New Enhanced Drivers License

A new Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) can now substitute a passport for crossing the Canadian border. A bill authored by state Rep. Roger Reinert (DFL - Duluth) and state Sen. Tom Saxhaug (DFL - Grand Rapids) was signed into law by Governor PawlentyThursday at the state Capitol.

The bill would provide the EDL option for citizens traveling across the border by land or sea.

The new license would cost an additional $15, substituting a more expensive $100 passport at the Canadian border - saving money and reducing hassle for northern travelers.

"Right now to cross the border, Minnesotans have to pay $100 for a passport or $45 for a passport card just to cross the border," said Rep. Reinert. "That's choking off economic activity and travel vital to northland communities and businesses."

According to the Consulate General of Canada, Minnesota residents made 483,000 visits to Canada in 2006. More than 141,250 Minnesota jobs are supported by Canada-U.S. trade. And 28 percent of Minnesota's foreign-bound goods are purchased by Canada.

But Reinert says Minnesota stands to benefit more by helping Canadians more easily cross the border. He cites Canadians made more than 614,000 visits to Minnesota in 2006, spending $154 million.

"It's important to Canadians traveling south to stop or vacation in Duluth too," said Rep. Reinert. "Ontario uses the same EDL provision, but Canadians can't use it to cross the border until we pass this bill here in Minnesota. We want Canadians coming to Minnesota, and supporting local businesses. This new law will help make that happen."

State officials say the new license would do nothing to weaken national security. In fact, Minnesota has one of the hardest driver's licenses in the nation to counterfeit. The EDL would be as safe as any other document such as a Nexus card or a passport card.

Minnesotans can purchase the new license at DMV locations across Minnesota beginning June 1, 2012.