Applicant's Guide

Making travel easier for Manitobans

Whether it’s for a sports tournament or a shopping weekend, Manitobans are often travelling to the U.S. for short or spontaneous trips. However, the U.S. has implemented the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) that requires travellers, including U.S. and Canadian citizens, to present a valid passport or other approved secure document when entering the U.S. from within the western hemisphere. The WHTI document requirements were implemented for air travel in January 2007 and for land and water ports of entry on June 1, 2009¹. For details on the WHTI and a list of acceptable documents to enter the U.S., see the Canada Border Services Agency website at: www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca.

The Government of Manitoba and Manitoba Public Insurance have worked with the governments of Canada and the U.S. to develop alternative documents that meet the WHTI requirements — the Enhanced Driver’s Licence (EDL) and the Enhanced Identification Card (EIC). A Manitoba EDL or EIC is an acceptable document to present for entry at all land and water border crossings from Canada into the U.S., including border crossings outside Manitoba.

It is important to note that Manitoba EDLs and EICs are acceptable for travel to the U.S. by land and water only. A passport or other secure, approved document is still needed for air travel to the U.S. Also, if you are not a Canadian citizen, you must present your passport whenever you enter the U.S. For more information on these requirements, visit the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s website at: www.dhs.gov/xtrvlsec/crossingborders.

¹For travel to the U.S. by land or water Canadian citizens 15 years of age or under only require proof of citizenship, such as an original or a copy of a birth certificate, or a Canadian citizenship card. Canadian citizens 18 years of age or under who are travelling with a school or other organized group, under adult supervision with parental/guardian consent, may also present proof of citizenship alone.

Which document is right for me?

a) If you drive and would like to travel to the U.S. by land or water:

Manitoba Enhanced Driver’s Licence (EDL): The Manitoba EDL is a licence to drive that also denotes identity and citizenship. It can be used for land and water travel into the U.S. Canadian citizens 16 and over who reside in Manitoba are eligible (some restrictions apply). If you already have a driver’s licence, the cost is $30. Otherwise, the cost is $50. These fees include a photograph (i.e., no extra charge). The card is valid for up to five years.

b) If you don’t drive but would still like to travel to the U.S. by land or water:

Manitoba Enhanced Identification Card (EIC): The Manitoba EIC is a voluntary provincial photo identification card that denotes identity and citizenship. It can be used for land and water travel into the U.S. Canadian citizens 16 and over who reside in Manitoba are eligible (some restrictions apply). If you already have a driver’s licence or Manitoba Identification Card, the cost to upgrade to an EIC is $30. Otherwise, the cost is $50. These fees include a photograph (i.e., no extra charge). The card is valid for up to five years.

c) If you drive but don’t need a card for travel purposes:

Manitoba Driver’s Licence: Manitoba has replaced its two-piece licence with a one-piece licence in order to comply with standards being implemented across Canada. Made with advanced technology features, the one-piece licence is made with a highly durable material that won’t fade with age. The driver licence charge is $20, in addition to your annual base driver’s licence premium (which is set by assessing your historical driving and claims history). All Manitobans will be transitioned to the new one-piece driver’s licence by February 2011. The one-piece driver’s licence is not an acceptable document to enter the U.S. The card is valid for up to five years.

d) If you don’t drive and don’t need a card for travel purposes but still want a secure form of ID:

Manitoba Identification Card: The Manitoba Identification Card is a voluntary, government issued, secure photo identification card that you can use to prove your identity, age and Manitoba residency. It costs $20, including a photograph and is valid for five years. The Manitoba Identification Card is not an acceptable document to enter the U.S. For more information, see the Manitoba Identification Card brochure.

The card or document you pick depends on your needs. This chart will help you choose the one that’s right for you.

	Manitoba Driver's Licence	Manitoba Identification Card	EDL	EIC	Passport
Fits conveniently in your wallet
Allows you to cross the U.S. border by land or water
Allows you to board an airplane to travel in Canada
Allows you to board an airplane to travel into U.S. air space
Allows you to enter other countries besides the U.S.
Proof of identity
Proof of age
Proof of residency
Licence to drive
Requires an in-person interview
Price (first time)	$20	$20 (photo included)	$30 If you have a driver’s licence $50 for new drivers (photo included)	$30 If you have a driver’s licence $50 for non-drivers or new drivers (photo included)	$87 - $92 plus cost of photo (about $17)
Renewal fee	$20	$20	$30	$30 if you have a driver’s licence $50 for non-drivers	$87 - $92 plus cost of photo (about $17)
Replacement fee	$10*	$10*	$15*	$15*	$87 - $92 plus cost of photo (about $17)
Service outlets	Winnipeg, Brandon, Steinbach, Thompson, Winkler	Winnipeg, Brandon, Steinbach, Thompson, Winkler	Winnipeg, Brandon, Steinbach, Thompson, Winkler	Winnipeg, Brandon, Steinbach, Thompson, Winkler	Passport offices or by mail

*No replacement charge for stolen cards with a police report.

To protect privacy and the integrity of Manitoba identification card and driver licensing systems, there are restrictions on the number of cards a person may hold. Non-drivers could choose to hold either a Manitoba Identification Card or EIC but not both. Drivers could choose to hold a driver’s licence or an EDL (but not both), or a driver’s licence and an EIC.