Originally Posted by BigFlyer (Post 31624280)

So I now have to get a "Real ID" Driver's license for domestic flights unless I want to carry one of the Federal IDs (passport, GE Card, etc.)

I'm in California, and actually wouldn't mind going to the trouble of getting all of my documentation together and going to a DMV office if they would issue an Enhanced Driver's License - but, California doesn't issue Enhanced Licenses (Enhanced licenses function like passport cards and can be used to cross the land border with Canada and Mexico.)

One would think that as a border state California would issue enhanced licenses.

Any insights as to why Enhanced Driver's Licenses are not available in California (and most states for that matter)?

Originally Posted by Boggie Dog (Post 31624294)

California does issue Real ID compliant drivers licenses.

Originally Posted by iamflyer (Post 31624323)

Enhanced Driver Licenses are not valid for entry into Mexico (but they are going back into the US from Mexico) so there's little benefit for the states that don't border Canada

Originally Posted by BigFlyer (Post 31624320)

But it doesn't issue enhanced driver's licenses - which is what I was complaining about.

Originally Posted by Boggie Dog (Post 31624910)

What does an enhanced license accomplish?

Originally Posted by Boggie Dog (Post 31624910)

What does an enhanced license accomplish?

Originally Posted by iamflyer (Post 31624323)

Enhanced Driver Licenses are not valid for entry into Mexico

Originally Posted by Larrude (Post 31625472)

"A State-issued Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) provides travelers not only a license to drive but also a proof of identity and citizenship when exiting and re-entering the United States borders. This is a card under the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) that has security features and technology that make travel a lot easier and safer. They provide travelers with a low-cost, convenient alternative to a passport for entering the United States from Canada, Mexico or the Caribbean through a land or sea port of entry, in addition to serving as a permit to drive. The states of Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont and Washington State are currently the only states issuing these enhanced drivers licenses. This license cannot be used for air travel in any of the above mentioned countries."

https://www.us-passport-service-guid...s-license.html

Originally Posted by König (Post 31625480)

Could you please provide a link to some official (or semi-official) sources?

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State-issued enhanced drivers licenses (EDLs) provide proof of identity and U.S. citizenship, are issued in a secure process, and include technology that makes travel easier. They provide travelers with a low-cost, convenient alternative for entering the United States from Canada, Mexico or the Caribbean through a land or sea port of entry, in addition to serving as a permit to drive.

The Department has been working with states to enhance their drivers licenses and identification documents to comply with travel rules under the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), effective June 1, 2009.

Enhanced drivers licenses make it easier for U.S. citizens to cross the border into the United States because they include

• a vicinity Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) chip that will signal a secure system to pull up your biographic and biometric data for the CBP officer as you approach the border inspection booth, and
• a Machine Readable Zone (MRZ) or barcode that the CBP officer can read electronically if RFID isn't available.

The top 39 land ports of entry, which process more than 95 percent of land border crossings, are equipped with RFID technology that helps facilitate travel by individual presenting EDLs or one of the other RFID-enabled documents.

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Originally Posted by petaluma1 (Post 31626213)

The difference between REAL ID and an enhanced ID is $30, in NY State. All required documentation is the same but apparently the chip is what costs the extra fee.

Enhanced ID does NOT have a star which I presume would drive TSA screeners nuts and lead to many problems trying to board a flight.