Feedback: Longer Lines At The DMV?

If you thought the wait at the Department of Motor Vehicles was long enough already, brace yourself because it could get worse.

On September 16, the state will start issuing an Enhanced Driver License, which acts as a passport when crossing into Canada or Mexico.

If you want to get one, make sure you have a lot of identification and time.

Jefferson County Clerk Jo Ann Wilder says the new system can be complex and time consuming - not just for motorists, but also for employees.

“Right now everybody is just kind of pulling their hair out because there’s so many things to get done in a short period of time,” she said.

The U.S. is tightening up its border rules next summer and the EDL is supposed to be an inexpensive and simple way to cross legally.

But, because the U.S. Department of Homeland Security is involved in the program, more documentation is needed to get the license.

People need to bring along Social Security cards and be able to show proof of residency.

“Not only are you going to have to present these documents, but they’re all going to have to be scanned into the system. We have new equipment and every single one of these documents are going to have to be scanned into the system,” said Wilder.

In addition to new equipment and new requirements, DMV workers have had to undergo federal screening.

“Our staff had to go through a complete investigation. Everybody was finger-printed and had to go through an investigation with the state and also with the FBI,” said Wilder.

Wilder is concerned it could all add up to gridlock at the DMV.

To try to keep things moving, she has already requested two more employees for next year.

An EDL will cost you about $80, just $20 less than a passport, which not only works in Canada and Mexico, but all over the world.

If you’re looking to get an EDL, don’t look too hard yet.

Local DMVs have yet to receive the necessary forms and you can’t find them on the state’s DMV website.

The material could be available in a week or so.

Frequently Asked Questions About EDL

See Jeff Nelson’s report:

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