The RFID encodes a random number as well as biographical data, but not biometric information, such as fingerprints.
The EDL and EID contain a radio frequency identification (RFID) chip, with which border agents can verify citizenship and identity in a federal database.
They are available as a convenient option for those traveling to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, or the Caribbean and returning to the United States via sea or land. This is, admittedly, a small proportion of eligible license holders, but the enhanced documents are not required. Currently only five states offer an enhanced driver’s license (EDL) option – and since February 2014, approximately 2000 EDL/enhanced identification cards (EID) have been issued in Minnesota, where there are currently 4.4 million people in the state with a valid driver’s license.
