New Enhanced Driver's License and ID Card protects border, economy

New Enhanced Driver's License and ID Card protects border, economy

Starting in January of this year, Washington residents have been able to apply for the Enhanced Driver's License and ID card (EDL/ID), a new alternative for crossing the United States' land and sea borders.

The EDL/ID program is a solution to a new federal initiative requiring all travelers to and from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda to present a passport or other approved document when entering or re-entering the United States. Historically, re-entry from these locations was exempt from passport requirements.

Many feared that the new passport requirements would damage the economy by hampering trade and travel between Washington State and Canada - a particularly damaging economic scenario during the 2010 Olympic Games in Vancouver, B.C.

Seeking a way to boost border security and protect trade and tourism, Washington State proposed the EDL/ID program to the Department of Homeland Security, which ultimately agreed to the proposal.

The card is now available. To get a new EDL/ID card, applicants must apply in-person, have their photo taken, and provide proof of U.S. citizenship, identity, and Washington State residence. Once issued, the card can be scanned at the border and instantly provide the Homeland Security Border Patrol with the person's photo and other pertinent information.

The Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL) outlined the procedures and security features of the program. The Washington State Department of Information Services (DIS) participated in the program by working with DOL to identify the networking and security needs of the EDL/ID system. In addition to DOL and DIS, other state agencies involved in the program include the Department of Personnel and the Governor's Office, as well as the federal government and the Provincial Government of British Columbia.