New York drivers will have the option of buying an enhanced driver's licence to comply with stricter travel requirements adopted after the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

The new licences will contain an identifying computer chip and can be used instead of a more expensive passport at U.S. land and sea border crossings between Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and the Caribbean. Passports will still be needed for international air travel, though.

The licences will cost around US$80, about $30 more than a regular driver's licence. Those trading in a current driver's license will need, in addition to the old license, a birth certificate or other proof of U.S. citizenship, their Social Security card and two proofs of New York residency, such as recent property tax bills or credit card statements. The documents will be scanned for authenticity, a step that will add 10 to 15 minutes to the application process. All of the licenses are produced in Albany and mailed to drivers.

Why Enhance the Driver License?

In a continued effort to develop alternative forms of identification compliant with the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, the Department of Homeland Security came up with the idea for these voluntary licenses and ID cards. The hope is that the EDL/ID―which denotes identity and citizenship―will make travel across land and sea ports of entry much more convenient.

Benefits of the EDL/ID

Using Radio Frequency Identification Tags (RFIT) and other measures that make forgery more difficult, EDL/IDs are encoded with the proper information to replace passports at border crossings. Furthermore, the EDL is less expensive and easier to tote around than a traditional passport. Washington Governor Chris Gregoire described EDLs as "a way to boost security at our border without hampering trade and tourism." If all goes as planned in Washington, we just might see these alternative forms of identification across all states.

Part of the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004, the The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative requires travelers to carry passports when crossing the borders into Canada and Mexico (as well as Bermuda and the Caribbean). EDLs would take the place of a passport for U.S. citizens crossing at these land and sea ports of entry, but not for international air travel. This represents a savings to consumers, with passports costing $97 and EDLs $45.

Applying for an EDL/ID

For full details on applying for an EDL or an Enhanced ID visit our Washington pages.

Both must be applied for in person, and are currently only available to Washington residents. Doing so requires proof of citizenship, residency, and identity, plus a Social Security number. You will also be asked to sign biometric identification and Radio Frequency Identification declarations. The former refers to the use of digital technology to identify you based on unique physical features that aren't easily alterable (eye sockets, cheekbones, and the distance between your pupils, for example) and involves taking a digital photo that is turned into code and kept on file. The latter refers to the RFIT that is embedded in the card. This card carries your personal information, which can be retrieved quickly using electromagnetic waves.

In Washington, EDL/ID cards are available to anyone 18 years or older, and Enhanced Intermediate Driver