New York is going to start issuing Enhanced Driver’s Licenses (EDL) with the approval of the Department of Homeland Security. The new license is being developed by the State Department of Motor Vehicles and is anticipated to be available by the end of the summer. Participation in the EDL project will be voluntary and open to all New York State residents who are United States citizens. The secure document can be used in place of a passport, which will soon be required for all border crossings by next summer.

The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative-compliant EDL will cost $30 more than a current state driver license, but will cost less than a U.S. passport. DMV Commissioner David J. Swarts said: “This agreement between the Department and DHS is a sound policy for recognizing the benefits of the new license option. The EDL will go a long way to ensure the Upstate economy does not suffer from the new federal mandate for border crossing.”

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