FEBRUARY 12, 2009

Customers can have questions answered at Secretary of State booth

Visitors to the 2009 Grand Rapids Boat Show 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.

The Secretary of State's Office will have a booth in DeVos Place near the entryway in the gallery. The auto show is open to the public Wednesday, Feb. 18 - Sunday, Feb. 22. The booth features the enhanced driver's license, which goes on sale in the spring.

"I encourage all visitors to the boat show to stop by our booth to learn more about the enhanced driver's license," Land said. "Beginning June 1, pleasure boaters returning from Canada will face the same, more stringent requirements as drivers will face when they return to the United States. They should consider the enhanced license as a convenient, less expensive option."

Representatives will be available to answer questions about department services. The booth also features a colorful mock-up of a motorist waving an enhanced license, which serves as a playful backdrop against which children of all ages can have their pictures taken.

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 -- will need to produce a passport or an approved secure document 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 only to Michigan residents who also 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.