The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) is a result of the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 (IRTPA), requiring all travelers to present a passport or other document that denotes identity and citizenship when entering the United States.
The goal of WHTI is to strengthen U.S. border security while facilitating entry for U.S. citizens and legitimate foreign visitors by providing standardized documentation that enables the Department of Homeland Security to quickly and reliably identify a traveler.
On June 1, 2009, the U.S. government will implement the full requirements of the land and sea phase of WHTI. U.S. citizens entering the United States at sea or land ports of entry will be required to have a passport, passport card, or other travel document approved by the Department of Homeland Security.
WHTI COMPLIANT DOCUMENTS:
U.S. Passport: U.S. citizens may present a valid U.S. passport to enter or re-enter the United States when traveling via air, land or sea from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean region, and Bermuda. The Passport Book is valid for 10 years for an adult and five (5) years for minors under age 16. Passports for adults cost $100.00 and for minors under Age 16 $85.00.

Passports are obtained through the Passport Services Division of the State Department. You can apply for a passport from your local passport acceptance agent, usually found at the Post Office, as well as renew or replace a stolen or damaged one

For more information click here

http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738_2.html


U.S. Passport Card: The wallet-size passport card is convenient and less expensive than the passport book. However, the U.S. Passport Card cannot be used for international air travel. This new travel document can be used to enter the United States from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda at land border crossings or sea ports-of-entry.
The card has the same period of validity as the U.S. Passport Book: 10 years for an adult and 5 years for minors under age 16. The card costs $45 for a first-time adult passport applicant and $35 for all minor applicants under age 16.  Adults who already have a fully valid passport book may apply for the card pay only $20.

For more information click here

http://travel.state.gov/passport/ppt_card/ppt_card_3926.html


NEXUS Card: A joint program with the Canada Border Services Agency that allows pre-screened, approved travelers faster processing. Applicants must pass various criminal history and law enforcement checks by both countries to be eligible. This card costs $50.00 and is valid for five (5) years.

Benefits of a NEXUS Card:

Receive expedited passage at NEXUS-dedicated lanes, airport kiosks, and by calling a marine telephone reporting center to report their arrival into the United States and Canada

Cross the border with a minimum of customs and immigration questioning


For more information and to apply click here

http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/trusted_traveler/nexus_prog/


Michigan Enhanced Driver's License: The enhanced driver's license is a cost-effective and convenient document that meets driving, identification and border-crossing needs. It is a federally approved document that allows you to re-enter the U.S. when traveling by land or sea from Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and the Caribbean. This card costs $45.00 and is valid for four (4) years

The following Michigan Secretary of State Offices offer the Enhanced Drivers License:

 
Clinton Township
37015 S. Gratiot Ave.
Clinton Township, MI 48036

Southeast Macomb County
24040 Harper Ave.
St. Clair Shores, MI 48080

St. Clair County
2887 Krafft Road
Court of Flags Mall
Port Huron, MI 48060

Flint Area
5512 Fenton Road
Flint, MI 48507

 

When applying for an Enhanced Michigan Drivers License bring the following:

1. Valid Social Security Card, or pay stub containing your name and Social Security Number

2. Original certified birth certificate issued by a government unit in the U.S. or U.S. territory, or a valid, unexpired U.S. passport.

3. Current Michigan Drivers License

4. Two documents that prove Michigan residency, i.e. utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or pay stub


For more information click here

http://www.michigan.gov/sos/0,1607,7-127-1627_8669_9040-213045--,00.html