Enhanced Driver's License

I needed to renew my driver's license and decided to apply for the new "enhanced" Washington State license.  It costs $15 more than the regular license and can be used instead of a passport for all land and sea travel between the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean.  It cannot be used for air travel.  They told me it might take 45 days to get the hard copy, but I got it in 12 days.

Here's the website describing the Enhanced Driver's License (EDL): http://www.dol.wa.gov/driverslicense/edlfaq.html

Why is Washington State using EDLs?

The federal government recently passed the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), which requires a passport or other federally-approved identification or proof-of-citizenship document for all travel into the United States. To preserve travel, trade, and cultural ties with British Columbia and increase security at the border, we are offering EDL/EID Cards to Washington residents who choose to participate. The EDL/EID meets federal requirements, and is an approved alternative to a passport for re-entry into the U.S at land and sea borders between the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean.

What is Radio Frequency Identification:

Radio Frequency Identification is a wireless technology that stores and retrieves data remotely. An RFID system typically includes an RFID tag with a microchip and antenna embedded in a card or other item, an RFID reader, and a database.