By AP
Detroit, MI – Detroit, MI (AP)
Michigan residents can begin applying for new enhanced driver's licenses designed to allow smoother travel between the U.S. and Canada.
Michigan Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land said Tuesday the optional licenses will meet more stringent Homeland Security border requirements going into effect this spring.
The licenses cost $45 and also allow smoother land or water travel with Mexico or the Caribbean.
Passports still will be needed for air travel.
Driver's licenses and birth certificates no longer will be accepted to return to the U.S. starting June 1.
The American Civil Liberties Union has opposed the project, saying personal information can be accessed by outsiders from a chip in the license.
But the government says that isn't the case.