Link to the story on Minnesota enhanced driver's licenses.

Nice option to have if you don't need a passport.

The passport card is still a little cheaper option if you need a passport anyway or it was when I did mine. It is only 20 bucks more when you apply for a passport and good for 10 years

I like the card option either way though.

T

I just saw this on the news toinght. It looks like it would be a nice option if you don't want the passport.

Yes $15 if you only go to Canada or Mexico...as apposed to $150 for the Passport and card.

The enhanced drivers license is a great option for people who will only travel to Canada or Mexico and don't need a passport for other purposes. Lots of people never got passports before because they only traveled in North America, and this lets them continue to do that for only an extra $15. But if you need a passport for other travel in the next ten years, then there's no need for the enhanced driver's license, the passport has you covered.

Just to be sure, passport is I think $135 or 13.50/yr; card only is $55 or 5.50/yr; and MN enhanced DL is $15 or 3.75/yr. I think I found the other four states with the EDL were mostly more expensive.

If I didn't have to otherwise have a passport, a card or EDL seem like an insignificant cost of a trip or two a year.

EDLs

(Anyone else think there is something unusual about the examples?)

So I assume there would be no issues getting INTO Canada or Mexico with the EDL?

quote Arlo Pankook: "So I assume there would be no issues getting INTO Canada or Mexico with the EDL?"

Well - I'm not sure you can assume there would be no issues getting into Canada or Mexico with a passport - but I believe the EDL is according to all regulations accepted. I always worry more about getting back into US frankly.

I'm not sure - US government websites seem to have some inherent lack of clarity and ease of use - but those passport and card costs I quoted were for first time applicants and renewals or replacements may be less.

quote Arlo Pankook: "So I assume there would be no issues getting INTO Canada or Mexico with the EDL?"

They would be the same "issues" as with a passport... These documents are just telling the B.P. WHO you are, and where you come from/reside, not what history of citizen you are...that is what the computer tells them. IMHO

The explanation says "...that will allow them to re-enter the United States from Canada"
I was told by a CDN border crossing agent that if you are a US citizen,
they have to let you back in, which only makes sense.
Of course having the proper passport helps things go more smoothly.

quote PortageKeeper: "The explanation says "...that will allow them to re-enter the United States from Canada"
I was told by a CDN border crossing agent that if you are a US citizen,
they have to let you back in, which only makes sense.
Of course having the proper passport helps things go more smoothly.


"

Seriously...What are you talking about?
This is instead of a passport...Where is the confusion?

I have a NYS enhanced drivers license and sail right thru the US/Can border. It is only valid for land or sea travel--if you are going to Can., Mex., or the Carribean by air you need a passport. Coming back into the US was less of a hassle than going into Canada--got a cheery welcome home. Of course my legal history is saintly....

quote Doughboy12: "

quote PortageKeeper: "The explanation says "...that will allow them to re-enter the United States from Canada"
I was told by a CDN border crossing agent that if you are a US citizen,
they have to let you back in, which only makes sense.
Of course having the proper passport helps things go more smoothly.



"

Seriously...What are you talking about?
This is instead of a passport...Where is the confusion?"

What I am talking about is...
I went into Canada, legally, with my border crossing permit last year.
Upon re-entering the US you are supposed to stop at US customs. US customs WANTS you to have a passport. All that I had with me was my MN D.L. They let me back in.

Looks like a work in progress to me. 4 Canadian provinces and 5 states so far.
None on the Mexican border, they may be planned but are NOT in use yet.
When and if fully implemented, it is patterned after the Passport Card and will have similar limitations.
Excellent idea for residents in border crossing towns like International Falls.
A passport/documentation alternative. No other border crossing requirements have changed.
Moot points for me, still have 8 years on current passport card, and the renewal is only $30 for another 10 years. I do not expect WI to offer an EDL anytime soon.

butthead