NOVEMBER 19, 2008

Michigan Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land today commended the Ontario Legislature for recently voting to provide enhanced driver's licenses for purchase by residents of the province. The cards would be an acceptable alternative to passports at the U.S. border.

"I commend our friends in Ontario for choosing to offer citizens the option of an enhanced driver's license, as we are also doing in Michigan," Land said. "This highly secure and convenient form of identification will promote ease of travel across the border and will help protect against terrorism, which is in all of our best interests."

Land's plan to offer enhanced driver's licenses and state-issued ID cards was approved by the Michigan Legislature in February, the governor in March and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security in October. The cards will be voluntary and available only to Michigan residents who also are U.S. citizens. They will cost no more than $50. Michigan will continue offering its standard driver's license as well.

Under the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, all travelers -- including U.S. citizens -- will need to produce a passport or approved secure document to enter the country by land or sea as of June 1, 2009.

Related Link
Michigan Department of State - Enhanced Driver's License