CLEVELAND — When it comes to travel and required identification, it can get confusing as to what you need, depending on whether you’re traveling in the air or on the land.
THE QUESTION
So today, we're VERIFYING the answer to this question from 3News viewer William Weagraff: "Is there a driver's license that permits travel to Canada without a passport?"
THE SOURCES
Our sources for this answer are:
- Lindsey Bohrer from the Ohio Department of Public Safety
- The Department of Homeland Security
THE EXPLANATION
Lindsey explained to us that there are three types of identification involved in this question: a standard identification card, a "REAL ID," and an enhanced driver's license.
To get a standard driver's license or ID, you need to show proof of full name, date of birth, social security number, legal status, and Ohio residential address.
Right now, you can use a standard ID to fly within the United States, but that standard ID won't get you into Canada without a passport. The Homeland Security website tells us that starting on May 7, 2025, U.S. travelers will need a compliant REAL ID to board domestic flights and access certain federal facilities.
To get a REAL ID, you have to prove the same things as you would for a standard ID, but the documents you can use to prove them are different. Also, a REAL ID still won't get you into Canada without a passport.
About enhanced driver's licenses, Lindsey told us:
"A state-issued enhanced driver's license provides proof of identity and U.S. citizenship when crossing the U.S. border in a vehicle. Ohio law allows for issuing an enhanced driver license. However, the us customs and border patrol is the authority on identifying the states that can participate in the enhanced driver license program."
As a border state, Ohio is eligible, but Lindsey also told us:
"Ohio has reached out to understand how to become a participating state and the CBP indicated that it would need additional funding and the process can take several years. There is no timeline for when ohio will become a participant."
THE ANSWER
So we can VERIFY that there is a driver's license that permits travel to Canada without a passport.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Ohio just isn't part of that program yet, and we don't know when it will be. Right now, EDLs are only available in Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont, and Washington.
