Washington's Enhanced Driver License, a hybrid driver license/identification card that doubles as a boarder crossing document, has been officially declared Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative compliant by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

The official declaration comes as Homeland Security announces the June 1, 2009 deadline for all boarder crossers to have a Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative compliant document to travel to Canada by land or by sea.

Washington is the first state in the nation to develop driver's license/identification card that can be used in lieu of a passport under Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative requirements. Several other states and Canadian provinces are modeling Washington's license program.

"Driving into Canada is a way of life for many Washington residents," said Liz Luce, the state licensing director. "This new program makes travel faster and easier for our citizens, while supporting necessary security and economic growth on both sides of the border."

Upon the implementation of Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, a core 9/11 Commission recommendation, travelers crossing the boarder by land or by sea will be required to present a single Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative-compliant document demoting both citizenship and identity. The license/identification card was proposed by Governor Chris Gregoire as a common sense way to increase security at the border while still allowing Washington's citizens and products to move quickly and freely across the border.

The license contains vicinity Radio Frequency Identification that helps speed entry at land and sea border crossing stations. It is issued by appointment at driver license offices around the state, and costs just $15 more than regular driver licenses and ID cards. Participation in the program is voluntary.

For more information, visit www.dol.wa.gov.