State Of Vermont To Use Enhanced Driver’s License Solution

Digimarc Corp. announced recently it has been selected by Vermont to provide the State with an Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL) solution that can be used in the State’s border crossing program with the Department of Homeland Security.

Vermont will work with Digimarc to produce and issue an EDL that gives Vermont citizens the convenience of using a single credential for identity, driving and travel to leave and enter the country by land or sea. The program is approved by DHS, which allows the use of Enhanced Driver’s Licenses -- rather than a separate and more expensive PASS card or passport -- for land and sea border points. Washington State, the first jurisdiction to issue EDLs in North America, successfully deployed the Digimarc solution earlier this year.

“Travel and trade with our Canadian neighbors to the north is a very important part of Vermont’s economy, which is why the Department of Motor Vehicles is committed to providing Vermont residents an Enhanced Driver License option that can be used when re-entering the country by land or sea,” said Bonnie Rutledge, commissioner, Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles. “We are pleased to be working with Digimarc, the leader in Enhanced Driver License solutions, to extend our current driver license system with a proven and cost-effective EDL option for our citizens.”

”We are very excited to be working with Vermont to provide an Enhanced Driver License solution that helps the State verify an applicant’s identity before issuing a valid and secure driver license and offers citizens the convenience of using just one multi-purpose document for traveling over land and sea border crossing points,” said Bob Eckel, president, ID Systems, Digimarc. “Digimarc’s proven EDL solution is already being successfully used in Washington, and we look forward to partnering with Vermont, another long-time customer, to deliver this convenient and cost-effective alternative to the use of a passport or special 'PASS' card for border crossing.”

States like Vermont and Washington offering Enhanced Driver Licenses are responding to the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative that, after June 1, 2009, will require a federally issued passport or passport card document to cross the border. The DHS-approved dual-purpose EDL takes advantage of the in-person driver license application process, delivering convenience and security to card holders.

Enhanced Driver’s Licenses are issued on proof of citizenship, identity and residency. The Vermont EDL will cost an additional $25.

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