DHS Issues Fact Sheet on
Enhanced Driver’s Licenses
(for Meeting WHTI Requirements)
The Department of Homeland Security has posted a fact sheet to its Web
site on State-issued Enhanced Driver’s Licenses (EDLs), which DHS is pursuing
as an alternative document (to passports, etc.) in order to meet Western
Hemisphere Travel Initiative requirements at land and sea ports of entry.
In a related press release, DHS and the State Department issued a
reminder that as of January 31, 2008, all adult travelers will be required to
present proof of citizenship, such as a passport, and proof of identity, such
as a driver’s license when entering the U.S. through land and sea ports of
entry. DHS states that it will soon be issuing a notice in the Federal Register formally announcing the
change.
Highlights of DHS’ Enhanced
Driver’s License Fact Sheet
The following are highlights of DHS’ fact sheet (partial list):
WA, VT, AZ, NY developing
EDLs. Several states
including Washington,1 Vermont, Arizona and New York are in the
process of developing EDLs that will fulfill WHTI identification requirements
at land and sea borders. Other states such as Michigan, Texas, and California
are in discussions with DHS to develop EDL projects. According to DHS, it is
encouraging states to submit proposals to enhance their driver’s licenses and
identification documents to satisfy WHTI requirements.
EDL features. The EDLs will contain a Radio Frequency
Identification (RFID)2 chip and a Machine Readable Zone (MRZ). MRZs
will allow U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers to read the card
electronically if RFID is not available.
The license will also include physical security features that guard
against tampering. According to DHS, no personally identifiable information
will be transmitted from the card. (See ITT’s Online Archives or 09/13/07 news,
(Ref: 07091399) #5, for BP summary of industry groups’ skepticism about the use
of long-range RFID technology in EDLs.)
Same technology as used in
trusted traveler programs. According
to DHS, RFID technology is a proven means of speeding travelers through land
border entry that has been used successfully in DHS trusted traveler programs
(e.g., NEXUS, SENTRI, and FAST) since 1995.
Protection against skimming. DHS states that appropriate radio
frequency shielding (a Faraday cage) will be provided to travelers as an
effective way to prevent any issues with skimming and tracking.
Facilitation benefits of
WHTI/EDLs. DHS states that
WHTI is not strictly about security and will have facilitation benefits because
CBP officers currently must inspect over 8,000 different types of documents
issued by state and local entities when making admissibility determinations at
land and seaports.
Alignment with REAL ID
requirements. DHS states
that it has worked to align the requirements of EDL and REAL ID (REAL ID refers
to minimum security requirements for State-issued driver’s licenses and ID
cards that Federal agencies would accept for official purposes after May 11,
2008). (See ITT’s Online Archives or
03/19/07 and 04/27/07 news, (Ref: 07031999) #1 and (Ref: 07042710) for BP
summaries related to DHS’ proposed rule to establish minimum standards for
driver’s licenses and ID cards in accordance with the REAL ID Act of 2005.)
1Washington will
issue the first EDL in January 2008.
2RFID technology
refers to systems that allow a device to read information contained in a wireless
device or “tag” from a distance without making any physical contact or
requiring a line of sight between the two.
(See ITT’s Online Archives or 11/29/07 news, (Ref: 07112910), for BP
summary of CBP’s reminder of the upcoming WHTI effective dates.
See ITT's Online Archives or 06/26/07 and 07/06/07 news, (Ref: 07062635)
and (Ref: 07070640), for Parts I and II of BP's summary on the WHTI proposed
rule for the land and sea portion.)
See ITT’s Online Archives or 11/29/06 news, (Ref: 06112915), for BP
summary of the final rule implementing the WHTI requirements for U.S.
citizens and nonimmigrant aliens from Canada, Mexico or Bermuda departing from
or entering the U.S. from within the Western Hemisphere by air.)
DHS EDL Fact Sheet (dated
December 2007) available at http://www.dhs.gov/xnews/releases/pr_1196872524298.shtm
State Department/DHS press
release, dated 12/03/07, available at http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2007/dec/96151.htm
Published in ITT on December 12, 2007 | [Ref: 07121225] |
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