhanced Drivers Licenses (EDL / EID)

Appointments for Minnesota Driver’s Licenses and ID cards

Our Customer Service department offers appointments for Minnesota driver’s license and identification card renewals, new to state applications, replacements due to a name change, an address change or if your card was lost or stolen. All driver's license and identification card transactions are required to schedule an appointment for service.

Things you can do to add to the success of your appointment

Decide what type of license will work for you. License options (Link)
New Resident? Please make sure to review the information on the DVS website New Resident (Link)
Any name change: You must update your name with Social Security prior to scheduling an appointment. Make sure to bring your certified name change documents to your appointment
Save time at the counter and pre-apply online here: Driver Services (Link)
Schedule an appointment – Once your pre-application is complete, return here and use the ONLINE SCHEDULING link below

What is an EDL card?

It is a dual-purpose, optional card designed for the user's convenience. In addition to serving as a typical driver's license, the card allows a Minnesota resident to re-enter the U.S. at its land or seaports when returning from Canada, Mexico, Bermuda or the Caribbean. This flexibility speeds your passage back across the border. They verify your identity and citizenship – no other proof is required. EDL cards are among the federally-approved border-crossing documents required under the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI). An EDL is also available to a Minnesota driver who qualifies for a commercial driver license (CDL).

An EDL/EID can be used as a cross-border travel document (in lieu of a passport) to re-enter the U.S. by land and sea, from Canada, Mexico, and some countries in the Caribbean.
An EDL/EID denotes both identity and citizenship, in accordance with the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI).
An EDL/EID is not valid for international air travel.
An EDL/EID has a radio frequency identification (RFID) chip embedded in the card.
The RFID chip contains a unique number assigned to each EDL/EID card. It does not include any biometric data (e.g. fingerprints, facial recognition, etc.)
Several states already offer EDL/EIDs.
Minnesotans may opt for, but are not required, to obtain an EDL/EID.
An EDL/EID must be mailed to the Minnesota residential address that appears on the EDL/EID card.

You can apply for an EDL or EID at any time

See EDL/EID requirements from MN DVS.

Renewing an EDL or EID

Additional documentation is only required if you are changing your name or Minnesota residence address. You will be required to provide Proof of Full Legal Name & Proof of Minnesota Residency. View EDL/EID Identification Requirements

Real ID Update

REAL ID Federal Enforcement Deadline Extended to May 7, 2025

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is extending the REAL ID full enforcement deadline to May 7, 20235 The deadline was previously set for later this year.

"Protecting the health, safety, and security of our communities is our top priority," said DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. "As our country continues to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, extending the REAL ID full enforcement deadline will give states needed time to reopen their driver's licensing operations and ensure their residents can obtain a REAL ID-compliant license or identification card."

Beginning May 7, 2025, Minnesotans will not be able to use their standard driver's license to board domestic flights or enter federal facilities. Instead, they will need a REAL ID, enhanced driver's license or ID card, passport or passport card or another acceptable form of identification for federal purposes.