Federal Approval Granted for ‘Enhanced’ Driver’s License
This article is from the archive of The New York Sun before the launch of its new website in 2022. The Sun has neither altered nor updated such articles but will seek to correct any errors, mis-categorizations or other problems introduced during transfer.
ALBANY — Governor Paterson says the federal government has formally approved the state’s “enhanced” driver’s license, which can be used to cross the American border without a passport.
The optional enhanced driver’s license will be available for use next summer when passports or approved driver’s licenses will be required for border crossings, including entry into Canada.
New Yorkers will have to provide proof of citizenship to apply for the enhanced license at a Department of Motor Vehicles office.
The license was a fallback for Governor Spitzer, who was stopped last year in his bid to make it easier for illegal immigrants to get driver’s licenses.
The new, 8-year licenses will add $30 to the $50 cost of reissuing a license.
