Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) will go into effect June 1, 2009 for land and sea travel into the U.S.

Why is Washington State issuing EDL/IDs? (Enhanced Driver License/ID Cards)

For info - go to http://www.dol.wa.gov/

The federal government recently passed the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), which requires a passport or other federally-approved identification or proof-of-citizenship document for all travel into the United States. To preserve travel, trade, and cultural ties with British Columbia and increase security at the border, the Washington State Department of Licensing is offering EDL/ID Cards to Washington residents who choose to participate. The EDL/ID meets federal requirements, and is an approved alternative to a passport for re-entry into the U.S at land and sea borders between the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean.

Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) will go into effect June 1, 2009 for land and sea travel into the U.S. WHTI went into effect for air travelers on January 23, 2007.