The State of Arizona will be working with the Department of Homeland Security to revamp the state driver’s license in order to meet the requirements of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI). Arizona is developing a “technologically enhanced driver’s license” which can be used at U.S. border entry points and as proof of work eligibility. It will cost slightly more than a standard license and will require proof of citizenship, residence, and identity. It is one of the first to comply with upcoming REAL ID requirements (physical security features and a secure process for issuance). Beginning in January 2008, U.S. and Canadian citizens will be required to show a WHTI-complaint document or government-issued photo ID and proof of citizenship at land and sea ports of entry. Washington state and Vermont are also pursuing such uniform WHTI documents as an alternative to showing multiple documents. The WHTI, mandated by Congress in 2004 as part of the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act, aims at issuing standard ID documents for all citizens and hopes to be fully implemented by summer 2008.

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