Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative and
Enhanced Driver's License

The Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 (IRTPA) required the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Department of State to develop and implement a plan to require all travelers, U.S. citizens and foreign nationals alike, to present a passport or other secure document or combination of documents that denote identity and citizenship when entering or re-entering the United States. 

The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) is the plan to implement this mandate. This travel initiative is being implemented in phases:

• WHTI requirements are in effect, as of Jan. 23, 2007, for air travel.
• Beginning January 31, 2008, DHS will require U.S. and Canadian citizens to present either a WHTI-compliant document or government-issued photo identification, such as a driver's license, and proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate, to enter the United States at land and sea ports of entry.
• DHS anticipates fully implementing WHTI in 2008, whereby travelers will need WHTI-compliant documents – a passport, a passport card, a NEXUS card, or other acceptable document as defined in the WHTI final rule – for land and sea border crossings.  DHS will consider a number of factors in determining the date for full implementation including the availability of WHTI-compliant documents.

The goal of the initiative is to strengthen U.S. border security while facilitating entry for U.S. citizens and legitimate foreign visitors by providing standardized documentation that enables the Department of Homeland Security to quickly and reliably identify a traveler.

DHS also continue to work with states to enhance the security of driver's licenses under the REAL ID Act. Drivers' licenses are the primary form of identification in our country and DHS wants to be certain these documents are not easily forged or misused, and that consistent security standards are in place for their production.  DHS is also actively engaging several states, including Washington, Vermont, and Arizona, (and is in discussions with several others) to develop a more secure, enhanced driver's license that will strengthen border security and facilitate entry into the U.S.

DHS signed a Memorandum of Agreement with the State of Washington to launch a pilot program that will enhance the security of state driver's licenses and potentially serve as an acceptable alternative document for crossing the United States' land and sea borders.  The Washington pilot program is one possible compliance alternative to Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) requirements.

Under the agreement, the state of Washington will develop an enhanced driver's license that will provide Washington residents, who voluntarily apply and qualify, with a document that is acceptable for use at U.S. land and sea ports. The Washington State enhanced driver's license will be slightly more expensive than a standard Washington state driver's license and will require proof of citizenship, identity, and residence, as well as contain security features similar to a U.S. passport.

More resources

Fact Sheet: Strengthening Border Security and Facilitating Entry into the United States. Fact sheet covering WHTI Implementation for Cross-Border Travel by Land and Sea (June 20, 2007).

DHS information on traveling and travel documents.