State rolls out enhanced driver's license

The state Department of Licensing has introduced a new type of driver's license born out of concern that stricter border-crossing requirements could disrupt the flow of tourists and trade between the United States and Canada.

Eleven agency offices, including the one in Lacey, on Tuesday began accepting applications for the "enhanced driver's license." The license is not required.

Washington residents can use the license instead of a passport or birth certificate when travelling among the United States, Canada, Mexico or the Caribbean by land or sea.

When entering the United States by air, citizens must present a passport or secure travel document. But U.S. citizens have been able to travel by land or sea to and from Canada by showing their driver's license and making a verbal declaration of their U.S. citizenship.

That changes Jan. 31, when the U.S. government will require proof of citizenship, such as a passport or birth certificate, in addition to a driver's license or state identification to enter the United States. Later, most U.S. citizens entering the United States by land or sea will be required under the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative to have a passport or another valid travel document.

The enhanced driver's license is part of program developed by leaders in Washington and British Columbia to keep crossings between the United States and Canada convenient in the face of tightening regulations. The province is expecting an increased number of border crossings when its largest city, Vancouver, hosts the Winter Olympics in 2010.

The state Legislature and U.S. Department of Homeland Security approved the enhanced driver's license.

"It absolutely is the first of its kind. ... We have received inquiries from many, many states about what it is that we've done and how it's working," said Brad Benfield, a spokesman for the Department of Licensing.

In a statement, Gregoire said the enhanced driver's license — as well as an enhanced state-issued identification card for those who don't drive — are "going to be a tremendous benefit and make travel faster and easier for our citizens."

Washington's enhanced license has a red border at the top and has several unique security features. It is equipped with radio-frequency identification technology aimed at allowing faster identification checks by border agents.

British Columbia introduced an enhanced driver's license on a limited basis this week.

Christian Hill covers the city of Lacey and military for The Olympian. He can be reached at 360-754-5427 or chill@theolympian.com.