Passport Card & Enhanced Driver License

It's a different game for travelers at today's border crossings. As of January 31, 2008, the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) effectively removes your ability to orally declare citizenship. From now on, you'll need government-approved documentation to make the cross.

Two new products have entered the marketplace, each designed to make border crossings by land and sea quicker and less costly. Think of the U.S. Passport Card (also known as the PASS Card) as a limited-use passport. It's issued by the State Department, and good for border populations that do frequent crossings. The Enhanced Driver License (EDL) is another option gaining momentum at the state level. Think of the EDL as your driver license on steroids, with enhanced security features to meet the more stringent requirements set by WHTI and the Department of Homeland Security.

U.S. Passport Card

Why a passport card?

The U.S. Passport Card (PASS Card) is a less expensive, more portable version of the traditional passport book. As a response to the new security measures imposed by Homeland Security and WHTI, PASS Cards come equipped with a microchip that assigns a distinct number to its owner. This number, through vicinity-read radio frequency technology, matches up with a Custom and Border Protection (CBP) database to promote more secure crossings with faster queuing. The PASS Card is a new form of approved identification targeted at border communities who make frequent crossings. It's wallet-sized, less expensive than the full passport book, and a suitable alternative for anyone who travels by land or sea between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, or the Caribbean.

Note: The PASS Card is not approved for air travel. Unlike the passport book, the card is not considered an international travel document recognized worldwide.

Specifics

• Valid for land and sea crossings only, not air

• Valid for travel to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean

• Valid for 10 years, just like a passport book (five years for minors)

• Wallet-sized, with a protective sleeve

How do I apply?

You can't start applying for your PASS Card now; The application process began February 1, 2008. The actual cards should become available in the spring of '08, and will be mailed to applicants at that time.

If you already have a passport book, apply for the card as a renewal with Form DS-82.

First-time applicants should apply in person using Form DS-11. Check with the Department of State for your nearest passport application facility.

What does it cost?

• $45 for first-time applicants ($35 for minors)

• $20 for renewals from an expiring passport book

This compares to $100 for a first-time passport book, and $75 for a passport book renewal.

Enhanced Driver License (EDL)

Why an enhanced driver license?

Much of the spirit behind the PASS Card also applies to the Enhanced Driver License (EDL). Convenience, portability, and cost are the big selling points here. If you are a licensed driver, check to see if your state has developed an EDL program in conjunction with the Department of Homeland Security. At the time of writing in March 2008, only Washington State is fully up and running with EDLs. Other states waiting in the wings include Vermont, Arizona, New York, Michigan, Texas, and California.

Like PASS Cards, EDLs are only accepted at land and sea border crossings, not for air travel. The license contains radio-frequency microchipping that uniquely identifies you in CBP databases, which should promote a more expeditious cross. EDLs will be approved forms of identification, in full compliance with the new WHTI security measures.

Specifics

• Same as your driver license, with enhanced security features

• Only available in Washington State as of March 2008

• Approved for border crossing by land or sea, not by air

How do I apply?

If you live in Washington, check our page about the application process, and specific forms of identification that might be required. In brief, you are required to apply in person, and you must be a Washington resident. EDLs are available to anyone 18 years or older, and Enhanced Intermediate Driver Licenses are available to teen drivers.

If you live anywhere else, be patient. Keep an eye on our News & Alerts page for information as new states come online with EDL programs. As with standard driver licenses, the specific guidelines for obtaining an EDL may vary from state to state.

What does it cost?

• In Washington, $15 more than the standard driver license

• Vermont anticipates a $15-20 cost increase from the standard driver license

This compares to $100 for a first-time passport book, so the costs savings can be material if the license works for your specific travel needs.