B.C.'s new Enhanced Driver's Licence
If you are planning a trip into the U.S. by land or water in the next few weeks, we are recommending that you take your passport or alternate proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate, along with your Enhanced Driver's Licence (EDL). As the EDL program is very new, this precautionary measure will help prevent any interruptions in your travel plans.
Border officials at Canada Border Services Agency and U.S. Customs and Border Protection continue to communicate to front-line border officers to ensure all personnel processing travellers at the U.S. and Canadian borders are fully aware of the agreement to accept EDL cards as valid ID for travelling in the U.S. and back into Canada. However, as this is the beginning of the test phase of EDL, it is possible that some border officers may not yet be familiar with the program.
We appreciate your patience and participation in the test phase of the EDL program.
If you have any questions phone 1-800-950-1498 (toll free), or contact us by e-mail.
Thank you for joining the B.C. Enhanced Driver's Licence program.
ICBC is currently testing Canada's first enhanced driver's licence (EDL) with 500 B.C. volunteer drivers. EDL card-holders can use their EDL as a licence to drive and as a valid travel document for entry from Canada into the U.S. by land or water. A passport is still required to enter the U.S. by air.
ICBC, in partnership with the federal and provincial government, will review the test results with the view to expand the program to all Canadian citizens residing in B.C. in Spring 2009. This will include the introduction of an enhanced B.C. Identity Card for Canadian citizens who are non-drivers.
Additional updates on B.C.'s EDL will be posted on icbc.com as they become available.
Please read our EDL Questions and Answers or the download the EDL Participant Guide.
