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Michigan has decided to offer an Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL), which its citizens can use instead of a passport for quick trips into Canada. Like the newer passports, the enhanced driver’s license has a radio frequency identification chip to provide stronger identification, so it is WHTI-compliant for land and sea trips to Mexico, Canada and the Caribbean. The final phase of the WHTI goes into effect June 1, 2009. After that date, you will need a passport or an enhanced driver’s license to cross the border. Currently, Michigan is one out of only four states to offer the EDL.
However, it’s important to remember that, like the new passport card, the EDL won’t work for air travel. That’s why it’s best to only use it in place of a passport for quick jaunts across the border by car. For extended stays, a passport is still best, even if you’re driving. After all, if something were to come up and you needed to fly home quickly, you would want to have a passport, wouldn’t you?
Remember, the new rules for border crossing go into effect on June 1, so if you’re a frequent international traveler, you’d better apply for passport, quick!
If you apply for a passport with regular processing, you should allow 2 to 3 months for it to arrive, just to be on the safe side. If you order through the government with expedited processing, expect to wait at least 3 weeks. However, faster passport processing service is available through private passport expediting companies. These companies hand-deliver your passport to the US Passport Agency for processing-it’s basically the equivalent of being whisked to the front of the line, so you can get your passport processed in as little as 24 hours.
Need a passport? Apply with us today to get a passport quickly and conveniently!
Can we still use the enhanced license to go to Canada while waiting for it to arrive in the mail ?
Hi Michael,
While waiting for what to arrive in the mail? You can use an enhanced license to go to Canada as long you’re traveling by land or by sea (but if you’re going on a cruise please check with the cruise line as they may not allow you to use it). However, you have to have the enhanced driver’s license physically in your possession when you cross back over into the US, not just a receipt saying you applied.
If I have a MI EDL and want to travel to New York via Canada, will New York allow entry?
Hi Michelle,
That should be no problem as long as you’re traveling by land. If you’re going to fly from Canada to New York you need a passport book. Hope this helps!
Can 16 year olds get an enhanced license? And if so, do 16 year olds need an enhanced license or will a birth certificate work?
Hi Carrie,
If you live in a state that offers enhanced driver’s licenses, a 16-year-old should be able to get one by providing the appropriate documentation. Contact your state DMV for more information. For driving into Canada, 16-year-olds and up need an enhanced driver’s license, a passport card, a passport book or a trusted traveler card like NEXIS, FAST or SENTRI to get back into the United States.
Hope this helps!
Is the enhanced license also good for a CDL Class a Driver?
Hi Denise,
Possibly, contact your state DMV for details. Thanks!
Can this EDL be put on a CDL ?
Hi David,
The thing is, “EDL” isn’t an endorsement- it’s a special type of driver’s license. To get one, you have to present proof of citizenship, just as if you were applying for a passport, and the license itself has a special RFID chip like a passport does. They are only issued in the following states: Michigan, New York, Vermont and Washington. If you live in one of these states, my suggestion would be to contact the local DMV to see if you can get an enhanced commercial driver’s license.
Have a great day!
Alison
What about children traveling with adults into Canada from Michigan?
If the parents have enhanced license can children go along with
just a birth certificate, like you use to?
Sure, children under 16 can use a birth certificate if they are traveling with parents, as long as you are traveling by car. If you’re traveling by plane, everyone needs a passport.
Well, I imagine that clears up a couple of challenges for me. How about everyone else?
How long is the processing time to get an enhanced Michigan Driver’s License?
Hi Jeff,
About 2 to 3 weeks, according to the Michigan state website: http://www.michigan.gov/sos/0,1607,7-127-48296-213112–F,00.html
Can I go to the Sec. of state here in Allegan Mi
Is there a way for me to apply for the Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL)
on Line? I will be going to Canada for business in the near future.
Hi Victor,
Unfortunately not. According to the MI Secretary of State’s website, you do have to apply in person, even if you are already licensed. See the following link for more details:
http://www.michigan.gov/sos/0,1607,7-127-1627_8669_9040-213045–,00.html