Press Release

02/26/09

New "Express EDL" Service Available for Groups at Auto Bureaus

Hochul Continues Outreach to Promote Enhanced Licenses

Erie County Clerk Kathy Hochul announced this week a new service for groups and organizations who want to obtain their Enhanced Driver's Licenses and Enhanced Non-Driver I.D. Cards before the June 1st, 2009 deadline. "Express EDL" service will allow pre-arranged groups to be scheduled for processing at traditionally slower periods at the two larger Auto Bureaus. "We have received many requests from organizations for EDL information, so the next logical step was to offer the opportunity for members to apply together as a group. By scheduling groups at traditionally slower times in the Auto Bureaus and ensuring the applicants have the proper documentation in advance, we are able to process applications more quickly and efficiently," said Hochul.

This week, families in the Western New York Travel Baseball Association had their EDL and Enhanced Non-Driver ID applications processed at the Cheektowaga Auto Bureau. Tim Wangler has 2 sons that play travel baseball. "I wanted to get these Enhanced ID cards for the boys, because we play so much in Canada. This will really help speed things up at the border. I can't say enough about how efficient the operation was, and how helpful the people were," said Wrangler. On Thursday, at the Downtown Auto Bureau, Niagara International Transportation Technology Coalition members advantage of the new program. Tom George, Executive Director of NITTEC appreciated the convenience. "It was great to be able to come down as a group, get processed quickly, and return to work. This is a tremendous service being offered, and I would encourage people to take advantage of it" said George.

Erie County continues to lead New York State in processing Enhanced Driver's Licenses and the demand is growing. In the first 6 weeks of 2009 more EDL's have been issued in Erie County than in the entire 16 week period they were available in 2008. Erie County has accounted for 40% of all EDL sales in 2009 in New York State. Beginning in June 2009, the Department of Homeland Security will require travelers to have either a Passport or an Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) or Enhanced non-driver ID Card for land/sea travel to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and the Caribbean.

For more information on Enhanced Driver's Licenses including a checklist for required documentation log onto the County Clerk's website at www.erie.gov/clerk. Groups wanting to schedule "Express EDL" service can call Erie County Clerk staff member Tom Garlick at 858-7754