Fluff - Enhanced driver’s license

No, because the last time I renewed my license, I forgot to bring the needed paperwork. DD was with me and getting her first license and I was so focused on that, I forgot my stuff!

Mine expires this summer, so I'll do it then. I do have a valid passport that is good for seven more years.

Just got mine in the mail two days ago.

During quarantine I had to renew my license and the woman helping me scared me to death because she said by 2021 I wouldn’t be able to use my license to fly because federal law mandated all enhanced licenses I think by 2021. I say think because the date was pushed back.

Fast forward to divorced Scrappy a few weeks ago…. I need to change my name EVERYWHERE back to my maiden name (of course for banking reasons but more because I DO NOT want ex-dh’s name attached to my accomplishments when I become a judge) I went to the DMV with all of the required documents: birth certificate, SS card, divorce decree, utility bill and bank statement. Paid $40 and now I’m enhanced WITH MY OWN DAMN NAME.

(certain former married things make me ragey).



ETA: I had a real ID and the woman a few weeks ago said the enhanced was considered an upgrade. I think she meant for travel but who knows. I’m in NY.

I live in GA and have a Real ID, but we don't do Enhanced yet. Having said that, we all have passports because we cruise, so it's not a big deal for us. We'd have passports regardless.

Jen

If all your names don't match it's a PIA.  My husband went to renew his license a couple of years ago and they couldn't/wouldn't do it.  He came over to this country when he was eight and his first name was unpronounceable.  They basically said "pick a name."  So he picked "Joe." Everything since then had Joe on it, drivers license, college degree, all jobs, banking, credit cards, EVERYTHING.

The only things with the unpronounceable first name were his passport and naturalization papers. He had to jump through all sorts of hoops to get it done. Then also his social security stuff was under Joe. What a mess!!!  Finally got it done but the social security guy said he will probably never be able to get a credit card or go to college. Well he doesn't need either at his age so at least we don't have to deal with that. 

In Michigan, you renew every 4 years. When I renewed in 2018, I was told I would not be able to renew by mail next time and would need to go in to get the Real ID license. Then the pandemic happened. I figured by 2022, I'd still have to go in. When I got my renewal notice, it said "renew by mail." Ok. I will have to renew in person and make sure I have the necessary stuff in 2026.

Hopefully we won't be flying any time soon.

I don't know what Texas is calling it, but to renew mine this year I had to take in Social Security card, as well as birth certificate to renew.

I had the gold star already.

The new DL has a black/white photo rather than a color photo. I have still not adjusted to that when I have to present my DL.

Enhanced Drivers Licenses (EDLs) are state-issued enhanced drivers licenses that provide proof of identity and U.S. citizenship. They are issued in a secure process, and include technology that makes travel easier. EDLs are a low-cost, convenient option for entering the United States from Canada, Mexico or the Caribbean through a land or sea port of entry, in addition to serving as a permit to drive.

DHS has been working with individual states to enhance their drivers licenses and identification documents to comply with travel rules under the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), effective June 1, 2009.

EDLs make it easier for U.S. citizens to cross the border into the United States because they include:

A Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) chip that will signal a secure system to pull up your biographic and biometric data for the CBP officer as you approach the border inspection booth.
A Machine Readable Zone (MRZ) or barcode that the CBP officer can read electronically if RFID isn't available.

www.dhs.gov/enhanced-drivers-licenses-what-are-they