ESCANABA - Residents planning to travel this spring to Canada or Mexico, by land or sea, will need either a passport, passport card or an enhanced driver's license.
In 2009, Michigan Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land received authorization from the U.S. State Department to begin providing enhanced driver's licenses to Michigan residents to ease restrictions regarding employment and commerce.
According to information obtained from the Secretary of State Web site (www.michigan.gov/sos) the enhanced driver's license acts as a passport card and is valid for four years. It can be used for land or sea travel between the U.S., Canada, Mexico and Caribbean islands.
The cost for an enhanced drivers license is $45 for the first application and $38 to renew.
Documentation is required to apply for an enhanced driver's license, which are available at any Secretary of State office.
The documentation necessary includes;
a valid Social Security card.
an original certified birth certificate. In the event the name on the birth certificate is different (marriage, divorce, etc.) a copy of a marriage license or divorce degree is also necessary for presentation as part of the documentation process.
proof of identity. A valid Michigan driver's license will provide proof of identity.
proof of residency. A valid Michigan driver's license will provide the necessary documentation for residency.
For residents under the age of 18 who may not have a valid driver's license, a parent or guardian must be present to provide their driver's license and other necessary documentation and to sign the application for their child or ward.