Enhanced Driver's License Vs Passport

Only a couple weeks away from my trip to Memphis, and starting my training with Swift. I was told by a friend that the Syracuse Terminal sends regular loads into Canada (Toronto and Montreal) and to make sure my passport is up to date. While I do not have a passport, I do have an enhanced DL. Would this still qualify? I never really though about it until today, when it was mentioned. I want to maximize my value, to be able to take whatever load is available to me.

This is one of those things, that in my excitement to finally have the ball rolling, I never considered. It's my own fault, but I am now sitting firmly in the greenhorn seat, and have lots to learn.

You'll definitely want a passport. The problem isn't getting into Canada, it's getting back in the U.S. We have some incredibly screwed up laws.

Only a couple weeks away from my trip to Memphis, and starting my training with Swift. I was told by a friend that the Syracuse Terminal sends regular loads into Canada (Toronto and Montreal) and to make sure my passport is up to date. While I do not have a passport, I do have an enhanced DL. Would this still qualify? I never really though about it until today, when it was mentioned. I want to maximize my value, to be able to take whatever load is available to me.

This is one of those things, that in my excitement to finally have the ball rolling, I never considered. It's my own fault, but I am now sitting firmly in the greenhorn seat, and have lots to learn.

Keep us informed about this because I'm interested in the result. I've got an enhanced license too, but went ahead and got the passport after the first recruiter I called had no idea what it was. The enhanced license has the same uses and restrictions as a passport card, right? So should be able to be used the same?

Actually, if you don't mind my piggybacking, is it worth it to get a FAST card if you have an enchanced license, TWIC , and a passport?

This us from my State dmv website...

As the name suggests, an enhanced driver's license (EDL) is a driver license with a few extra perks. For example, an EDL resembles a passport card in that it: Offers both convenience and easy portability. Provides proof of: Identification. U.S. citizenship. Allows you to re-enter the U.S. from Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean. Also like a passport card, an EDL is accepted only at land and sea border crossings—not for air travel. It also contains radio-frequency microchipping that uniquely identifies you in Customs and Border Protection (CBP) databases, which should promote a more expeditious cross. They are also in full compliance with the new Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) security measures.

I can't find how it effects cmv's, but will go to the boarder crossing here, and ask.

I think getting a FAST card is just a good idea, regardless. Shorter wait times at crossing are never bad.

Today, I spoke with the DMV representative about using the enhanced DL for commercial purposes. She said that the most local drivers who cross back and forth into Canada regularly, for work, do so with the Enhanced DL. She was not sure if any of them also had passports, but assured me, that I shouldn't have any problems.

While this is still not 100% confirmed, I will check with Swift, once I make it through school, and orientation.

A FAST card seems to me a waste of $50. I don't have one and have been to Canada three times now; I've not spent more than three minutes at the border crossing back into the U.S.

I know nothing about an enhamced dl, but i am certain a fast card is a passport with limited ability to enter foreign soils. As examples: canada and mexico, no problem... England, need a passport... China, passport and visa.

I hold both and a twic due to past employment.

The FAST card is the commercial driver version of NEXUS, or at least very similar. If you're going to cross the border often in a CMV , you want FAST. If you also travel out of the country for vacation, you might want to get Global Entry at the same time as it can be done with the same app, same fingerprints, and same interview with CBP. As for the original question, I'd get both. Your company is likely to want you to have a passport if you're going to cross the border. But the government would let you cross with the enchanced license, should you somehow forget your passport or something.

Dave

This us from my State dmv website...

As the name suggests, an enhanced driver's license (EDL) is a driver license with a few extra perks. For example, an EDL resembles a passport card in that it: Offers both convenience and easy portability. Provides proof of: Identification. U.S. citizenship. Allows you to re-enter the U.S. from Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean. Also like a passport card, an EDL is accepted only at land and sea border crossings—not for air travel. It also contains radio-frequency microchipping that uniquely identifies you in Customs and Border Protection (CBP) databases, which should promote a more expeditious cross. They are also in full compliance with the new Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) security measures.

I can't find how it effects cmv's, but will go to the boarder crossing here, and ask.

I think getting a FAST card is just a good idea, regardless. Shorter wait times at crossing are never bad.

I had my enhanced license from NY prior to coming to school. Idk how swift is, if you do not have a cdl and you're getting it from another state, it may not be worth the bother. My state license was 'voided' and since I had just done my renewal and enhancement, out went $100 lol. I crossed Canada's border with jus my enhanced, no problems. It's not meant for air travel across country boundaries.

I know nothing about an enhamced dl, but i am certain a fast card is a passport with limited ability to enter foreign soils. As examples: canada and mexico, no problem... England, need a passport... China, passport and visa.

I hold both and a twic due to past employment.