International travelers need approved documentation beginning June 1, 2009

OLYMPIA — The Department of Licensing reminds travelers the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) deadline goes into effect June 1, 2009. All travelers will be required to present a passport or alternative citizenship document when entering the U.S. from Canada by land or by sea.

Washington residents that are U.S. citizens have the option of getting an Enhanced Driver License/Identification Card (EDL/ID). The EDL/ID is a driver license/ID card that is WHTI approved for land or sea border crossings to Canada or Mexico.

If you haven’t already obtained your EDL/ID, and aren’t traveling the first part of June, we recommend you delay visiting our office until after the deadline passes to avoid the rush.

“Some offices are seeing extremely high volumes in response to the upcoming WHTI deadline,” said Liz Luce, Department of Licensing Director. “We expect those volumes to recede shortly after June 1.”

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PODCAST: Liz Luce discusses Enhanced Driver License and Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative

(download)

The Washington State Department of Licensing now has a new podcast!  Licensing Express debuts today with two timely topics that share some common ground (and water):  The Enhanced Driver License and the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative.

In a nearly 17-minute interview, Liz Luce shares her thoughts on these two important issues that are destined to impact—whether directly or indirectly—many of us living in Washington State.

Luce is the Director of the Washington State Department of Licensing. The podcast is hosted by DOL New Media Coordinator Mark Horner.

To hear the podcast, simply click the “play” button beneath the headline at the top of this post.  Not familiar with the player?  Feel free to experiment with it.  You can easily rewind and forward to different parts of the interview.  You’ll see, once you’ve clicked play, just scroll forward and backwards within the the progress bar.

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