Arizona recently implemented an enhanced driver’s license program, joining several other states in offering this secure form of identification. The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) launched the program to provide residents with a more convenient and secure option for accessing federal facilities and traveling internationally.
The enhanced driver’s license (EDL) is a federally approved form of identification that meets the requirements for crossing the US-Canada and US-Mexico borders by land and sea. It includes a radio frequency identification (RFID) chip that stores the holder’s information and can be used at designated border crossings.
To obtain an EDL in Arizona, applicants must visit a participating ADOT office and provide proof of identity, citizenship, and residency. They must also undergo a fingerprinting process and have their photo taken. The cost of an EDL is $25 in addition to the standard driver’s license fee.
The launch of the EDL program in Arizona has been met with enthusiasm from residents who see the benefits of having a more secure form of identification. “I travel frequently to Canada for work, and having an enhanced license will make the border crossing process much smoother and quicker,” said Sarah Johnson, a Phoenix resident who recently obtained an EDL.
In addition to facilitating travel to Canada and Mexico, the EDL can also be used as a compliant form of identification for boarding domestic flights. This is especially important for individuals who do not have a passport but still need to travel by air within the United States.
The introduction of the EDL program in Arizona aligns the state with the REAL ID Act, a federal law that establishes minimum security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards. Starting October 1, 2020, travelers will need a REAL ID-compliant form of identification to board domestic flights or enter federal facilities.
In light of this upcoming deadline, many Arizona residents are opting to upgrade to an EDL to ensure they have a compliant form of identification. “I didn’t realize the importance of having a REAL ID-compliant license until I tried to board a flight and was turned away,” said Mark Rodriguez, a Tucson resident who recently applied for an EDL.
The implementation of the EDL program in Arizona has not been without challenges. Some residents have expressed concerns about the security of the RFID chip and the potential for their personal information to be compromised. However, ADOT officials have reassured the public that the chip is encrypted and contains minimal information, such as the holder’s name, date of birth, and photo.
Overall, the launch of the enhanced driver’s license program in Arizona has been met with positive feedback from residents who value the convenience and security it provides. With the October 2020 deadline for REAL ID compliance quickly approaching, many Arizona residents are taking advantage of the opportunity to upgrade to an EDL and ensure they have a compliant form of identification for future travel.
