Michigan citizens can now apply for enhanced Michigan driver’s licenses.

As of Tuesday, the enhanced licenses will function as passports when crossing into and out of the United States by land or sea from the Caribbean, Canada or Mexico. The licenses are part of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, a federal initiative that hopes to streamline border crossings while increasing security.

“We pursued this change as a way to increase homeland security and to keep traffic moving at our borders,” said Kelly Chesney, spokeswoman for Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land.

The technology of the card will allow it to be scanned as drivers approach an American border station. All that will occur at the station is a quick visual check; the security personnel will have already been able to look up information regarding all of the car’s occupants.

The licenses will also assist with Michigan border crossings in Detroit, Port Huron and Sault Ste. Marie.

“Ontario anticipates that our important trading, tourism and family ties with Michigan will be strengthened by enhanced driver’s licenses that allow motorists to enter the United States without a passport,” said Sandra Pupatello, minister of International Trade and Investment and Windsor West Member of the Provincial Canadian Parliament.

Ontario is looking at enacting similar techniques by the end of the spring.

Chesney said Canada and Michigan trade more than $70 billion annually, so the change will not only benefit people who cross the border for recreational activities, but also people who ship between the two countries.

The license is more convenient and less expensive than a passport. To receive the license, it will take two to three weeks, compared to a passport that takes four to six weeks and they are $45, rather than $100 for a passport.

“It’s not only convenient, it’s good for the security of our state,” Chesney said.

This allows citizens to carry something with them at all times that will let them enter the United States, she added.

A local Secretary of State representative said licenses cannot be applied for at the Mount Pleasant Secretary of States Office. The nearest location that students can apply for the enhanced driver’s license is the Bay City PLUS Office, 1007 N. Euclid Ave.

In order to apply for the license students need their Michigan photo license, proof of a valid social security number and proof of United States citizenship. Without a photo license, proof of identity and proof of Michigan residency will be required for people to obtain the enhanced license.

For more information about enhanced licenses, visit mi.gov/sos, and for information about the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative visit travel.state.gov.

metro@cm-life.com

E-mail the author: Maryellen Tighe