New York residents who are looking to travel to Canada or Mexico by land or sea may want to consider getting an enhanced driver’s license (EDL). An EDL is a state-issued form of identification that denotes both identity and citizenship, making it a convenient alternative to carrying a passport. In New York, the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) offers EDLs as an option for residents who need to travel to these neighboring countries without a passport.
An EDL looks like a regular driver’s license, but it has some additional security features that allow it to be used as a WHTI-compliant document for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean. WHTI stands for the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, which requires all travelers, including U.S. citizens, to present a valid passport or other approved document when entering the United States from within the Western Hemisphere.
So, what exactly is an enhanced driver’s license in New York, and how can residents obtain one? Let’s delve deeper into the requirements and process for obtaining an EDL in the Empire State.
To be eligible for an enhanced driver’s license in New York, applicants must be U.S. citizens and New York residents. They must also be at least 16 years old and hold a valid New York State driver’s license. Additionally, applicants must provide proof of identity, citizenship, Social Security Number, and New York residency.
The application process for an EDL in New York is similar to that of obtaining a regular driver’s license. Applicants must visit a DMV office in person and bring the required documents, including their current driver’s license, proof of identity (such as a birth certificate or passport), proof of citizenship (such as a U.S. passport or naturalization certificate), and proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease agreement).
In addition to the standard fees for a driver’s license renewal, applicants must also pay an additional fee for the enhanced driver’s license. The fee for an EDL in New York is $30 on top of the regular driver’s license renewal fee. The EDL is valid for up to eight years for drivers under 18 years of age and up to five years for drivers 18 years of age and older.
One of the key benefits of an enhanced driver’s license is its convenience for travelers. With an EDL, New York residents can use it to re-enter the United States from Canada, Mexico, or the Caribbean by land or sea without needing a passport. This can save travelers time and hassle, especially for frequent cross-border travelers.
In addition to its use for land and sea travel to neighboring countries, an EDL can also serve as a federal ID for domestic air travel. Starting in October 2020, all U.S. residents will need a REAL ID-compliant form of identification to board domestic flights. An enhanced driver’s license is one of the approved forms of REAL ID-compliant identification, making it a versatile and practical option for travelers.
It’s important to note that an enhanced driver’s license is not a substitute for a U.S. passport when traveling abroad by air. If you plan to travel outside of North America or by air, you will still need a valid U.S. passport. However, for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean, an EDL can be a convenient and cost-effective alternative to a passport.
If you’re a New York resident who frequently travels to Canada or Mexico by land or sea, consider applying for an enhanced driver’s license. Not only will it simplify your travel experience, but it will also serve as a convenient form of identification for domestic air travel. Contact your local DMV office for more information on how to apply for an EDL and start planning your next cross-border adventure hassle-free.
