This week the State of Minnesota introduced a new driver’s license that will make trips to and from Canada easier for many Minnesota motorists. Minnesota drivers can now choose to obtain an Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL) which in addition to serving as the typical driver’s license will allow a Minnesota resident to re-enter the United States at land or sea ports when returning from Canada, Mexico, Bermuda or the Caribbean.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) worked very closely with the U.S. states and Canadian provinces to develop a secure, highly tamper resistant Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL) that includes vicinity radio frequency identification (RFID) capability, a machine readable zone – optical character read (MRZOCR) and contains multiple layers of overt, covert and forensic security features.
According to the CBP, the EDL is the newest Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHITI) compliant document for entry into the United States at all land and sea ports of entry starting February 3, 2014. When a United States citizen traveling by land or sea presents the EDL, no other documentation—such as a passport—is required for purposes of proving identity and citizenship.
Minnesota brings the number of U.S. states with EDLs to five, joining Michigan, New York, Vermont and Washington. The Canadian provinces of British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario and Quebec are also currently issuing EDLs.
An EDL is also available for drivers who qualify for commercial driver’s licenses (CDL). There is also an Enhanced Identification Card for people who do not drive but need a Minnesota identification card.
However, the EDL is only approved for border crossings by land or sea. Air travelers will still need a passport.
The price of an EDL is less than a passport. According to the U.S. Department of State website the fee for an adult passport booklet is $110. An adult passport card, which resembles a driver’s license, is $30. The fee for minor passports is $95 and minor passport cards, $15. In some instances additional documentation is required to verify an applicant’s identity and an additional execution fee of $25 may be charged.
To obtain an EDL, drivers pay $15 over the regular driver’s license fee, which ranges from $30.25 for a Class C license to $45.25 for a Class A license.
However, the process to apply for an EDL may take a little longer. Applicants must provide proof of identity, full legal name, social security number, photographic identity, Minnesota residency, and U.S. citizenship. The applicant must also complete an interview questionnaire. The application takes two to four weeks to process.
Brad Ludlow of Buck’s Radio Shack in Grand Marais said the EDL would not be available at the driver’s license station at Radio Shack. Ludlow said because of the extra paperwork involved, motorists must visit one of 14 driver’s exam stations that will offer the EDL. The closest one to Grand Marais is in Duluth at 4602 Grand Avenue. For other office locations, call (651) 297- 2005 or online at dvs.dps.mn.gov.
For more information about the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative please visit www.dhs.gov or ww. GetYouHome.gov
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