Washington state to test 'enhanced' licenses

[peejay 327]

I've had a passport for many years, but would get one of these licenses if it was offered by my state in the future.

Wash. state to test 'enhanced' licenses

By CURT WOODWARD, Associated Press Writer

Sat Mar 24, 5:59 AM ET

High-security driver's licenses aimed at letting U.S. citizens return from Canada without a passport could be adopted elsewhere if Washington state's experiment works, Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff said.

The pilot project, signed into law by Gov. Chris Gregoire and formally approved by Chertoff on Friday, calls for Washington to begin issuing new "enhanced" driver's licenses in January.

They will look much like conventional driver's licenses, but will be loaded with proof of citizenship and other information that can be easily scanned at the border.

Radio frequency ID chips and other advanced security features also would make the enhanced licenses less vulnerable to forgery. At about $40, they also would be less expensive than a $97 passport.

Chertoff's endorsement of the pilot project comes as border states prepare for new federal security requirements mandating a passport for travelers — including U.S. citizens — who enter the country by sea or land from elsewhere in the Western Hemisphere.

That requirement is expected to take effect between early 2008 and mid-2009; a similar rule for air travelers already is in force.

Washington state officials are particularly sensitive to the new rule because of the extensive tourist traffic between the state and neighboring British Columbia, home of the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver.

Chertoff praised the enhanced driver's license project, and said he expects other border states to follow Washington's lead.

"I'm quite sure other states that want to use the same technology and the same approach will be welcome to do so," he told a news conference. "The whole idea here is giving a series of alternatives, as long as they meet the same basic standards."

Gregoire, a Democrat, said the enhanced ID's security features also could help combat identity theft.

"It is security for our nation and our state. But it's also security for the individual," she said.

The enhanced licenses will not be mandatory for Washington drivers. Those who want to get the enhanced version will go through an in-person interview, and will have to show proof of citizenship, Gregoire adviser Antonio Ginatta said.

State and federal officials are still working out details about whether particular crimes would prevent a person from getting the enhanced license, Ginatta said.

Along with being less expensive, the enhanced licenses will be available faster than the six-to-eight-week wait for a passport, Gregoire said.

Canada does not have similar passport requirements for U.S. travelers heading north. But Stockwell Day, Canada's public safety minister, said Canadian officials share the security concerns that prompted the new rules.

"Nine-eleven was an event of horrendous proportions that has certainly galvanized us," Day said Friday. "Canadians also died in those towers."

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070324/ap_on_...border_crossing

[Nagishkaw 510]

Sounds like the National ID card.

[Hilarious Clinton 452]

"At about $40, they also would be less expensive than a $97 passport."

WA state driver's licenses are only good for 5 years and a passport is 10 years. So you will save $17 and only be able to visit Canada. Not a good deal.

http://www.dol.wa.gov/driverslicense/renew.html

[w¡n9Nµ7 §£@¥€r 123]

####### is the big deal with getting passports? Why are we spending money and resources on developing alternatives to the passport when passports exist and they work just fine???

[peejay 327]

Sounds like the National ID card.

You don't have to get one...it's voluntary.

"At about $40, they also would be less expensive than a $97 passport."

WA state driver's licenses are only good for 5 years and a passport is 10 years. So you will save $17 and only be able to visit Canada. Not a good deal.

Good point, but if your state decides to opt out of the provisions of the Real ID Act you won't be able to use your driver's license for Federal purposes. In which case you can get an enhanced driver's license if the the state decides to offer it on a voluntary basis or you are stuck with having to get a passport to enter Federal properties, to board domestic flights, or any such purpose required by the Real ID Act. Other countries that don't require visas to enter might recognize it in the future.

####### is the big deal with getting passports? Why are we spending money and resources on developing alternatives to the passport when passports exist and they work just fine???

If the Democratic Congress doesn't repeal the Real ID Act or your state decides to opt out of its provisions it would help to have alternatives to carrying around a passport to enter Federal properties, board domestic flights, or for Federal ID purposes. Driver's licenses are a lot easier to carry in your wallet. It's just another choice and may or may not be practical for everybody.

[Reba 2]

why not just microchip all of us, at birth er summat.

My dogs are microchipped. When we move, I just have to call Home Again to let them know. And they actually update our address. Unlike immigration...

[cbd2cai 0]

why not just microchip all of us, at birth er summat.

My dogs are microchipped. When we move, I just have to call Home Again to let them know. And they actually update our address. Unlike immigration...

I think too many of us are already past the point of being microchipped at birth . . . but I watch/read a lot of SCI-FI, so I don't have a probably with that. Would make it easier and they don't have to wake you up to ask for a passport if you are crossing a border on a train, etc. Of course, that doesnt apply in the States . . . we don't seem to have any trains crossing borders around here . . . or do we??? hmmmmm, well, anyway! The technology exists to do a lot of these things . . . they scan groceries , etc . . .

[yogib37 3]

"At about $40, they also would be less expensive than a $97 passport."

WA state driver's licenses are only good for 5 years and a passport is 10 years. So you will save $17 and only be able to visit Canada. Not a good deal.

http://www.dol.wa.gov/driverslicense/renew.html

:thumbs:

took the words out of my mouth..

[Hilarious Clinton 452]

"At about $40, they also would be less expensive than a $97 passport."

WA state driver's licenses are only good for 5 years and a passport is 10 years. So you will save $17 and only be able to visit Canada. Not a good deal.

http://www.dol.wa.gov/driverslicense/renew.html

:thumbs:

took the words out of my mouth..

And if you look at that site it's really $45 for 5 years so there almost is no difference in cost.

about $40 =45

[Amby 490]

I agree why is everyone against getting a passport. You'll have one if you ever need it.

[Reba 2]

why not just microchip all of us, at birth er summat.

My dogs are microchipped. When we move, I just have to call Home Again to let them know. And they actually update our address. Unlike immigration...

I think too many of us are already past the point of being microchipped at birth . . . but I watch/read a lot of SCI-FI, so I don't have a probably with that. Would make it easier and they don't have to wake you up to ask for a passport if you are crossing a border on a train, etc. Of course, that doesnt apply in the States . . . we don't seem to have any trains crossing borders around here . . . or do we??? hmmmmm, well, anyway! The technology exists to do a lot of these things . . . they scan groceries , etc . . .

yeah, there's train and bus service across the border. Its expensive though!

I like the micro chip idea. Its a one time cost, we wouldn't have to get a new one every 5 or 10 years. Just every now and again go to the vet to scan it to make sure its still working.