From: stephen@sprunk.org   
      
   On 23-Jun-14 19:22, John Levine wrote:   
   >   
   >>> Nonetheless, for reasons I don't understand EDLs are a bust.   
   >>   
   >> They're expensive, for one thing; states have to determine whether   
   >> the applicant is a US citizen, and the documentation requirements   
   >> are much tougher than for regular licenses. ...   
   >   
   > Sure, but the comparison isn't to plain licenses, it's to passport   
   > cards.   
      
   The point above is why EDLs are a bust.  The main reason for that is   
   that most states don't want to issue them at all due to the cost, and   
   few customers want to pay the higher prices even where available.   
      
   > Here in NY, an EDL costs $30 over what you pay for a normal   
   > license.  A passport card is $55.  You can get a passport card for   
   > $30 if you have a passport book, but a passport card is pointless if   
   > you have a passport book.   
      
   A passport card (or EDL) fits in your wallet; a passport book doesn't.   
   So, a passport card (or EDL) is a lot more convenient, especially if you   
   live close enough to make spontaneous trips across the border.   
      
   I was once passing through Buffalo, and I had a brief thought about   
   crossing over--but I didn't pack my passport book on that trip, so I   
   couldn't.  If I'd had a passport card in my wallet, I could have.   
      
   > If you travel enough that it's a hassle to carry the book when you   
   > cross the border, it's worth the $50 for NEXUS.   
      
   Certainly, assuming you can get approved.  Passport cards don't need   
   similar approval, interviews, etc; if you submit the right documents and   
   pay the fee, you get one.  And if you're already getting/renewing a   
   passport book, you might as well get a passport card unless you already   
   have an EDL or NEXUS card.  (I forgot to check that box the last time I   
   renewed, but I will when it comes up again in a few years.)   
      
   > ObRail: there is a NEXUS enrollment center in Niagara Falls at 2250   
   > Whirlpool St, approximately underneath the railroad bridge that   
   > passenger trains use on the NY-Toronto route.  The lower level of   
   > that bridge is a NEXUS-only passenger car crossing.   
      
   Wow; you rarely see the US govt doing something so sensible.   
      
   S   
      
   --   
   Stephen Sprunk         "God does not play dice."  --Albert Einstein   
   CCIE #3723         "God is an inveterate gambler, and He throws the   
   K5SSS        dice at every possible opportunity." --Stephen Hawking   
      
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