What Is an Enhanced Drivers License and Why Do You Need One?

If you live in a state that borders Canada, you may already know that it is harder to cross the border than it was a few years ago. The good news is that an enhanced drivers license can make it easier to get to Canada for drivers in the United States.

What Is an Enhanced Drivers License?

An enhanced drivers license is a hybrid between a drivers license and a passport. By showing the license to border patrol agents, you can cross into the country with less scrutiny. The enhanced license adheres to Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) guidelines and is also good when entering Canada by sea.

Which States Have the Enhanced License?

Currently, four states have this form of license. Those states are New York, Michigan, Vermont and Washington. There is an extra fee to get the enhanced license that varies depending on which state you get it in.

Why Would You Need This License?

An enhanced license can be very handy to various individuals. An enhanced license will list your name and picture as well as your citizenship. This reduces the amount of time that may have to spend answering questions about who you are and your reasons for entering Canada. If you cross the border often for business or pleasure, you can save yourself a lot of time on each trip. Due to security concerns, it is not as easy to cross the border into Canada as it once was. However, with an enhanced license, you make it much easier on yourself to enter the country whenever you travel by land or sea. If you are a resident of a state that offers this type of license, you can obtain one by renewing your license online or at any DMV location.