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Enhanced Driver License

Enhanced Driver Licenses (EDLs) have slowly been gaining traction with Washington State, Vermont, New York, and Michigan issuing these new forms of identification, and at least Arizona, Texas, and California having significant discussions on the matter.

Why Enhance the Driver License?

In a continued effort to develop alternative forms of identification compliant with the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, the Department of Homeland Security came up with the idea for these voluntary licenses and ID cards. The hope is that the EDL/ID―which denotes identity and citizenship―will make travel across land and sea ports of entry much more convenient. (EDLs are not approved forms of identification for air travel.)

Benefits of the EDL/ID

Using Radio Frequency Identification Tags (RFIT) and other measures that make forgery more difficult, EDL/IDs are encoded with the proper information to replace passports at border crossings. Furthermore, the EDL is less expensive and easier to tote around than a traditional passport. Washington Governor Chris Gregoire described EDLs as "a way to boost security at our border without hampering trade and tourism."

Part of the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004, the The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative requires travelers to carry passports when crossing the borders into Canada and Mexico (as well as Bermuda and the Caribbean). EDLs would take the place of a passport for U.S. citizens crossing at these land and sea ports of entry, but not for international air travel.

Applying for an EDL/ID

Residents of the following states can learn how to apply for an EDL by visiting the appropriate page:

• Washington

• New York

• Michigan

• Vermont

Everyone else interested in EDLs should keep an eye on our News & Alerts page for information as new states begin their EDL programs. As with standard driver licenses, the specific guidelines for obtaining an EDL will vary by state.

Costs

Another advantage of EDLs is that they're much cheaper than passports, and usually not much more expensive than a typical driver's license. While fees are subject to change, here's how the cost of an EDL currently compares to a standard driver license for the same state:

• Washington: $15 more than the standard driver license

• Vermont: $25 more

• New York: $30 more

• Michigan: $20 more