• See Vermont DMV Offices issuing Enhanced Driver License/ID Card (EDL/ID).
• View a "How To" video offered by the Department of Homeland Security.  (Explaining use of Enhanced Driver License at border crossings)

U.S. Border Crossing Requirements

The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) requires U.S. and Canadian travelers to present a passport or other document that denotes identity and citizenship when entering the U.S. The goal of WHTI is to facilitate entry for U.S. citizens and legitimate foreign visitors, while strengthening U.S. border security. Standard documents will enable the Department of Homeland Security to quickly and reliably identify a traveler.

For current travel document requirements visit:  http://www.getyouhome.gov/

U.S. citizens returning home from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean or Bermuda, by land or sea, are now required to present a U.S. Passport, U.S. Passport Card or an Enhanced Driver's License (EDL).

The Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles issues Enhanced Drivers License and Enhanced Non-Driver ID cards. See Vermont DMV offices currently issuing EDL/ID.

Our Enhanced Driver License Checklist ( 58.67KB) provides information that will help you in preparing to obtain your EDL.

An EDL/ID costs a fee that's in addition to the standard fees for licenses and/or Non-Driver ID (license fees vary by class, duration, and endorsement).

DMV staff will determine eligibility for an EDL/ID by verifying the information on the source documents submitted and conducting investigative applicant interviews to determine identity and citizenship. EDL issuance will require, at a minimum, presentation and verification of a photo identity document; documentation showing the applicant's date of birth; proof of the person's social security number; and documentation showing the applicant's name and address of principle residence.

To obtain an EDL you must apply in person at one of the Vermont DMV offices that is currently issuing EDL/ID. Please bring only original documents. The application process will likely take 20-30 minutes. Please be prepared to wait. Please allow at least 2 weeks for delivery for your new Enhanced Driver License/ID. If you have not received your license/ID within 20 days please contact us.

To ensure your application process is as smooth as possible, remember:

• Documents must be originals or copies certified (not notarized) with a raised seal or stamp.
• Double-check that you have all the correct documentation before visiting. If you have questions, call the Department of Motor Vehicles at 802-828-2000.
• Faxed or photocopied documents will NOT be accepted.
• Documents are subject to departmental review and approval. Additional information may be required.
• In some cases, document approval may not occur in the same day and may require an additional visit.
• The fee for an EDL is additional to the fees required for your driver license or non-driver photo ID.

Proof of Social Security Number

Present ONE of the following to demonstrate a valid Social Security Number. NO OTHER DOCUMENTS ACCEPTED.

• Social Security card.
• W2 or 1099 form.
• Pay stub containing your name and Social Security Number.

Note: All Social Security information will be verified. Simply knowing your Social Security Number is not enough.

Proof of U.S. Citizenship

At least ONE of the following must be presented.

• Original certified birth certificate issued by a government unit in the U.S. or U.S. territory. Birth registration and hospital issued birth certificates are NOT accepted.
• Valid, unexpired U.S. passport or passport card.
• Certificate of Citizenship (N-560 or N-561).
• Certificate of Naturalization (N-550, N-570 or N-578).
• Consular Report of Birth Abroad issued by the U.S. Department of State (FS-240, DS-1350 or FS-545).

Name Changes (marriage, divorce, adoption, etc.): If your current license has a different name than your identity documents you must have evidence of legal name change. All documents must show the same name and/or date of birth, or an association between the information on the documents. Additional documentation may be required if a connection between documents cannot be established (e.g. Marriage Certificate, Court Order of name change, Divorce Decree, etc.).

How to Obtain a Certified Birth Certificate

Copies of birth certificates and other personal vital records can only be obtained from the state or US possession where the documents were originally filed. Most states provide a centralized source from which birth certificates and other vital records can be ordered.

Each state and US possession has its own set of rules and fees for ordering certified birth certificates on other vital records. Rules, ordering instructions and fees for all 50 states, the District of Columbia and all US possessions can be found on the Where to Write for Vital Records web page, maintained by the US Centers for Disease Control.

When ordering, be aware that shortened (abstract) versions of birth certificates offered by some states are not acceptable for proof of US Citizenship. Be sure to order only the full, certified copy of the original birth certificate bearing the registrar's raised, embossed, impressed or multicolored seal, registrar’s signature, and the date the certificate was filed with the registrar's office.

Proof of Identity

Present original photo document to establish identity.

• Vermont photo license (expired less than three years).
• Out-of-state driver's license or ID card (expired less than one year).
• Valid, unexpired U.S. passport or passport card.
• Government-issued employee photo ID card (Federal, State, municipal).
• Valid U.S. military ID card with photo.
• If the applicant is below the age of 15 and does not have one of the above, a parent or guardian must present their driver's license or ID and appear with the applicant.

Name Changes (marriage, divorce, adoption, etc.): If your current license has a different name than your identity documents you must have evidence of legal name change. All documents must show the same name and/or date of birth, or an association between the information on the documents. Additional documentation may be required if a connection between documents cannot be established (e.g. Marriage Certificate, Court Order of name change, Divorce Decree, etc.).

Proof of Vermont Residency

Bring at least TWO pieces of mail with current name and Vermont street address. If no mail comes to the street address, provide 2 of any of the following documents which show Vermont street address:

• Utility bill --must list service address.
• Property tax bill with physical location.
• Lease or Landlord statement.
• Vermont EBT or Vermont AIM identification card.
• Homeowners/Renters insurance (policy/proof of claim).

Note: If temporarily living outside of Vermont (Military, College student, temporary work, etc.) contact the Department of Motor Vehicles 802-828-2000 for additional information.

Minor Children & Special Groups

Minor Children (under 18 years old):

Minor's evidence of U.S. citizenship must be submitted. Parent(s)/Guardian(s) must submit evidence of relationship to the minor applicant. Minor child must apply in person with parent/guardian(s). Minor child must provide his/her proof of Social Security number. Evidence of a legal name change must be submitted, if the name of a parent/guardian has changed since the original documents were issued (e.g. photocopy of a marriage certificate, etc.). Children under age 15 do NOT need to provide photo ID.

ENHANCED license or ID for special groups:

Special Information for Children, Groups of Children, Native Americans, "Closed Loop" Cruises, U.S. Lawful Permanent Residents, Ferries and Small Boats, and Boaters located here, http://www.getyouhome.gov/.

All EDL applicants must complete:

Enhanced License/ID Application - TA-VL-11 ( 143.51KB)

Plus one of the following:

• Operator License or Junior Operator License (not in need of renewing) - TA-VL-15 ( 152.05KB)
• Non Driver ID - TA-VL-17 ( 221.87KB)
• Operator License or Junior Operator License (new issue or needs to be renewed) - TA-VL-21 ( 295.76KB)
• CDL–TA-VL-31- TA-VL-31 ( 501KB)

Also see:

• Enhanced Driver License - Privacy Information ( 37.15KB)
• Enhanced Driver License Checklist ( 58.67KB)