The Ontario Enhanced Driver's Licence (EDL) is a passport alternative only for Ontario drivers who are Canadian citizens crossing into the United States at land or water border entry points.

ServiceOntario centres in seven border communities, as well as two in Toronto, offer the enhanced licence.  

Changing to an enhanced driver's licence is a matter of choice. To apply, the applicant can make an appointment to attend an in-person screening at one of the nine ServiceOntario centres. The Applicant's Guide, Appendix B gives a list of locations.

Eligibility requirements

The applicant must:

• be a Canadian citizen
• hold a valid Ontario driver's licence (standalone M1 licence holders are not eligible)
• be an Ontario resident
• have no restrictions to travel outside of Canada due to any government ordered travel restrictions, and
• sign a personal information consent form.

Booking an appointment

Appointments must be booked prior to attending a ServiceOntario centre offering EDL services.  They can be made beginning today by going online at www.ServiceOntario.ca or by phoning ServiceOntario at 416-235-2999 or toll-free in Canada at 1-800-387-3445.

A driver's licence number is required to complete the online booking application. At the appointment, you will need to provide a printed version of the required questionnaires, all forms and receipt of your appointment booking.

Appointments will begin on May 19, 2009.

Completing the EDL questionnaires and forms

You need to download and print copies of the documents listed below and complete the information before attending your scheduled appointment. The forms must not be signed in advance as the applicant will be required to sign them during the in-person application interview.

Required forms:

• Citizenship Questionnaire
• Personal Information Consent Form
• Entitlement to Travel Questionnaire

Proof of identity (legal name, date of birth, signature) must also be provided and documentary evidence of Canadian citizenship. Only original documents are accepted - copies are not permitted. There is a list of acceptable documents in the Applicant's Guide, Appendix A.

The appointment

The appointment will take approximately 15 minutes.

During the first part of the application process, the applicant will be asked to provide proof of identity and documentary evidence of Canadian citizenship and to sign the required forms and questionnaires.

They will also be asked to pay the required $40.00 fee (cash, credit card, money order, certified personal cheque or debit card are all accepted).

Documents will be reviewed and questions will be asked relating to citizenship and eligibility.

If all these requirements are met, the applicant will then continue with the application.

During this part of the appointment, the applicant will be asked a number of additional questions to verify identification and confirm evidence of Canadian citizenship.

Once all requirements are met, a photo of the applicant will be taken and the signature recorded.

A temporary driver's licence will be issued for use until the enhanced licence is processed. The card will be mailed to the applicant by secure delivery within a couple of weeks.

NOTE: Temporary driver's licences are not acceptable for entry into the United States.

If at the time of application the driver's licence is up for renewal, the applicable driver's licence renewal fee will be added to the enhanced licence fee and the expiry date will be the driver's licence expiry date.