Got my enhanced driver license in the mail today. Embedded with RFID, it’s a passport and a license in one card… Cool, eh? Q. How does the card work?A. The EDL contains a radio frequency identification chip with a randomly chosen number that represents the owner. Hold up the card as you approach the booth (a sign tells you when), and the chip gets read.Q. Then what?A. The computer pulls up information about you, which is read by the customs agent. By the time you reach the booth, the agent knows basic information about you, including your name, citizenship, residence, age, etc. Having this information available before you drive up can eliminate a lot of questions and save time.Q. What else can it tell the agent?A. It can alert him if you’re wanted by the police. This information has always been available to border patrol agents, even with a regular driver’s license. Q. Is the EDL valid for all forms of transportation?A. No, only for driving or travel by sea to Canada, Mexico or the Caribbean. It does not cover air travel; for that you will still need a valid passport.

Got my enhanced driver license in the mail today. Embedded with RFID, it’s a passport and a license in one card… Cool, eh?

Q. How does the card work?

A. The EDL contains a radio frequency identification chip with a randomly chosen number that represents the owner. Hold up the card as you approach the booth (a sign tells you when), and the chip gets read.

Q. Then what?

A. The computer pulls up information about you, which is read by the customs agent. By the time you reach the booth, the agent knows basic information about you, including your name, citizenship, residence, age, etc. Having this information available before you drive up can eliminate a lot of questions and save time.

Q. What else can it tell the agent?

A. It can alert him if you’re wanted by the police. This information has always been available to border patrol agents, even with a regular driver’s license.

Q. Is the EDL valid for all forms of transportation?

A. No, only for driving or travel by sea to Canada, Mexico or the Caribbean. It does not cover air travel; for that you will still need a valid passport.