LisaLouHoo
Expert Expediter
My boyfriend and I did a lot of research on this before we decided which way would work for us.
I got the passport card. Good for 10 years, took 3 weeks to get. $70.
My boyfriend, the actual OTR driver, got the Michigan Enhanced license. $80. Good for 4 years. From what we know right now, his renewal fee in four years will be $73. His includes CDL endorsement fees, so if you don't have those, it would be even less expensive, at least $25 less.
Both grant us entry into Canada, Mexico, Carribean by land or sea. To go by air, we would need the passport book.
The reason he went with the Enhanced license is two-fold: 1. he only has to show his license at the border crossings, where I have to show my license and passport card (less hassle for him) and 2. since this is for his profession, it is a business expense he can claim on his taxes.
If you have enhanced licensing available in your state, that may be the way to go.
If you want to save some $$ in the short term, go for the card. $70 for 10 years as opposed to $93 to $146 (depending on endorsement fees) total over 8 years.
The book is only needed if you think you will be traveling across borders via air.
I got the passport card. Good for 10 years, took 3 weeks to get. $70.
My boyfriend, the actual OTR driver, got the Michigan Enhanced license. $80. Good for 4 years. From what we know right now, his renewal fee in four years will be $73. His includes CDL endorsement fees, so if you don't have those, it would be even less expensive, at least $25 less.
Both grant us entry into Canada, Mexico, Carribean by land or sea. To go by air, we would need the passport book.
The reason he went with the Enhanced license is two-fold: 1. he only has to show his license at the border crossings, where I have to show my license and passport card (less hassle for him) and 2. since this is for his profession, it is a business expense he can claim on his taxes.
If you have enhanced licensing available in your state, that may be the way to go.
If you want to save some $$ in the short term, go for the card. $70 for 10 years as opposed to $93 to $146 (depending on endorsement fees) total over 8 years.
The book is only needed if you think you will be traveling across borders via air.
