Ontario plans to eliminate enhanced drivers licences used at border. Ontario government plans to eliminate enhanced drivers. The ontario enhanced driver s licence edl is a passport alternative only for ontario drivers who are canadian citizens crossing into the united states at land or water border entry points. Can i use a driver license to drive into mexico or canada. Each one qualifies you to drive a different type of vehicle. The enhanced driver s licence edl was a travel document that acted as proof of identity and citizenship when traveling to the united states by road or water. Citizenship and immigration canada cic has worked closely with the canada border services agency cbsa to support interested provinces and territories in the development and implementation of the enhanced drivers licence edl andor the enhanced identification card eic. We have extended validation to expired and expiring drivers licences, health cards, ontario photo cards, licence plate stickers, accessible parking permits and many more products.
Enhanced drivers license niagara falls forum tripadvisor. New alberta drivers licences, id cards with enhanced. These provinces earlier agreed to make available enhanced documents such as a drivers licence or an identification card that meets the requirements of the western hemisphere travel initiative, allowing canadian citizens to use the identification to facilitate land or water travel between canada and the united states us. English, enhanced drivers licence in canadian english, or enhanced id in other common usage, is a card which functions both as driving licence and id card with limited passport features issued in some states in the united states 1 and some provinces in canada 2 to people who are both citizens of the country and residents in the. It serves you as both drivers license and as a travel document between the canada and united states of america while you are travelling by road or water. The enhanced driver s licence was developed by the ontario government, in consultation with the government of canada and united states government, as a passport alternative for ontarians who are canadian citizens to use when entering the u. The driving area has plate sticker renewal, drivers license renewal, pay defaulted fines and drivers license reinstatement, vehicle registration. Has anyone had experience crossing the border with an enhanced drivers license.
To legally drive a car in canada, youll need a drivers licence issued by the government of your province or territory. The expiry date is on the front of your edl other travel documents. This information will help you understand which bus licence you need and the steps you need to take to get your class b, c, e or f licence. Ontario plans to eliminate enhanced drivers licences used. Toronto ontario is proposing to eliminate an enhanced driver s licence that allows people to enter the united states at land and water border crossings without a passport.
Welcome to our new and improved comments, which are for subscribers only. There is some bad information about canadian citizens with foreign licenses and foreign vehicles. The ministry of transportation of ontario mto is proposing to amend the photo card act and the highway traffic act to discontinue ontarios. This is a test to see whether we can improve the experience for you.
Enhanced drivers licence enhanced identification card. Driving in ontario ontario drivers license the canada. First, there is a written test on standard ontario driving laws that you need to pass to obtain your g1 drivers license. Ontario enhanced drivers licence edl program officially ceased when i went to update my licence today i was informed the program was officially ended today. A driver may hold a licence in more than one class. The enhanced drivers licence was developed by the ontario government, in consultation with the government of canada and united states government, as a passport alternative for ontarians who are canadian citizens to use when entering the u.
Enhanced drivers licence edl and enhanced identification card eic. Get a bus drivers licence if you want to drive a bus or ambulance in ontario, you need a commercial bus drivers licence. Changing to an enhanced driver s licence is completely voluntary. The edl card is similar in appearance to the regular ontario drivers licence with the addition of the symbol can which denotes canadian citizenship, the title on. In the past, it was possible for americans to drive into mexico or canada using only a standard stateissued driver license and a birth certificate. Ontario proposes dropping enhanced drivers licenses the enhanced drivers license that lets ontarians cross the border without a passport could be on its way out. If you want an edl for your first wa driver license, you must pass both the knowledge and driving test if you already have a valid driver license from wa or another state, you dont need to pass the knowledge or driving test unless you have a medical or physical condition that indicates testing is required.
You need a valid drivers license and proof of auto insurance to drive a car in canada, but a drivers license and insurance from the united states are also valid in canada. Ontario enhanced drivers licence for air travel within usa. See the quick check chart below to see what class of licence you need to drive different vehicles. Changing to an enhanced drivers licence is completely voluntary.
G drivers license road test route kitchener ontario duration. This is a card under the western hemisphere travel initiative whti that has security features and technology that make travel a lot easier and safer. Toronto ontario is proposing to eliminate an enhanced drivers licence that allows people to enter the united states at land and water border crossings without a passport. Service ontario service locations,service ontario hours. Yes canada accepts us drivers licenses as valid, as long as the license itself is valid. An enhanced drivers licence in canadian english, enhanced drivers license edl in u.
The department of homeland security dhs and the department of state jointly created the western hemisphere travel initiative whti, a new system that they claim allows the government to keep a closer eye on who is crossing. They provide travelers with a lowcost, convenient alternative for entering the united states from canada, mexico or the caribbean through a land or sea port of entry, in. New residents of ontario may only apply after residing in the province for 60 days. Traffic makes its way to ambassador bridge that connects canada to the. The enhanced drivers licence edl was a travel document that acted as proof of identity and citizenship when traveling to the united states by road or water. If you have just immigrated into ontario from another country, or you are preparing to do so, it is possible for you to exchange your drivers license for a full ontario license. Border crossing rules for niagara falls, new york usa today. You may apply for other travel documents, such as a.
I dont drive here i dont own a car so i never bothered to exchange it. Enhanced security features government of nova scotia, canada. Enhanced drivers license is an upgrade of regular ontario drivers license. From june 1, new american security regulations require anyone entering the u.
To legally drive a car in canada, youll need a driver s licence issued by the government of your province or territory. Edls are available to canadian citizens residing in british columbia and manitoba, and formerly in ontario and quebec. Enhanced drivers licence an enhanced drivers licence is an upgrade to an ontario drivers licence that can be used as a travel document between canada and. For example, if you pass the g1 test, you will get a g2 licence. But my license is expiring again and i may simply try to get an ontario license instead or renewing my nys one again. Ontario to eliminate enhanced drivers licences used at. Evaluation of ontarios enhanced senior driver renewal. If you have a valid edl, you can use it until it is expired or needs to be replaced. Enhanced drivers license first time cruisers cruise. Read detailed information for outofcountry drivers on the drivetest website.
Ontario government plans to eliminate enhanced drivers licences. Frances ilari, senior safety research advisor, ontario ministry of transportation overview of ontarios evaluation of a revised renewal program for senior drivers age 80 and above. It accepts that license regardless of your citizenship. You can get a ticket for fail to notify change of address if you get stopped and the officer finds out that.
The enhanced drivers license is a costeffective and convenient document that meets driving, identification and bordercrossing needs. You can also choose to apply for an ontario drivers licence as a new driver. The enhanced license which is essentially just a minipassport should probably be mailed to you by then, but theres no guarantee. Can i use the mailing address for a drivers license in. Michigan to ontario canada border crossing information. If you have an edl and wish to make any changes, or your licence has expired you will be. The g1 is basically a learners permit, as once you have it you are allowed to. A stateissued enhanced drivers license edl provides travelers not only a license to drive but also a proof of identity and citizenship when exiting and reentering the united states borders. The new drivers licence and photo id cards have design and security features to help prevent identity theft and fraud. How to apply for an ontario enhanced drivers licence. The ontario government worked with the canadian and united states governments to develop the ontario enhanced drivers licence edl as an accepted secure document under the whti. English, or enhanced id in other common usage, is a card which functions both as driving licence and id card with limited passport features issued in some provinces in canada, in some states in the united states, and for the people who are both citizens of the country and residents in the relevant region. An enhanced driver s licence in canadian english, enhanced driver s license edl in u. These two travel documents will meet the bordercrossing requirements of both canada and the us verifying identity and citizenship.
Each one gives you fewer restrictions on your ability to drive in the province. Ontario enhanced drivers licence edl program officially. The class of licence you have must match the type of vehicle you are driving. Does greyhound accept an ontario edl instead of a canadian passport as valid id for travel between. Top 10 donts when crossing the us and canada border duration. Ontario is proposing to eliminate an enhanced drivers licence that allows people to. I dont think you can pay to rush it last minute travel services are handled by passport canada with a normal passport. However, visitors from other countries are advised to get an international drivers license and will need to purchase insurance to rent a car.
Ontario is proposing to eliminate an enhanced drivers licence that. Ontario is proposing to eliminate an enhanced drivers licence that allows people to enter the united states at land and water border crossings without a passport. Ontario proposes dropping enhanced drivers licenses. New alberta drivers licences, id cards with enhanced security features. In ontario, there are 15 different licence classes. Even though i moved to canada 15 years ago, i still have my new york drivers license still valid. Learn about driving licenses, car insurance, driving laws and rules, buying or leasing a car and safety. How covid19 could change canadas grocery landscape forever. The provinces of quebec, manitoba, ontario and british columbia.
Foreign drivers license exchange in ontario the canada. Switching to an enhanced drivers licence is a matter of choice. Changeable laser image feature that enables two or more images to occupy the same area polycarbonate card body more durable, secure and. Sos applying for an enhanced drivers license over 18. A valid passport or nexus card is still required to enter the united states by air. Do i need to pass the knowledge or driving tests to get an enhanced driver license. Enhanced driver s licence an enhanced driver s licence is an upgrade to an ontario driver s licence that can be used as a travel document between canada and the united states of america when travelling by road or water. Your original license has to be from a country that has an exchange agreement with canada, and must be higher than a. It seems its the much cheaper option than obtaining a passport but obviously we dont want any hassles when we arrive. It is a federally approved document that allows you to reenter the u. Drivers from out of province must obtain an ontario drivers licence if staying more than 90 days.
Citizenship and immigration canada cic has worked closely with the canada border services agency cbsa to support interested provinces and territories in the development and implementation of the enhanced driver s licence edl andor the enhanced identification card eic. Drivers licences, plate stickers, health cards, birth certificates and other services provided by the ontario government. My advice is to get a passport this week and be certain. Any us citizen who is a resident of michigan can apply for an enhanced drivers license and a state identification card.
Serviceontario centres in seven border communities, as well as two in toronto, offer the enhanced licence. To get an ontario drivers license, there are three exams in the graduated licensing program that you need to pass. The ontario enhanced drivers licence edl is a passport alternative only for ontario drivers who are canadian citizens crossing into the united states at land or water border entry points. You may apply for other travel documents, such as a canadian passport, epassport, fast or nexus. A us passport, passport card, enhanced driver license or an enhanced id card edlid is. Stateissued enhanced drivers licenses edls provide proof of identity and u. In order to cross into the canadian side of niagara falls and return to new york, you must have either a valid u. An edl will also suffice as proof of identity and citizenship. Can i use my california drivers license in alberta, canada. Starting june 2009, ontario began issuing enhanced drivers licences edls as an option to residents upon request. You can register both a mailing address and a residence address with the mto but your licence is supposed to show where you actually live.
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