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An Official Vermont Government Website

Enhanced Driver's License (EDL)

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

Driver's License, Fees - Effective January 1, 2024

Driver's License/Permit Fees

What is REAL ID?

What is REAL ID?

Passed by Congress in 2005, the REAL ID Act enacted the 9/11 Commission's recommendation that the Federal Government “set standards for the issuance of sources of identification, such as driver's licenses.” The Act established minimum security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards and prohibits Federal agencies from accepting for official purposes licenses and identification cards from states that do not meet these standards. These purposes are:

Self-Designated Descriptors

The following are self-designated descriptors for a Vermont Driver’s License or Non-Driver Identification card.

    • Height
    • Weight
    • Eye color
    • Gender

    Applicants are not required under Vermont or federal law to present documentation that confirms the information they submit for these entries.

    Enhanced Driver License (EDL/ID) Privacy Information

    Data we are required to share with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) for the purposes of border crossing is limited to the full name (first, middle, and last); date of birth; gender; citizenship; digital image (photograph); travel document type (e.g., EDL/ID); issuing jurisdiction, expiration date; optical character read (OCR) identifier; and RFID tag numbers.

    By law, we cannot share this information with anyone except in compliance with the Driver Privacy Protection Act (DPPA), 18 U.S.C. §§ 2721-2725.

    License Comparison

    Driver's License
    A comparison of the various license types available in Vermont. This includes Enhanced Driver's License (EDL), Commercial Driver's License (CDL), Real ID & Driver's Privilege Card (DPC). It also includes a document checklist to determine what is required for each license type and a brief description of what each card type can and cannot be used for.

    U.S. Citizenship

    Proof of U.S. Citizenship is required to obtain an Enhanced Driver's License or ID (EDL). Commercial Driver's Licenses (CDL) are only available to U.S. Citizens or foreign nationals with a valid, unexpired Permanent Resident Card (I-551).

    At least one of the following must be presented.

    Subscribe to Enhanced Driver's License (EDL)

    FAQs

    How can I get a new photo on my License, Permit or ID?

    You must get a new picture taken at least once for every other renewal. You may get a new photo at any time for any reason (for a fee). Complete the required documents and schedule an appointment to visit an office.

    What is REAL ID?

    Passed by Congress in 2005, the REAL ID Act enacted the 9/11 Commission's recommendation that the Federal Government “set standards for the issuance of sources of identification, such as driver's licenses.” The Act established minimum security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards and prohibits Federal agencies from accepting for official purposes licenses and identification cards from states that do not meet these standards. These purposes are:

    • Accessing Federal facilities
    • Boarding federally regulated commercial aircraft
    • Entering nuclear power plants
    Can I board a plane with a Temporary License/ID?

    TSA will NOT accept a Temporary License/ID as a standalone document. It will accept the expiring or expired card with the Temporary License/ID as proof of the renewal. Customers should visit TSA’s website which contains detailed information on the identity documents they will accept: tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/identification

    Is an Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL) or Non-Driver ID (EID) acceptable for Real ID compliance?

    Yes, the Vermont EDL & EID are designated as acceptable border-crossing documents by DHS under the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI). Vermont EDL & EID are acceptable for official Federal purposes (i.e., boarding a commercial aircraft, accessing a federal facility, or entering a nuclear power plant).

    Credential Type Duration New/Renew With Motorcycle* Replacement
    Driver's License (DL) 2 Years