Using Enhanced Drivers Licenses as ID upon return to Cruise ports

[myfuzzy]

Has anyone encountered problems going through CBP upon returning from their cruise using the Enhanced Drivers License or Non Drivers Enhanced?

 

Since our state had started issuing them, we got them for the convenience of border crossing. However, since they are WHTI compliant, we have been using them for our cruises.

 

BUT, twice, once in Miami and one in Ft Lauderdale, upon presenting them to the officer, we are asked to show our birth certificates as well,

 

As late as last November in Ft Lauderdale we presented out enhanced ID to the officer and he looked at it and said "birth certificates", I said they are Enhanced, again he said "birth Certificates.

 

I emailed CBP and got a response yesterday....but being a government office....I will be darned if I can figure out what it says:

 

Good Afternoon,

 

Thank you for making the CBP Information Center – Compliments and Complaints Branch aware of the difficulties you are having with repeated secondary inspections. We understand how inconvenient and stressful the inspection process may be to those selected for inspection. While we cannot help you with this issue, the Department of Homeland Security Traveler Redress Inquiry Program (DHS TRIP) is designed to help travelers who are denied or delayed airline boarding in a foreign country, denied or delayed entry into or exit from a U.S. port, preclearance station, or border checkpoint, and have been continuously referred for secondary inspection.

Travelers who experience these problems can file a redress with DHS TRIP to find out why this is happening, to request that these actions stop, and to request that erroneous information be corrected in DHS systems.

 

The CIC Compliments and Complaints Branch (CCB) encourages you to submit a request for redress through the official DHS TRIP Web site: http://www.dhs.gov/dhs-trip. If you prefer, you can mail a completed DHS TRIP Traveler Inquiry Form 591, which we have linked below for your convenience. Be sure to include a clear copy of the photo page of your passport along with clear copies of supporting documents to:

 

DHS Traveler Redress Inquiry Program (DHS TRIP)

601 S. 12th St. TSA-901

Arlington, VA 20598-6901

 

Online Form: https://www.dhs.gov/sites/default/files/publications/dhstrip-form-591.pdf

 

Please provide as much information as possible about what you have experienced (what, where, when, why, how, whom, etc.) If you believe there are special circumstances about your experience please provide that information as well, to include any supporting documentation you have to prove that the information in the DHS system is incorrect or outdated.

 

We are confident that DHS TRIP will be able resolve the problems you are experiencing. While this service is free, it does take about six months for your redress to be processed. Also be aware that DHS TRIP does not have an office that you can contact by telephone to request a status.

 

Best Regards,

 

 

Has anyone else encountered this. After all, what we pay for the license, we might as well have just gotten a passport.

[fishywood]

They are asking you to file a formal complaint (in government-speak a "request for redress") for being initially denied entry even after presenting proper documentation.

 

You can download the form, see what information they want from you--and then decide if filing it and having the issue hanging over your head for six months or more is a good idea at this time given the current state of affairs with DHS and CBP.

[myfuzzy]

With only five states issuing the Enhanced, and the "millions" of cruise passengers that pass through the terminals every year, I am sure they see "minimal" passengers using them, but being that they are "approved" documents, they should be a known document as presented. I am cruising soon, and am not going to "rock the boat" as they say, but, with the prices and documentation you need to be issued one, you shouldn't have to be bringing your birth certificate with you.

[Robinsoncruiseso]

I use my EDL in the ports of Vancouver, BC and Seattle, WA without issue. I have had an issue at San Pedro, CA. They would NOT accept my enhanced ID from Washington State. I then offered my Nexus card, that was rejected as well. The CBC said only Passports. Well they eventually let us through. I have used my Nexus (which is also Global Entry) at Port Everglades without issue.

 

But thanks for the heads up. My son and his friend are cruising with us next month and have EDL's. I will make sure they bring their birth certificates as well. I don't want a couple of 21 year olds mouthing off . They might then need bail money!

[LHT28]

Do the enhanced DL in the US have your place of birth or citizenship on them?

 

I have not really checked our Canadian DL closely we usually need passports for any cruises

[Hlitner]

So, the letter you got from CBP is just a boiler plate standard letter. Perhaps you might want to review the actual CBP rules/regulations regarding "closed loop cruises" which you can find at:

https://help.cbp.gov/app/answers/detail/a_id/1139/~/documents-needed-to-take-a-cruise

 

A careful reading of this policy will find NO mention of enhanced drivers licenses as a substitute for a "government issued Birth Certificate" which should be presented along with government picture ID (such as your drivers license).

 

And then you have the enhanced drivers license section which says, and we quote"

 

"U.S. citizens on closed-loop cruises (cruises that begin and end at the same U.S. port) are able to enter the United States with a birth certificate and government-issued photo ID. Please be aware that you may still be required to present a passport to enter the countries your cruise ship is visiting. Check with your cruise line to ensure you have the appropriate documents."

 

There are also other sections that say you can use enhanced drivers licenses for entry from the sea.......but nowhere can we find an official reference that says you can use an enhanced drivers license for entry from a "Closed Loop Cruise"

 

So, its easy to understand the confusion, But, having spent a lifetime working in government healthcare and dealing with laws and regulations on a daily basis....we think you are caught between competing rules. But, unless you can find some kind of official reference that specifically says you can use a EDL for entry from a "Closed Loop Cruise" you would be wise to have a government issued Birth Certificate along with your EDL (or any drivers license with a picture). Or...perhaps you might just want to get yourself a Passport :). With a valid Passport you will not have to deal with fog of government.

 

Hank

[JVilleGal]

Get a passport! Stopped screwing around and expecting a $15 an hour temp to understand the nuances of every passenger.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

[sparks1093]

Get a passport! Stopped screwing around and expecting a $15 an hour temp to understand the nuances of every passenger.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

 

The CBP Officers at the port (that you see when you disembark) are not $15 an hour temps but are sworn law enforcement officials.

[sparks1093]

So, the letter you got from CBP is just a boiler plate standard letter. Perhaps you might want to review the actual CBP rules/regulations regarding "closed loop cruises" which you can find at:

https://help.cbp.gov/app/answers/detail/a_id/1139/~/documents-needed-to-take-a-cruise

 

A careful reading of this policy will find NO mention of enhanced drivers licenses as a substitute for a "government issued Birth Certificate" which should be presented along with government picture ID (such as your drivers license).

 

And then you have the enhanced drivers license section which says, and we quote"

 

"U.S. citizens on closed-loop cruises (cruises that begin and end at the same U.S. port) are able to enter the United States with a birth certificate and government-issued photo ID. Please be aware that you may still be required to present a passport to enter the countries your cruise ship is visiting. Check with your cruise line to ensure you have the appropriate documents."

 

There are also other sections that say you can use enhanced drivers licenses for entry from the sea.......but nowhere can we find an official reference that says you can use an enhanced drivers license for entry from a "Closed Loop Cruise"

 

So, its easy to understand the confusion, But, having spent a lifetime working in government healthcare and dealing with laws and regulations on a daily basis....we think you are caught between competing rules. But, unless you can find some kind of official reference that specifically says you can use a EDL for entry from a "Closed Loop Cruise" you would be wise to have a government issued Birth Certificate along with your EDL (or any drivers license with a picture). Or...perhaps you might just want to get yourself a Passport :). With a valid Passport you will not have to deal with fog of government.

 

Hank

 

Hank, you are better then that. If you had clicked on the WHTI link in your link it would have taken you to this page: https://www.cbp.gov/travel/us-citizens/western-hemisphere-travel-initiative and scrolling down to the land and sea section you would see EDLs mentioned as documents that may be used.

Edited February 3, 2017 by sparks1093

[sparks1093]

With only five states issuing the Enhanced, and the "millions" of cruise passengers that pass through the terminals every year, I am sure they see "minimal" passengers using them, but being that they are "approved" documents, they should be a known document as presented. I am cruising soon, and am not going to "rock the boat" as they say, but, with the prices and documentation you need to be issued one, you shouldn't have to be bringing your birth certificate with you.

 

The EDL has an RIFD chip in it, so it should register on their display. It doesn't matter how many they see, they should be trained to recognize them and they are recognizable at a glance. It is possible that they really don't see that many in Florida (I used mine in Manhattan and no one batted an eye) and their training was so long ago that they forgot. There are two options: if you are asked for a birth certificate politely say it is an EDL and birth certificates aren't required and if the officer insists then politely ask to speak to his supervisor or just show the birth certificate since you have it anyway and take the officers name down so you can notify CBP that he needs more training. If it were me I would probably follow up on the process in the email and make sure you mention that are concerned the officers aren't receiving the training they should be. (I have also not had any problem using our EDLs to cross into Canada and back.) (And me being me I would probably make them send me to secondary inspection, mostly because I don't carry my birth certificate although I have a photo of it on my phone that would work. But the main reason that we got the EDLs in the first place was to keep from carrying DW's naturalization certificate and a copy of that would not be sufficient.)

[Flatbush Flyer]

Has anyone encountered problems going through CBP upon returning from their cruise using the Enhanced Drivers License or Non Drivers Enhanced?

 

 

 

Since our state had started issuing them, we got them for the convenience of border crossing. However, since they are WHTI compliant, we have been using them for our cruises.

 

 

 

BUT, twice, once in Miami and one in Ft Lauderdale, upon presenting them to the officer, we are asked to show our birth certificates as well,

 

 

 

As late as last November in Ft Lauderdale we presented out enhanced ID to the officer and he looked at it and said "birth certificates", I said they are Enhanced, again he said "birth Certificates.

 

 

 

I emailed CBP and got a response yesterday....but being a government office....I will be darned if I can figure out what it says:

 

 

 

Good Afternoon,

 

 

 

Thank you for making the CBP Information Center – Compliments and Complaints Branch aware of the difficulties you are having with repeated secondary inspections. We understand how inconvenient and stressful the inspection process may be to those selected for inspection. While we cannot help you with this issue, the Department of Homeland Security Traveler Redress Inquiry Program (DHS TRIP) is designed to help travelers who are denied or delayed airline boarding in a foreign country, denied or delayed entry into or exit from a U.S. port, preclearance station, or border checkpoint, and have been continuously referred for secondary inspection.

 

Travelers who experience these problems can file a redress with DHS TRIP to find out why this is happening, to request that these actions stop, and to request that erroneous information be corrected in DHS systems.

 

 

 

The CIC Compliments and Complaints Branch (CCB) encourages you to submit a request for redress through the official DHS TRIP Web site: http://www.dhs.gov/dhs-trip. If you prefer, you can mail a completed DHS TRIP Traveler Inquiry Form 591, which we have linked below for your convenience. Be sure to include a clear copy of the photo page of your passport along with clear copies of supporting documents to:

 

 

 

DHS Traveler Redress Inquiry Program (DHS TRIP)

 

601 S. 12th St. TSA-901

 

Arlington, VA 20598-6901

 

 

 

Online Form: https://www.dhs.gov/sites/default/files/publications/dhstrip-form-591.pdf

 

 

 

Please provide as much information as possible about what you have experienced (what, where, when, why, how, whom, etc.) If you believe there are special circumstances about your experience please provide that information as well, to include any supporting documentation you have to prove that the information in the DHS system is incorrect or outdated.

 

 

 

We are confident that DHS TRIP will be able resolve the problems you are experiencing. While this service is free, it does take about six months for your redress to be processed. Also be aware that DHS TRIP does not have an office that you can contact by telephone to request a status.

 

 

 

Best Regards,

 

 

 

 

 

Has anyone else encountered this. After all, what we pay for the license, we might as well have just gotten a passport.

 

 

Yes- get a passport - far less worry or misinterpretation by officials anywhere.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

[myfuzzy]

Yes- get a passport - far less worry or misinterpretation by officials anywhere.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

 

There are people out there that live on a border state and don't travel to places they need to fly, so if we want to go for dinner in Canada, and an Enhanced document is offered, there would be no need to get a Passport. This document IS offered by 5 states with a sixth being considered. When in fact these documents are WHTI compliant, I don't see why people are being challenged when using this ID. The reason I am asking if others have encountered any issues, to see if more education is needed at the ports.

[thinfool]

Hank, you are better then that. If you had clicked on the WHTI link in your link it would have taken you to this page: https://www.cbp.gov/travel/us-citizens/western-hemisphere-travel-initiative and scrolling down to the land and sea section you would see EDLs mentioned as documents that may be used.

 

While I totally agree that an EDL should be sufficient after a closed loop cruise, the last bullet point on that web page does seem to limit closed-loop cruise ID to BC and photo ID.

 

Too bad that regs like that cannot be vetted by experienced travelers who are also lawyers experienced in doublespeak.

[sparks1093]

While I totally agree that an EDL should be sufficient after a closed loop cruise, the last bullet point on that web page does seem to limit closed-loop cruise ID to BC and photo ID.

 

Too bad that regs like that cannot be vetted by experienced travelers who are also lawyers experienced in doublespeak.

 

If that were the case would they not also reject passports?;)

[Dancer Bob]

I tried to use my Ontario EDL in Manhattan a couple of weeks ago and was told no, use passport. While I was on ship manifest under passport the EDL has the passport number. I'm going to try again at Port Everglades next week.

[JVilleGal]

You may be right about EDL but you could easily be right and still standing on the dock when the ship pulls out. I would rather not worry about a $10 an hr temp understanding the rules.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

[LHT28]

I tried to use my Ontario EDL in Manhattan a couple of weeks ago and was told no, use passport. While I was on ship manifest under passport the EDL has the passport number. I'm going to try again at Port Everglades next week.

I might be wrong (it has happened before) ;)

 

I think only US citizens can use the EDL or DL & BC route for cruises others have to use a passport

I have never tried to just use the DL as we usually fly to the port

[chengkp75]

While I totally agree that an EDL should be sufficient after a closed loop cruise, the last bullet point on that web page does seem to limit closed-loop cruise ID to BC and photo ID.

 

Too bad that regs like that cannot be vetted by experienced travelers who are also lawyers experienced in doublespeak.

 

However, the description of the EDL states that it proves identity and citizenship, which is what the BC and DL do.

 

If you go to the WHTI Land and Sea FAQ on the page Sparks cited, you will see that an EDL is considered a WHTI document, and is sufficient for entry to US via land and sea.

 

This is very similar to my experiences with the infamous TWIC (Transport Workers Identification Credential) card, that everyone who wishes to enter a port security area unescorted, including all US ship's crew, is required to have, and is issued by TSA, and requires an FBI background check. When presented at an airport as ID for flight, TSA still at some airports (Miami is notable) will not accept a document issued by their own agency. Usually, a call for a supervisor resolves the problem, so I am not surprised that CBP does not recognize EDL's by all agents.

[thinfool]

However, the description of the EDL states that it proves identity and citizenship, which is what the BC and DL do.

 

If you go to the WHTI Land and Sea FAQ on the page Sparks cited, you will see that an EDL is considered a WHTI document, and is sufficient for entry to US via land and sea.

 

This is very similar to my experiences with the infamous TWIC (Transport Workers Identification Credential) card, that everyone who wishes to enter a port security area unescorted, including all US ship's crew, is required to have, and is issued by TSA, and requires an FBI background check. When presented at an airport as ID for flight, TSA still at some airports (Miami is notable) will not accept a document issued by their own agency. Usually, a call for a supervisor resolves the problem, so I am not surprised that CBP does not recognize EDL's by all agents.

 

Yes, and I find it irritating that I have had to pay $$ for what amounts to the same ID.

 

I have:

 

Passport $134.

TWIC 105. (plus $60 for renewal)

Global Entry 100.

 

If I was a privacy freak I would be in a rubber room by now.

[sparks1093]

I might be wrong (it has happened before) ;)

 

I think only US citizens can use the EDL or DL & BC route for cruises others have to use a passport

I have never tried to just use the DL as we usually fly to the port

 

From the link above: •Canadian citizens can present a valid passport, Enhanced Driver’s License, or Trusted Traveler Program card (NEXUS, SENTRI or FAST). (This is under land and sea travel.)

[navybankerteacher]

Get a passport! Stopped screwing around and expecting a $15 an hour temp to understand the nuances of every passenger.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

 

While I imagine that the CBP agent eyeballing your docs is neither a temp nor paid $15 an hour, your advice is good: spring for the passport - good for ten years, at about the cost of two cheap drinks per year. Or, if talking to a smoker, about one cigarette per week.

[Liz54]

Get a passport! Stopped screwing around and expecting a $15 an hour temp to understand the nuances of every passenger.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

 

I have a passport as does pretty much everyone I know. On these boards I am surprised by the resistance to passports. It seems that US Citizens are the most passport resistant. Can anyone explain why this is? Is it related to the resistance to chip technology on credit cards?

 

I am not trying to be critical and am sincerely curious.

[navybankerteacher]

I have a passport as does pretty much everyone I know. On these boards I am surprised by the resistance to passports. It seems that US Citizens are the most passport resistant. Can anyone explain why this is? Is it related to the resistance to chip technology on credit cards?

 

I am not trying to be critical and am sincerely curious.

 

It simply reflects the attitude of a large part of the cruising public: cheap is best. When the cruise lines successfully lobbied to keep closed loop cruises exempt from ordinary documentation they were simply trying to make cruising as cheap as possible to attract as many customers as possible. They have been successful in holding down costs - and attracting many thousands of new cruisers each year. But, of course, the only way they were able to hold down costs was by cheapening the value of the product being sold --- as is apparent to everyone who has had a long term memory of what used to be standard.

 

Of course, the resistance to chip technology might be indirectly related to the resistance to getting passports - since imagination is required in understanding the value of both.

[myfuzzy]

It simply reflects the attitude of a large part of the cruising public: cheap is best. When the cruise lines successfully lobbied to keep closed loop cruises exempt from ordinary documentation they were simply trying to make cruising as cheap as possible to attract as many customers as possible. They have been successful in holding down costs - and attracting many thousands of new cruisers each year. But, of course, the only way they were able to hold down costs was by cheapening the value of the product being sold --- as is apparent to everyone who has had a long term memory of what used to be standard.

 

Of course, the resistance to chip technology might be indirectly related to the resistance to getting passports - since imagination is required in understanding the value of both.

 

I will have to respectfully disagree with your statement of being "cheap" An enhanced license can be around 100.00 and you need all the paperwork that is required that is needed to get a passport as well. Again, everyone's needs are not the same. If flying is not in your lifestyle, then an Enhanced will do if you just want to do dinner cross border.

 

BUT, it seems since 9-11 passports have become pretty much mandatory as a document for ID, and the five states that currently issue the Enhanced for the ease of traveling, seems to have fallen into the cracks.

 

It will be some years down the line, but I feel birth certificates will no longer be issued, but a life long "passport" will be the norm.

 

But, anyway, we got a little off my question about if anyone who uses the Enhanced coming back from a cruise, has encountered any issues

Edited February 3, 2017 by myfuzzy

[sparks1093]

It simply reflects the attitude of a large part of the cruising public: cheap is best. When the cruise lines successfully lobbied to keep closed loop cruises exempt from ordinary documentation they were simply trying to make cruising as cheap as possible to attract as many customers as possible. They have been successful in holding down costs - and attracting many thousands of new cruisers each year. But, of course, the only way they were able to hold down costs was by cheapening the value of the product being sold --- as is apparent to everyone who has had a long term memory of what used to be standard.

 

Of course, the resistance to chip technology might be indirectly related to the resistance to getting passports - since imagination is required in understanding the value of both.

 

DHS determined that a US citizen on a closed loop cruise presents a low risk to the National Security and that is why the closed loop exception exists. Had it not been for that finding then it would not exist regardless of who wanted it.