In today’s modern world, identification has become a vital part of our everyday lives. Whether it’s boarding a plane, entering a government building, or even buying a bottle of wine, having the right form of identification is crucial. One such form of identification that has gained popularity in recent years is the enhanced driver’s license. This type of license not only allows you to drive legally, but it also serves as a form of identification for specific purposes, such as crossing the border into Canada or Mexico.
So, what states issue enhanced driver’s licenses? Currently, there are only a handful of states in the United States that offer this option to their residents. These states include Washington, Michigan, Minnesota, Vermont, and New York. Each state has its own requirements and processes for obtaining an enhanced driver’s license, but the overall goal is to provide residents with a more convenient and secure form of identification.
Washington was the first state to offer enhanced driver’s licenses back in 2008. This was in response to the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, which requires U.S. citizens to have a passport or other approved form of identification when entering the United States by land or sea from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda. Washington saw the enhanced driver’s license as a way to provide its residents with a convenient and cost-effective option for cross-border travel.
Michigan followed suit in 2008, with Minnesota, Vermont, and New York joining in the following years. Each state has its own unique features and benefits to their enhanced driver’s license program. For example, Minnesota offers a Real ID-compliant enhanced driver’s license that can be used for domestic air travel. Vermont’s enhanced driver’s license is designed to meet the requirements of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative. New York’s enhanced driver’s license is also Real ID-compliant and can be used for domestic air travel.
Obtaining an enhanced driver’s license is not as simple as renewing your regular driver’s license. There are additional requirements and fees involved in the process. In Washington, for example, applicants must provide proof of identity, citizenship, and residency, as well as pass a knowledge test and a road test. The fee for an enhanced driver’s license in Washington is $108. Michigan requires applicants to provide proof of citizenship, identity, and residency, as well as pass a vision screening and a written test. The fee for an enhanced driver’s license in Michigan is $45.
One of the main advantages of having an enhanced driver’s license is the convenience it offers for cross-border travel. Instead of carrying around a passport or other form of identification, residents of these states can simply use their enhanced driver’s license when traveling to Canada or Mexico. This can save time and hassle at border crossings, especially during peak travel times.
Another benefit of having an enhanced driver’s license is the added security it provides. These licenses are equipped with additional security features, such as radio frequency identification (RFID) technology, that make them harder to counterfeit or tamper with. This can help prevent identity theft and fraud, giving residents peace of mind when using their enhanced driver’s license for various purposes.
While only a few states currently offer enhanced driver’s licenses, there is a growing trend towards adopting this form of identification. With the increasing need for secure and convenient identification options, more states may choose to implement enhanced driver’s license programs in the future. In the meantime, residents of Washington, Michigan, Minnesota, Vermont, and New York can enjoy the benefits of having an enhanced driver’s license for their travel and identification needs.
