The Great Ontario Driver's License Debacle: Enhanced Edition (or Maybe Not So Enhanced)
Hey there, fellow Canadians! Ever dug through the junk drawer for your driver's license, only to discover it unlocks not just your car, but the mysteries of the universe (or at least, the US of A?) If you're thinking you might have a mythical Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) from the before times, buckle up, because we're about to embark on a hilarious journey through Ontario's bureaucratic twists and turns.
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| How Do I Know If I Have An Enhanced Driver's License Ontario |
The Legend of the EDL: Once Upon a Driver's Dream
The EDL, my friends, was like the Highlander of driver's licenses - there could only be one (well, technically 60,000 or so) in your possession. This magical card boasted an RFID chip, allowing you to waltz across the land border into the US without a passport. Sounds pretty sweet, right? Except...
RIP, EDL: A Farewell to Fast Lane Glory
As of June 2019, the EDL program is officially kaput. So, if you haven't used it in a while, it's likely just a regular driver's license with dreams of grandeur. Don't worry, though, there are still ways to prove your Canadian awesomeness to Uncle Sam, like the NEXUS program (think TSA PreCheck on steroids).
But wait! How do you know for sure if you're the chosen one, the holder of the legendary EDL?
Tip: Reading on mobile? Zoom in for better comfort.
The Great License Inspection: Friend or Foe?
Grab your driver's license and dust off those detective skills. Here's what to look for:
- The word "Enhanced": This one's pretty self-explanatory. Is it boldly displayed across the top? If so, congrats, you might be a border-crossing champion!
- The mystical "CAN": Check the corner of your license. Does it proudly proclaim your Canadian citizenship with a big, bold "CAN"? Another EDL clue!
Still unsure? Don't fret! The friendly folks at the Ontario Ministry of Transportation website have all the answers (https://www.ontario.ca/page/enhanced-drivers-licence).
FAQ: The Enhanced Driver's License Existential Crisis - You Asked, We Answered (Kinda)
How to tell if I have an EDL?
QuickTip: Slow down when you hit numbers or data.
Check for the words "Enhanced" and "CAN" on your license, or visit the Ontario Ministry of Transportation website.
How do I use an EDL? (Although... you probably can't)
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Since the program is discontinued, you can't use an EDL for border crossings anymore. Sorry, champ!
Tip: Break long posts into short reading sessions.
How do I get an EDL? (Spoiler Alert: You Don't)
New EDLs aren't being issued. But hey, there are other options for smooth border crossings!
How do I prove I'm Canadian at the border?
Tip: Take a sip of water, then continue fresh.
A valid passport is your best bet. Alternatively, consider NEXUS or other trusted traveler programs.
How do I move on from my EDL grief?
Retail therapy? A delicious poutine? Maybe just channel your inner Wayne Gretzky and focus on being a hockey legend (easier said than done, we know).
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