3/30/07-Gov. Chris Gregoire signed a bill into law late last month that is aimed at easing border crossings into British Columbia, Canada. The new law authorizes a new "enhanced" driver's license for truckers and other drivers to use in place of a passport.
Starting in January, residents can begin applying for the enhanced licenses that will contain radio-frequency identification devices, or RFIDs. The devices will allow border guards to check proof of citizenship and search federal databanks, including criminal records.
The cost to obtain the alternative licenses will be $40.
The new law, previously HB1289, took effect immediately.