Many of you have probably heard the ads for enhanced drivers licenses available in the states of Michigan, New York, Vermont and Washington.  But what are these exactly?  Well, we have been doing some research on them for the last several months and this is what we have found. 

These enhanced licenses make it easier for U.S. Citizens and Canadian citizens in some provinces (British Columbia, Manitoba and Ontario) to enter the U.S. and Canada.  These licenses include a vicinity Radio Frequency Identification chip that signals a system for the Canadian Border Patrol to pull up your biographic data.  There is also a barcode on the license that the officer can read electronically if the RFID is not available.  Per the Homeland Security site (www.dhs.gov), the top 39 land ports of entry are equpped with the RFID technology. 

The gold standard continues to be a passport.  The cost of the enhanced license is $50, and must be renewed every 4 years (as often as you re do your regular drivers license).  The cost of a passport, is around $100 (and that is if you put a rush on it), and is good for 10 years.  So the question is, why would you get one of these?  That is a great question.  I actually asked a State of Washington Department of License person this in April of this year and was told "I don't know why anyone with a Passport would get this".  So, I chose not to get an enhanced drivers license. 

I am going to Canada the end of June, with my passport and I will ask questions to customs.  Anybody have any questions they want answers to?  I'll ask for you.....to be continued

Blue Skies and Tailwinds

Chris