MAY 26, 2009

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

Secretary Land reports more than 13,000 requests
made for the new licenses and IDs in first month

It's been about a month since Michigan unveiled its enhanced driver's license and state ID card, and Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land reports that demand has been brisk, increasing to roughly 600 requests per day in the last two weeks.

"The enhanced driver's license and state ID are convenient and cost-effective options that speed up border crossings," Land said. "Because of Michigan's proximity to Canada, these cards are a smart choice, whether you're traveling for business, a vacation or quick day trip."

As of June 1, all travelers entering the U.S. from Canada, Mexico, Bermuda or the Caribbean must present a Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative-compliant document, such as a passport, U.S. passport card, trusted traveler card (NEXUS, SENTRI, or FAST/EXPRESS) or a state-issued enhanced driver's license or ID. Seeking to provide residents with a convenient and cost-effective option for meeting the new requirement, Land received federal approval in October 2008 to issue the enhanced driver's license and ID card.

You must be a U.S. citizen and a Michigan resident to be eligible for an enhanced license or ID card. License applicants must also have no violations, suspensions, revocations or denials on their driving record that would prevent them from legally operating a motor vehicle.

The Department of State offers the enhanced driver's license and ID as an alternative to the current standard license and ID. Sixteen Secretary of State offices statewide are authorized to issue the enhanced cards, including all SUPER!Centers. To apply, you must present documentation providing proof of:

• A valid Social Security number (for example, a Social Security card)
• U.S. citizenship (for example, your original or certified birth certificate)
• Identity (for example, your Michigan license or state ID card)
• Residency (for example, your Michigan license or state ID card)

Your first and last name and date of birth on your identity and citizenship documents should match. If your current legal name is different from what is shown on your citizenship document, you must present lawful proof of the name change, such as an original marriage license, divorce decree or court order.

The enhanced license costs $45 and the ID card is available for $30. Residents who are blind or age 65 or older pay a reduced fee of $20 for the ID card.

Technology in the enhanced licenses and IDs allows them to be scanned from a distance so border officials can quickly verify the cardholders' identity and citizenship. The cards contain an embedded Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) chip. The chip transmits a unique reference number that only has meaning to a secure Department of Homeland Security database, where issuing information is held. No personal information is transmitted by the chip.

Three other border states also issue enhanced ID -- Washington, New York and Vermont. Approximately 60,000 of the specialized licenses and IDs have been issued in Washington since its program began Jan. 22, 2008. New York began its program on Sept. 16, 2008 and about 88,000 of its residents have responded. Vermont unveiled its program on Feb. 17, 2009 and has processed about 3,000 applications.

For a list of offices authorized to issue enhanced ID or for more information about the program, visit the department's Web site at www.Michigan.gov/sos.

Related Links
> Where to Apply for an Enhanced Driver's License or State ID Card
> Enhanced Driver's License Fee Chart
> Standard and Enhanced State ID Card Fee Chart
> Documents Required for a License or ID