Gov. David Paterson announced Tuesday that a new enhanced DMV license will allow drivers to cross the Mexican and Canadian borders. This special drivers’ license is going to allow the identification of the motorists.

According to the Poughkeepsie Journal, this license can be used instead of a passport and, from June 1, 2009, Mexican and Canadian border authorities, including Bermuda, will require to see this new license.

Drivers can begin applying for this license just after Labor Day. It will cost $30 more than a usual drivers’ license. Motorists can get it form a state Department of Motor Vehicles office where they should bring with them a birth certificate and passport. It will be similar to a regular license.

“The development of this license will help to ease long lines at our New York-Canada border crossings, allowing commerce to flow more freely and securely in and out of the state,” Paterson said, reported the Poughkeepsie Journal.

It is estimated that about 1.6 million New Yorkers will apply for the new license.

Authorities said that New York is the second state, after Washington, to take the measure of requiring Enhanced Driver License. This license is only available for residents who have proof of U.S. citizenship and it cannot be used for airplane entries.

The license is like a compromise between the state and the federal Department of Homeland Security which wanted to require those who wanted to come back into the country a passport or a birth certificate.