“Because of our proximity to Canada, Michigan residents frequently travel (there),” said Kelly Chesney, spokeswoman for the Secretary of State. “This will allow them to travel across borders swiftly.”

Although the EDL is meant to strengthen homeland security, it also will help to protect the economy, Chesney said.

Michigan has a $70 billion-per-year trade relationship with Canada, which relies on keeping trucks moving across the border, she said.

“Because we rely on bridges and tunnels to get there, we don’t have the luxury other states do to add another lane,” she said. “And if people don’t have proper documents, it will slow down travel.”

Rana Elmir, communications director for American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan, said the unencripted computer chip in the license raises concerns about privacy.

“When unsecured, it can be accessed wirelessly by anyone who has a reader,” Elmir said.

The computer chips usually can be detected from 30 feet to 100 feet away, she said.

Chesney said privacy is not a concern because the computer chip does not contain any personal information.

“It only has a random number that allows border officials to quickly verify identity,” she said.

But the number eventually could turn into something much more important, Elmir said.

“This number on the license can potentially be captured by anyone that requires you to show ID,” she said. “And although it’s a random, unique number, it could become a key … to all sorts of information about us.”

State Rep. Paul Opsommer, R-DeWitt, said no public process exists to determine what information can be on the chip, or who could change or add to the information.

“The state voluntarily did this, and it’s a terrible precedent we started,” he said.

Purchasing an EDL is not required, and Michigan residents can continue to receive standard driver’s licenses if they choose.

However, under the new federal requirement, a standard driver’s license — even with a valid birth certificate — no longer will be enough to cross the Canadian or Caribbean border back into America beginning June 1, Chesney said. Travelers who choose not to purchase an EDL must show a passport when crossing the border by land or sea.

EDLs cost $45 and must be renewed every four years at a cost of $38, Chesney said. EDLs only can be purchased by Michigan residents.

MSU students who would like to apply for an EDL can do so at the Secretary of State office located at 5827 W. Saginaw St., in Lansing.