Travel Document Requirements as of June 1, 2009
Effective June 1, 2009, US Citizens must present a valid US Passport Book, US Passport Card, or other WHTI-compliant document, when entering the United States from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda via air, land border crossings or sea ports-of-entry.
New York State Enhanced Driver’s License Available Beginning September 16, 2008
Enhanced Driver’s Licenses (EDL) will be available to drivers who can show proof of New York State residency and US citizenship this fall starting September 16th. Enhanced non-driver photo identification cards will also be available.
The EDL, which costs $80 and is valid for up to eight years, may be used as identification for travel by land and sea only between the United States and Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda. It may not be used for travel by air, or for any travel between the United States and any country other than those listed above.
For those reasons AAA continues to recommend a US passport as the most effective and cost-efficient identification document for international travel.
For more information on the New York State EDL visit the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles website: www.nydmv.state.ny.us/edl.htm.
What are the differences between a US Passport Book and a US Passport Card?
| Book | Card |
| Valid for international travel by air, sea, or land | Valid when entering the United States from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda at land border crossings or sea ports-of-entry. NOT VALID FOR INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL BY AIR. |
| Valid for 10 years for adults, 5 years for minors under age 16 | Valid for 10 years for adults, 5 years for minors under age 16 |
| Cost for first time applicants is $100 for adults, $85 for minors under age 16 | Cost for first time applicants is $45 for adults, $35 for minors |
| Cost for renewals is $75 for adults | Cost for renewals is $20 for adults |
| Size is 5”x3 ∏” when closed | Wallet sized |
First time applicants can save $25 when they apply for both documents at the same time.
For more information visit the State Department website at http://travel.state.gov.
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