Michigan’s Enhanced Licenses Allow Easy Travel To Canada, But There’s One Catch

When I moved to Michigan, I knew there would be a time when I'd need to make a trip to, or through Canada. The proximity of the "Great White North" and our watery borders is just too close. Not to mention, if we want to get to New England in a timely manner, but don't want to fly, we have to cross through the Ontario Peninsula.

So, of course, I planned on updating my passport when I got here, but to my surprise, the Secretary of State's office told me I wouldn't need to, if I was just passing through Canada. All I needed was an Enhance License, and I could freely travel to and through Canada. But there was still one stipulation still that won't allow you to cross the border, even with your EDL.

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What is an Enhanced Driver's License?

Michigan is one of five northern states that allow Enhanced Driver's Licenses - Also included are Minnesota, New York, Vermont, and Washington.

Essentially, the licenses are state-issued that prove your U.S. Citizenship, and identity, while also serving as a low-cost option for entering the U.S. through Canada, Mexico, or the Caribbean.

The licenses also serve as an official federal identification, much like a passport, but it does only apply to those three regions.

So yes, actually, you could theoretically drive into Mexico with no hassle, so long as you have a Michigan license.

How do You Get an EDL?

The process is actually very simple, compared to applying for a passport. When you go to the Secretary of State's office in Michigan to get a license, part of the process is simply to request the EDL. It will cost you a little extra, but if you're someone who likes to travel, it's well worth it.

Also, it's good in a pinch if you accidentally get in the wrong lane in Detroit, and end up on the Ambassador Bridge.

What's the Catch?

Well, specifically, the EDLs allow a person to travel freely through borders of the United States with Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean... but ONLY by land or sea. So crossing the Great Lakes, the Gulf of Mexico, or even around the border in the Pacific Ocean on the west coast is fine... so long as you're in a car, or a boat.

You cannot fly across the borders with your EDL.

Even if you're just flying from Grand Rapids to Toronto, you will need a Passport to get to Canada. But that has to do more with the FAA than it does anything else.

But aside from that, the EDL is basically a little window to our neighbors to the north and south if we want, which is pretty cool if you ask me.