January 22, 2008 — For Immediate Release

Washington State’s Enhanced Driver License/ID Now Available

Washington State leads the nation with new license

OLYMPIA — Washington State’s Department of Licensing today introduced the new Enhanced Driver License and Identification Card (EDL/ID) program.

Starting today, Washington residents can make appointments to voluntarily apply for an enhanced driver license that can be used as a single document to operate a motor vehicle and to enter the U.S. at land and sea border crossing stations from Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and the Caribbean. These licenses will work both now and in the future after border crossing stations begin requiring a U.S. passport or other federally approved travel document.

Washington is the first state in the nation to offer a fast, inexpensive passport alternative for travel to and from Canada and Mexico.

“This new program is going to be a tremendous benefit and make travel faster and easier for our citizens,” said Governor Chris Gregoire. “We have set the national standard for driver license security and we did it on time and on budget.”

The Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL) has been working with their counterparts in British Columbia, who announced Monday the start of their enhanced driver license program.

“The new licenses will encourage closer social ties as neighbours and support economic growth on both sides of the border,” said British Columbia Premier Gordon Campbell.

DOL worked closely with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to design the EDL/ID to meet federal standards and best practices for secure travel documents.

“Secure licenses benefit Americans everywhere, not just those in border communities,” said Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff. “I appreciate the Governor’s leadership on a low-cost, security-minded border crossing alternative for the people of Washington.”

Like U.S. passports, each EDL/ID includes security features like a radio frequency identification device that can be scanned at border crossings to verify the holder’s identity and speed up the border crossing process.

Participation in the EDL/ID program is voluntary. Applicants can call toll-free (866) 520-4365 to make an appointment to apply in-person at 11 participating Licensing Service Offices throughout the state. They need to bring documents proving their U.S. citizenship, identity and Washington state residency. It costs $15 dollars more than a regular driver license or ID card and is valid for land or sea border crossing between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and the Caribbean.