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Post by compeateropeator on Jan 27, 2023 15:09:54 GMT
I love to hear how/what things differ between states. I had to renew my driver’s License this year and actually go in for a new photo. Since I had to go in anyway I decided to upgrade my license to an enhanced driver’s license, which meant going through a ton of paper I had looking for my birth certificate copy (which is why I had put it off for years. Hahaha). You can use the EDL to enter Canada via roads and waterways and it saves you from having to have your passport. This is more convenient, especially if you are just going for the day or a few hours.
So my question is does your state give you the option of an enhanced driver’s license or is it mainly only states that border Canada?
I think it can also be used for Mexico but I am not sure on that and have not looked it up. What do those of you on the Southern Border use if you are traveling by vehicle to Mexico?
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iowgirl
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,133
Jun 25, 2014 22:52:46 GMT
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Post by iowgirl on Jan 27, 2023 15:17:40 GMT
Since I had to go in anyway I decided to upgrade my license to an enhanced driver’s license, which meant going through a ton of paper I had looking for my birth certificate copy (which is why I had put it off for years. Hahaha). UGH! THIS! I didn't get the enhanced last time, because off all the dang paperwork I needed. I just need to sit down and get everything ordered that I need. I need to have my birth certificate AND my marriage license official copies. I will have to order them, since I don't live anywhere close and I have no idea where our marriage license is. I do have an official birth certificate. It just chaps my hide that I need my marriage license. I have had an Iowa DL for 35 years. So my question is does your state give you the option of an enhanced driver’s license or is it mainly only states that border Canada? I am sure it is every state, since it is a Federal project. You will need the EDL or "Real ID" that has the gold star to enter any Federal facility. Commercial aircraft are Federally regulated - so you can't get on one without the Real ID with the gold star, starting May 2025 (which has been pushed back, it was supposed to start much sooner). The only thing that would be a positive in not having it, would be if I ever got called for Federal jury duty. LOL - sorry, I can't go in the Federal Court house! Grrr... LOL
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Post by compeateropeator on Jan 27, 2023 15:34:27 GMT
Thanks for the information iowgirl. Obviously google is not my friend because I didn’t even try to look it up. Hahaha. I think I will try and add a poll to see who has them. 😄
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Post by workingclassdog on Jan 27, 2023 15:48:13 GMT
I never had to do anything and it's been on my DL for a few years. I never had to bring in anything that I remember. I actually had to look at my DL to see if that star was on it. (I think it is a star symbol). But I have it. (Colorado State)
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garcia5050
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,729
Location: So. Calif.
Jun 25, 2014 23:22:29 GMT
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Post by garcia5050 on Jan 27, 2023 15:53:15 GMT
I didn’t do it because my renewal was early in the pandemic and I decided to renew by mail. I have a passport that expires around the same time as my next renewal, so I can continue to use that. At my next renewal, I’ll definitely do it. I have gone to Mexico and carried my passport, but I’ve never had to show it at the border crossing.
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Post by MichyM on Jan 27, 2023 15:57:51 GMT
WA state. I got mine a long time ago, 12-13 years probably. The only problem for me back then, is even with an appointment, I waited two or three hours for my turn.
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Post by compeateropeator on Jan 27, 2023 16:05:40 GMT
WA state. I got mine a long time ago, 12-13 years probably. The only problem for me back then, is even with an appointment, I waited two or three hours for my turn. Yeah I have been putting it off for a lot of years 😄 and have relied on my passport when I needed to fly or go to Canada - which seems to be the only time I have needed one. Glad to finally get it done and off the list.
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Post by littlemama on Jan 27, 2023 16:09:40 GMT
Yes, I have an enhanced license which also works as Real ID. Ds does as well. When dh tried to get his, they wouldnt accept his short form Birth Cert (they absolutely accepted mine), so he didnt get it. We got passports and passport cards shortly thereafter.
Enhanced License is to cross into Canada and I think Mexico, so that wouldnt be needed in non-border states. Real ID is the one being required for air travel in the future
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Post by compeateropeator on Jan 27, 2023 16:12:46 GMT
Yes, I have an enhanced license which also works as Real ID. Ds does as well. When dh tried to get his, they wouldnt accept his short form Birth Cert (they absolutely accepted mine), so he didnt get it. We got passports and passport cards shortly thereafter. Enhanced License is to cross into Canada and I think Mexico, so that wouldnt be needed in non-border states. Real ID is the one being required for air travel in the future Are they not the same (interchangeable)?
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Post by Spongemom Scrappants on Jan 27, 2023 16:15:21 GMT
I wasn't familiar with the term 'enhanced driver's license' and in looking it up, it appears to function much like a passport card. The enhanced driver's license is not available in our state.
My husband, our son at home, and I all got the Real ID driver's license about three years ago. We had to update our licenses any way because we bought a new house, so it was a fortuitous time to do it. We all have passports as well, but this is easier for domestic ID purposes.
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Post by katlady on Jan 27, 2023 16:19:57 GMT
I have to Google what an Enhanced license is. Apparently only 5 states (MI, MN, NY, WA, VT) issue them right now. California is looking to get them soon. I do have a Real ID, but not an Enhanced one.
A Real ID is not the same as an Enhanced ID!
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Post by littlemama on Jan 27, 2023 16:20:33 GMT
Yes, I have an enhanced license which also works as Real ID. Ds does as well. When dh tried to get his, they wouldnt accept his short form Birth Cert (they absolutely accepted mine), so he didnt get it. We got passports and passport cards shortly thereafter. Enhanced License is to cross into Canada and I think Mexico, so that wouldnt be needed in non-border states. Real ID is the one being required for air travel in the future Are they not the same (interchangeable)? Im honestly not sure. I thought (and I could be wrong) that RealID could be added to a regular license in non-border states. An enhanced license from a border state can be used as Real ID. In the end, I think they do the same thing.
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Post by workingclassdog on Jan 27, 2023 16:31:10 GMT
Oh I am confused.. are there two different things going on? I thought the enhanced license has a star on it? Is there something else? Okay for Colorado: The star at the top right corner of your Colorado-issued driver license or identification card indicates that you are REAL ID compliant. Enhanced is not available for CO. Which katlady already said..
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Post by epeanymous on Jan 27, 2023 16:33:39 GMT
No. Maybe I will at some point but I figure for now if it suddenly becomes necessary I do have a passport.
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Post by tampascrapper on Jan 27, 2023 16:33:44 GMT
If enhanced means Real ID, I got it a couple of years ago
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Post by revirdsuba99 on Jan 27, 2023 16:33:56 GMT
I have the Real ID. Got it in Jan 2020. Unknowingly it allowed me to stay home for 2 years..
I had an appointment. I went right in. I was there well over 3 hours. The computer was having difficulty putting in my address etc. She had to scan every document to be rejected. They did offer me a chair and even a snack.. Long wait, super nice people. Turned out well.
I was able to renew by mail Oct 2021.
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Post by MichyM on Jan 27, 2023 16:34:38 GMT
Yes, I have an enhanced license which also works as Real ID. Ds does as well. When dh tried to get his, they wouldnt accept his short form Birth Cert (they absolutely accepted mine), so he didnt get it. We got passports and passport cards shortly thereafter. Enhanced License is to cross into Canada and I think Mexico, so that wouldnt be needed in non-border states. Real ID is the one being required for air travel in the future A FYI: Many enhanced DL (if not all) meet the real ID criteria. Mine included.
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pantsonfire
Pearl Clutcher
Take a step back, evaluate what is important, and enjoy your life with those who you love.
Posts: 4,762
Jun 19, 2022 16:48:04 GMT
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Post by pantsonfire on Jan 27, 2023 16:38:41 GMT
Nope. Just a regular DL. I am not going through the hassel because I don't travel.
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Post by compeateropeator on Jan 27, 2023 16:41:08 GMT
Oh I am confused.. are there two different things going on? I thought the enhanced license has a star on it? Is there something else? You and me too. 😄. So I guess I should have done a little google research before posting. It does seem as there is a difference between a real ID (the one with a star) and an EDL. I am in VT so I just assumed the Enhanced drivers license, which I got, was also the real ID license…but it is not. I learned something about my state today also. Hahaha.
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iowgirl
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,133
Jun 25, 2014 22:52:46 GMT
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Post by iowgirl on Jan 27, 2023 16:42:03 GMT
I have to Google what an Enhanced license is. Apparently only 5 states (MI, MN, NY, WA, VT) issue them right now. California is looking to get them soon. I do have a Real ID, but not an Enhanced one. A Real ID is not the same as an Enhanced ID! OH! I didn't even think that they were not the same thing! Iowa has the Real ID.
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Post by Restless Spirit on Jan 27, 2023 16:49:02 GMT
I don’t have either, nor do I have a passport. I no longer travel, so it’s a nonissue. When I moved to this state 10+ years ago it was a royal pain to get a driver’s license (including having to take a written test). I don’t plan on doing that ever again.
FYI - in my state when they say “marriage license”, they do not mean the pretty little marriage certificate that you, your witnesses and minister sign at the wedding. It has to be a certified copy of the marriage license you filed at the county court house. No copies. The marriage license is mandatory for a woman that changes her name. Another good reason *not* to change your name.
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Post by huskermom98 on Jan 27, 2023 17:39:31 GMT
My license expires this year so I will probably look into getting the Real ID this time around. I know I have a copy of my birth certificate because I got my passport last year, but not sure about our marriage certificate.
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MDscrapaholic
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,369
Location: Down by the bay....
Jun 25, 2014 20:49:07 GMT
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Post by MDscrapaholic on Jan 27, 2023 17:43:57 GMT
I have the Real ID license. Maryland required me to get it when my license expired a few years ago. It was a hassle to get all the paperwork together, but it didn’t take long at the DMV.
edited to add: switched my answer from yes to no, as the Enhanced is different from the Real.
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Post by Jen in NCal on Jan 27, 2023 17:47:22 GMT
I have the Real ID. Got it in Jan 2020. Unknowingly it allowed me to stay home for 2 years.. I had an appointment. I went right in. I was there well over 3 hours. The computer was having difficulty putting in my address etc. She had to scan every document to be rejected. They did offer me a chair and even a snack.. Long wait, super nice people. Turned out well. I was able to renew by mail Oct 2021. So you're the reason! No, actually we both are the reason. I got mine in Jan 2020 also.
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RosieKat
Drama Llama
PeaJect #12
Posts: 5,396
Jun 25, 2014 19:28:04 GMT
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Post by RosieKat on Jan 27, 2023 17:50:58 GMT
A Real ID is not the same as an Enhanced ID! Yes, that threw me at first! I have a RealID but not EDL.
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Post by **GypsyGirl** on Jan 27, 2023 18:20:06 GMT
I have had a Real ID license for the past 10 years or so (Texas). There is no Enhanced DL here. I wouldn't bother with one anyway as the only advantage is the ability to cross with border with just the EDL. If I cross any borders, it will be via airplane. The Real ID license covers you for boarding flights and entering Federal buildings.
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Post by MichyM on Jan 27, 2023 18:34:34 GMT
I’m bothered when people make blanket statements that are not true.
So, for clarity’s sake, this:
"Enhanced Driver's Licenses (EDL) issued by Washington, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, and Vermont are considered acceptable alternatives to REAL ID-compliant cards and will also be accepted for official REAL ID purposes. Most EDLs do not contain the star marking and this is acceptable."
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Post by busy on Jan 27, 2023 18:40:16 GMT
We don't have EDLs in Oregon, so no, I don't have one. I also don't have REAL ID yet - Oregon took forever to start issuing it and I wasn't inclined to go to DMV during covid. But, my ID expires in May, so I'll get REAL ID this time.
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Post by finsup on Jan 27, 2023 19:07:35 GMT
I just got my Real ID for my recent license renewal. I only had to show passport, current license, and proof of address (I used my car registration) so the paperwork was easy. I made an appointment online, walked in the DMV and past all the peons who didn’t know you could do that 😝 and was in and out in less than 15 minutes. My new card came in the mail yesterday and my husband asked, “How’s the photo?” I said, “Terrible. It looks just like me.”
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Post by cadoodlebug on Jan 27, 2023 20:39:36 GMT
Real ID is the one being required for air travel in the future Do you think it will ever come to pass? The government keeps kicking it down the road. I think the new deadline is 2025.
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