N.Y. to issue enhanced border licenses

ALBANY, N.Y., May 28 (UPI) -- New York state is offering motorists an "enhanced" driver's license that will contain the information needed to cross into Canada.

The higher-security licenses will cost an extra $30 and will be available this summer, Gov. David Paterson said in a written statement.

"The development of this license will help to ease long lines at our New York-Canada border crossings, allowing commerce to flow more freely and securely in and out of the state," Paterson said.

The Buffalo (N.Y.) News said Wednesday the state estimates that 1.6 million state residents will opt for the new licenses, which will be used instead of a passport for people returning from Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and the Caribbean.

The licenses are the result of an agreement between Albany and Washington struck last year. The News said a myriad of details, including security checks on the people who will be issuing the licenses, had to be worked out in the meantime.