Border travelers to have passport alternative (August 2008)

FULL TRANSCRIPT (provided due to audio problems with this clip):

For many families, the cost of a passport just isn't worth it. A family of four could spend nearly $500 before it's all said and done.

That's why officials are introducing an Enhanced New York State Driver's License in September. It'll be accepted alternative to the passport, which will be required next June when crossing the border into Canada, Mexico, Bermuda or the Carribean by land or sea. It cannot be used for air travel.

It's a valid New York State driver's license that would also include a picture of an American Flag, the word "Enhanced" and machine readable text.

"It'll be very easy to carry, identify you and show you've gone through your citizen check. It'll really provide easier access going back and forth the friendly border, said Dave White, New York Sea Grant Recreation & Tourism Expert.

Officials say the best part is the price. It's only $30.00 more than a regular license, or if you're license still has time left before it next expires, it'll only cost $10 to make an exchange.

"This will go a long way towards letting people get a standardized piece of identification that's not nearly as costly as a passport, said Darrel Aubertine, (D) State Senate, Watertown.

But what about those kids or adults that don't drive?

"Take your citizenship papers to the D.M.V. You can get a non-driver's license photo ID. So it'll be an enhanced ID if you will, said White.

The long-term goal of the enhanced license is to add a radio tag, or chip to the license, very similar to how an EZ-Pass works.

You can apply for the enhanced license now. Officials say currently there will be about a two week wait once they begin being issued in September.

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• cross-border tips
• passport
• Canada
• North Country
• New York
• Sea Grant
• recreation
• tourism

[NYSeaGrant]

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