Wallet-sized  document contains Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)

(Long Island, N.Y.) Senator  Kenneth  P. LaValle would like to remind the public that the New  York  State  Department  of  Motor  Vehicles (DMV) now issues Enhanced Driver   Licenses   (EDLs)   and   Enhanced   non-driver  IDs,  which  meet identification  and  citizen requirements for travel to and from the United States, Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean.

New  York  State  residents who are citizens of the United States can apply  for  an  EDL or Enhanced non-driver ID at their local DMV and should receive  their  license in approximately 2 weeks.  There is a charge of $30 in  addition  to  regular  driver license or non-driver ID fees. The EDL is valid  up  to 8 years, or 10 years for a non-driver ID.  Children under the age  of  16  must have his or her parent or guardian present to apply for a non-driver ID.

The  wallet-sized  document contains a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)  that will enable faster border crossings than a passport.  However, it  should  be  noted that and EDL or Enhanced non-driver ID cannot be used for travel between the United States and other countries.

“EDLs meet the criteria established to protect our nation’s borders,” said  Senator  LaValle.   “Many  New  Yorkers  have found EDLs and Enhanced non-driver IDs to be a less expensive, more convenient identifying document for border crossing and travel within the United States.”