Citizenship and immigration canada cic has worked closely with the canada border services agency cbsa to support interested provinces and territories in the development and implementation of the enhanced drivers licence edl andor the enhanced identification card eic. Aug 10, 2012 an enhanced driver license edl works doubleduty as a drivers license and a passport. California dmv to offer real id driver licenses and id cards. For example, an edl resembles a passport card in that it. Applying for an enhanced driver s license over 18, already licensed applying for an enhanced driver s license over 18, already licensed the enhanced driver s license is a costeffective and convenient document that meets driving, identification and bordercrossing needs. Ontario plans to eliminate enhanced drivers licences used at border. Although, it is strongly suggested all citizens of both canada and the united states carry passports when crossing borders. Do i need to pass the knowledge or driving tests to get an enhanced driver license.
Ontario is proposing to eliminate an enhanced drivers licence that allows people to. You may apply for other travel documents, such as a canadian passport, epassport, fast. Enhanced drivers licenses and id cards can also be used for u. The main difference between an mn enhanced license and a u. Cbsa, which is a collaborative program between canada border services agency. It is a dualpurpose, optional card designed for the users convenience. Enhanced driver s licenses are only valid for land and marine crossings, however, so you will not be able to fly to canada with one. Washington is one of four border states approved to issue an enhanced drivers license, which denotes both a persons.
An idp will give you a translation of your licence into french and english. Nov 16, 2017 california dmv to offer real id driver licenses and id cards in 2018 federal enforcement begins october 1, 2020. An enhanced driver s licence in canadian english, enhanced driver s license edl in u. The additional cost for an enhanced driver s license edl or an enhanced non driver id card endid is the same for both documents. Minnesota residents are now able to apply for an enhanced version of their driver s license or identification card that will allow reentry into the united states via land and sea from canada, mexico, bermuda or the caribbean. An enhanced license permit, or nondriver id is a new york state dmv issued document that you can use instead of a passport to return to the us by land or sea from canada, mexico and some countries in the caribbean. As the name suggests, an enhanced drivers license edl is a driver license with a few extra perks. New alberta drivers licences, id cards with enhanced. It is an optional travel document that also serves as a nys drivers license that will be accepted as an alternative to a passport for all land and sea travel between the united state, canada, mexico, bermuda and the caribbean.
Ohio licenses would make travel to canada and mexico easier. But lets first clarify one point the difference between an enhanced license and a realid license. An enhanced driver s license edl, currently issued by the states of michigan, minnesota, new york, vermont, and washington, is specifically designed to meet the requirements of the western hemisphere travel initiative whti to reenter the united states via a land or water border. Motorists wondering what is the difference between a new york dmv enhanced license and a passport card should know that the edl like a cross between the two documents. The enhanced drivers license contains a radio frequency identification chip that contains information about the person the edl was issued to, so they are harder to fake than a regular drivers license. Four canadian provinces british columbia, manitoba, ontario, and quebec are issuing edls to canadian citizens. If you already have a passport, is there any reason to get. The enhanced driver s licence edl was a travel document that acted as proof of identity and citizenship when traveling to the united states by road or water. Do i need an enhanced driver s license or state id card if i am going on a cruise. California dmv to offer real id driver licenses and id cards in 2018 federal enforcement begins october 1, 2020.
Jul 17, 2018 real id, enhanced driver s licenses in new york state. Can i use a driver license to drive into mexico or canada. This license cannot be used for air travel in any of the above mentioned countries. This is a general list for those who seek a compliant license, which is for driving and serves as an id for passengers on commercial airlines. Enhanced minnesota id allows easier travel to canada duluth. Starting in 2020, new yorkers will need new driver s licenses to board domestic flights. Travel to canada with enhanced drivers license and dui. If you want an edl for your first wa driver license, you must pass both the knowledge and driving test if you already have a valid driver license from wa or another state, you dont need to pass the knowledge or driving test unless you have a medical or physical condition that indicates testing. According to the canada border services agency, everyone must have a passport or equivalent documentation such as a nexus card or an enhanced driver s license edl to enter canada by land, sea or air.
Introduction to the michigan enhanced drivers license. Do i have to get a real id or enhanced drivers license. The new design includes updated security features such as clear windows, laser engraving and 3d. An enhanced drivers license is a step up from the real id with the addition that it allows minnesota residents to reenter the us at its land or seaports when returning from canada, mexico, bermuda or the caribbean. How to get the right id for canada trip the seattle times. The enhanced drivers license edl is a special drivers license that allows michigan motorists to cross into the u. Canada and the united states to develop alternative documents that meet the whti requirements the enhanced driver s licence edl and the enhanced identification card eic. If youd like to make alternate arrangements or your edl or eic is due for renewal, contact our driver licensing contact centre at 18009501498.
Minnesota residents are now able to apply for an enhanced version of their drivers license or identification card that will allow reentry into the united states via land and sea from canada, mexico, bermuda or the caribbean. These provinces earlier agreed to make available enhanced documents such as a driver s licence or an identification card that meets the requirements of the western hemisphere travel initiative, allowing canadian citizens to use the identification to facilitate land or water travel between canada and the united states us. An enhanced drivers licence in canadian english, enhanced drivers license edl in u. Enhanced driver s license for international travel. Learn more about enhanced driver licenses and enhanced id cards. In addition to serving as a typical driver s license, the card allows a minnesota resident to reenter the u. Ontario plans to eliminate enhanced drivers licences used. The edl card is similar in appearance to the regular ontario drivers licence with the addition of the symbol can which denotes canadian citizenship, the title on. Sos applying for an enhanced drivers license over 18. English, or enhanced id in other common usage, is a card which. The enhanced drivers license edl is a special driver s license that allows michigan motorists to cross into the u. As the name suggests, an enhanced driver s license edl is a driver license with a few extra perks. Oct 10, 2016 top 10 donts when crossing the us and canada border duration.
An enhanced license does more that get you on a domestic flight. Do i have to get a real id or enhanced driver s license. Enhanced drivers licence edl and enhanced identification card. Sacramento the california department of motor vehicles dmv will begin offering the option to apply for a federal compliant real id driver license or identification id card beginning january 22, 2018 at dmv offices statewide. Jun 06, 2018 the alberta government has rolled out a new design for drivers licences and identification cards. Real id, enhanced driver s licenses in new york state. By december 2017, the new credential became available at all service centers throughout florida and online. Washington is one of four border states approved to issue an enhanced driver s license, which denotes both a persons.
Here is an example of the new york enhanced drivers license. The additional cost for an enhanced drivers license edl or an enhanced nondriver id card endid is the same for both documents. The enhanced drivers licence edl program ended june 2019. Only an enhanced license or passport can be used to cross the u. Driver s licences, plate stickers, health cards, birth certificates and other services provided by the ontario government. If you already have a passport, is there any reason to get an. You may drive with your canadian license within the borders of the u. A stateissued enhanced driver s license edl provides travelers not only a license to drive but also a proof of identity and citizenship when exiting and reentering the united states borders. An enhanced driver license edl works doubleduty as a drivers license and a passport.
May 14, 2019 ontario is proposing to eliminate an enhanced drivers licence that allows people to enter the united states at land and water border crossings without a passport. Ohios compliant drivers licenses wont allow you into. Canadian citizens travelling to, through or from the u. Ohio to offer new enhanced drivers licenses starting july. The bureau of motor vehicles wants residents to start getting them soon to avoid long lines or eventually being. Is an enhanced driver s license or state id acceptable for domestic air travel. S border from canada, mexico and some countries in the caribbean. Floridas new driver license and id card florida department. We have extended validation to expired and expiring driver s licences, health cards, ontario photo cards, licence plate stickers, accessible parking permits and many more products. Regardless of whether you are using a us passport or enhanced driver s license to cross the canadian border, a dui or dwi can make you inadmissible to the country and cause you to be denied entry at the border. An enhanced license permit, or non driver id is a new york state dmv issued document that you can use instead of a passport to return to the us by land or sea from canada, mexico and some countries in the caribbean. Ontario is proposing to eliminate an enhanced drivers licence that.
Starting in august 2017, the florida department of highway safety and motor vehicles began issuing a new, more secure florida driver license and id card. The process to get a drivers licence in canada depends on the province or territory where you live and on your driving background. Those who seek a standard license, which will not be allowed as an id for flying starting oct. Enhanced driver license edl erie county clerk michael p. Enhanced drivers license edl department of motor vehicles. Ontario plans to eliminate enhanced drivers licences used at. Traffic makes its way to ambassador bridge that connects canada to the.
Enhanced drivers licence edl and enhanced identification. Enhanced drivers license first time cruisers cruise. Customs and border patrol said enhanced driver s licenses are accepted for travel to and from canada by land and sea not by airplane. It is posted on the departments website as a courtesy to stakeholders. If you plan to use a foreign drivers licence in canada, you should get an international driving permit idp in your home country. An enhanced license permit, or non driver id is a new york state dmv issued document that you can use instead of a passport to return to the us by land or sea from canada, mexico and some countries in. See how to update your address or name on your enhanced driver license id card. Enhanced and real ids can be used for domestic flights, entering federal buildings and getting into a military base. Bc enhanced drivers licence participant guide icbc. The biggest difference is an enhanced id allows you to travel to canada, mexico and some caribbean countries without a passport. When traveling between canada and the united states, it will be necessary to.
The enhanced driver s license edl and real id are based on two different congressional mandates with divergent requirements. Citizens commercial driver motorcyclemotor scooter license mandatory insurance identification card other information acceptable documents stay connected. Find out how to replace your enhanced driver license or enhanced id card if its lost or stolen. New yorks edl is compliant with the western hemisphere travel initiative whti. In the past, it was possible for americans to drive into mexico or canada using only a standard stateissued driver license and a birth certificate. Do i need an enhanced driver s license or state id card if i am traveling to and from canada in my own boat or by ferry.
Will i be able to use an enhanced driver s license or state id. Enhanced drivers licenses are only valid for land and marine crossings, however, so you will not be able to fly to canada with one. There is nothing an enhanced driver license can do that a passport cannot. California dmv to offer real id driver licenses and id. The department of homeland security dhs and the department of state jointly created the western hemisphere travel initiative whti. If you plan to use a foreign driver s licence in canada, you should get an international driving permit idp in your home country.
The enhanced driver s license will be an optional form of identification. Stateissued enhanced drivers licenses edls provide proof of identity and u. Citizenship and immigration canada cic has worked closely with the canada border services agency cbsa to support interested provinces and territories in the development and implementation of the enhanced driver s licence edl andor the enhanced. The expiry date is on the front of your edl other travel documents. What you need to know if you have a valid edl, you can use it until it is expired or needs to be replaced. With it you can enter the united states by land or sea from canada, mexico, or the caribbean without needing any other proof of identification. Enhanced an enhanced license, permit, or non driver id can be used. Us passports vs enhanced drivers licenses rush my passport. Manitobas enhanced drivers licence edl and enhanced. Enhanced driver license edl what is an enhanced driver license edl. If you have a valid licence from your home country, youll probably be able to use this to drive in canada for a short time after you arrive. English, enhanced drivers licence in canadian english, or enhanced id in other common usage, is a card which functions both as driving licence and id card with limited passport features issued in some states in the united states and some provinces in canada to people who are both citizens of the country.
Oct 04, 2019 there is nothing an enhanced driver license can do that a passport cannot. Ontario government plans to eliminate enhanced drivers licences. Its convenient, inexpensive and gives you access to. If you already have a valid driver license from wa or another state, you dont need to pass the knowledge or driving test unless you have a medical or. First of all, they are cheaper than getting a passport.
With new requirements for obtaining an ohio driver s license, youll need at least some of the following documents starting on july 2. A manitoba edl or eic is an acceptable document to present for entry at all land and water border crossings from canada into the united states and vice versa. The enhanced driver s license edl is a special driver s license that allows michigan motorists to cross into the u. What is the michigan enhanced driver s license edl. Yes, a full canadian license that is current is valid in the united states. Regardless of whether you are using a us passport or enhanced drivers license to cross the canadian border, a dui or dwi can make you inadmissible to the country and cause you to be denied entry at the border. Both documents denote your identity and canadian citizenship. Learn more about enhanced driver licenses and enhanced.
An enhanced version of the driver s license or identification card that will allow reentry into the united states via land and sea from canada, mexico, bermuda or the caribbean is shown here. Jan 29, 2020 keep in mind, if you have a valid passport you do not need to have a real id or enhanced dl. If you have a valid edl, you can use it until it is expired or needs to be replaced. May 14, 2019 toronto ontario is proposing to eliminate an enhanced driver s licence that allows people to enter the united states at land and water border crossings without a passport. Enhanced driver s licence edl and enhanced identification card eic programs this section contains policy, procedures and guidance used by immigration, refugees and citizenship canada staff. However, you can always get a passport card which is the same size as a drivers license. Enhanced drivers licence enhanced identification card. English, or enhanced id in other common usage, is a card which functions both as driving licence and id card with limited passport features issued in some provinces in canada, in some states in the united states, and for the people who are both citizens of the country and residents in the relevant region. A passport card, an enhanced driver s license, or a frequent traveler are accepted at land or sea entries. California dmv home page is available for customers to check out publications, download forms, brochures, faqs, vehicle information, boats, vessel, and field offices. Edl is an attempt to satisfy the mandate of the western hemisphere travel initiative, which was passed by congress in 2004, and requires that anyone crossing the land borders of canada and mexico after january 31, 2008.
Ontario is proposing to eliminate an enhanced driver s licence that allows people to enter the united states at land and water border crossings without a passport. New york dmv get an enhanced driver license edl or real id. Check with the government of your province or territory for details. The alberta government has rolled out a new design for driver s licences and identification cards. Documents needed for an enhanced ohio license news. The states of michigan, minnesota, new york, vermont and washington state are currently the only states issuing these enhanced drivers licenses. For entry to canada, the western hemisphere travel initiative whti stipulates that all persons entering or reentering the u.
English, or enhanced id in other common usage, is a card which functions both as driving licence and id card with limited passport features issued in some provinces in canada, in some states in the united states, and for the people who are both citizens of the country and residents in the. You are eligible for renewal up to 25 months prior to the date your license expires. These secure documents denote identity and canadian. Starting in october 2020, your old ohio driver s license wont be enough to get you through security for a commercial flight in the united states. They provide travelers with a lowcost, convenient alternative for entering the united states from canada, mexico or the caribbean through a land or sea port of entry, in addition to serving as a permit to drive. Get the latest news and updates directly in your inbox. Youll need an enhanced license or identification card that complies with new federal security regulations.
Secondly, they fit more comfortably in your wallet than a passport book does, so they are more convenient. The new michigan real id drivers license what you need to know. If you want an edl for your first wa driver license, you must pass both the knowledge and driving test. They provide travelers with a lowcost, convenient alternative for entering the united states from canada, mexico or the caribbean. The edl is available only from designated icbc driver licensing offices. The final step of the application procedure for a minnesota enhanced drivers license or id card is to pay the applicable fees. Introduction to the michigan enhanced driver s license.
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