Even after Olympics, strong demand continues for Enhanced Driver License

By Tony Sermonti

March marks a milestone in the Department of Licensing’s Enhanced Driver License/ID Card program. In a little over two years, more than 150,000 Washington residents can now say they have an enhanced license or ID card.

Even after the conclusion of the winter Olympics in Vancouver, B.C., more than 2,700 enhanced licenses were issued during the first week of March.

The Enhanced Driver License satisfies new federal requirements for re-entry into the U.S. at land and sea borders between the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and the Caribbean. This new requirement, part of the federal Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, took effect June 1, 2009.

Washington is one of four states that issue Enhanced Driver Licenses or ID cards. The fee is $15 to upgrade from a valid driver license.

For more info:
Get an EDL – http://www.dol.wa.gov/driverslicense/edlsteps.html
Federal Travel Requirements – http://www.getyouhome.gov/html/lang_eng/eng_edl.html

ADVISORY: Increased Demand for Enhanced Driver License

 

Customers at several DOL offices are experiencing longer than usual wait-times since new rules affecting international travel were implemented on June 1, 2009. Those rules are part of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (“WHTI”). Many people in Washington state are responding to the new rules by applying for the convenient Enhanced Driver License. The “EDL” is also a cost-friendly alternative to a passport.

This video aims to assist Washingtonians by providing useful information that can help make obtaining an EDL as smooth as possible. Thank you for your interest. And happy traveling!

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.”

Read more

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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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