As the world continues to navigate through the challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, many states have been taking steps to streamline their processes and enhance services for their residents. One such initiative that has gained popularity in recent years is the enhanced driver’s license (EDL) program.
An enhanced driver’s license is a form of identification that not only allows individuals to drive legally, but also serves as a valid form of identification for entering federal facilities and crossing borders between the United States, Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean. This added functionality has made EDLs a popular choice for frequent travelers and those who want to streamline their identification documents.
Currently, there are a total of six states that offer enhanced driver’s licenses: Michigan, New York, Vermont, and Washington were the initial states to pilot the program, with Minnesota and California following suit in more recent years. Each state has its own set of requirements and application process for obtaining an enhanced driver’s license, but the overall benefits remain the same.
In Michigan, residents have had access to EDLs since 2008. To qualify for an enhanced driver’s license, applicants must provide proof of citizenship, identity, Social Security number, and Michigan residency. In addition to the standard driver’s license fees, there is an additional fee of $45 for an enhanced driver’s license. This fee covers the cost of the enhanced security features that make EDLs compliant with the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), which established document requirements for international travel within the Western Hemisphere.
New York was the second state to introduce enhanced driver’s licenses in 2008. Similar to Michigan, applicants must provide proof of citizenship, identity, Social Security number, and residency. The cost of an enhanced driver’s license in New York is $30 in addition to the standard driver’s license fees. The state has seen a steady increase in the number of residents opting for EDLs, as the convenience of having a single all-in-one identification document becomes more apparent.
Vermont joined the EDL program in 2012, offering residents the option of upgrading their standard driver’s license to an enhanced version. The requirements for obtaining an EDL in Vermont are similar to those in other states, with proof of citizenship, identity, Social Security number, and residency being the key documents needed. The cost of an enhanced driver’s license in Vermont is $30, on top of the standard driver’s license fees.
Washington state rolled out its enhanced driver’s license program in 2008, in line with the other states participating in the WHTI initiative. Residents in Washington can apply for an enhanced driver’s license by providing the necessary documentation and paying a fee of $9 for the enhanced security features. The total cost of an EDL in Washington is $78, which includes the standard driver’s license fees.
Minnesota became the fifth state to offer enhanced driver’s licenses in 2018. The process for obtaining an EDL in Minnesota mirrors that of other states, with proof of citizenship, identity, Social Security number, and residency being the main requirements. The cost of an enhanced driver’s license in Minnesota is $15 on top of the standard driver’s license fees.
California is the most recent state to join the EDL program, having introduced enhanced driver’s licenses in 2019. Residents in California can apply for an EDL by providing the necessary documentation and paying a fee of $35 for the enhanced security features. The total cost of an enhanced driver’s license in California is $58, which includes the standard driver’s license fees.
With the growing popularity of enhanced driver’s licenses, many other states are considering implementing their own programs to offer residents a convenient all-in-one identification solution. The benefits of having an EDL are clear, as it simplifies the identification process for travelers and provides added security features to prevent fraud and identity theft. As the world continues to evolve, it is likely that we will see more states adopting enhanced driver’s license programs to meet the needs of their residents.
