NY Ready to Offer Enhanced Licenses BUFFALO (wned) - The State Department of Motor Vehicles will begin issuing the new,
Enhanced Driver's License Tuesday.

Governor David Paterson calls the new license a major step forward for all New Yorkers who travel in North America and the Caribbean.

State D-M-V Commissioner David Swarts
agrees, calling it a cheaper and more convenient alternative to a U-S passport.

"I think it's a wonderful opportunity for New Yorkers who are U-S citizens," Swarts told WNED.

The Erie County Clerk's office has trained staff standing by, ready to offer assistance Tuesday.

The process will take approximately 15-20 minutes. One will have to show
proof of identity, as well as proof of U-S citizenship and state residency.

A list of the required documents can be found on the Erie County and State DMV web sites.

For most drivers, the cost of the eight year license will be $80.

It'll take about two weeks to receive the enhanced license.

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