FEBRUARY 23, 2009

Editor's Note:  As of October 19, 2009, all Secretary of State offices offer enhanced driver's licenses and personal ID cards.

Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate convenient option

Visitors to the 2009 Outdoorama show in Novi can learn more about Michigan's upcoming enhanced driver's license, which eases travel back into the United States, and other Secretary of State services, Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land announced today.

"Many Michigan outdoor enthusiasts enjoy Canadian hunting, fishing and camping trips," Land said. "With more stringent border crossing rules starting June 1, they should consider the enhanced driver's license as a convenient, less expensive option that allows them to return to the United States. Their adventure should be at camp, not at the border."

The Secretary of State's Office will have a booth at the Rock Financial Showplace. The show is open to the public Thursday, Feb. 26 -- Sunday, March 1. The booth features information about the enhanced driver's license, which goes on sale this spring. Representatives will be available to answer questions about the license and other department services.

Michigan's enhanced driver's license was proposed by Land as a way for travelers to speed their return from Canada, Mexico or the Caribbean. Under the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, all travelers -- including U.S. citizens -- must produce a passport or an approved secure document such as the enhanced driver's license to enter the country by land or sea beginning June 1. The law affects people who travel between Michigan and Canada in pleasure boats, in addition to other modes of travel.

Land's plan to offer enhanced driver's licenses and state-issued ID cards was approved in 2008 by the Michigan Legislature and the governor, as well as the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The cards will be voluntary and available in the spring only to Michigan residents who are U.S. citizens. They will cost $45. Michigan will continue offering its standard driver's license as well.

Visit the department Web site at www.Michigan.gov/sos for more information about Secretary of State programs and services.