Ready Lane – Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)
What is Ready Lane?
Ready Lane is a dedicated primary vehicle lane for travelers entering the U.S. at land border ports of entry. Travelers who obtain and travel with a radio frequency identification or RFID- enabled travel document may receive the benefits of using a Ready Lane to expedite the inspection process while crossing the border. RFID-enabled cards approved by the Department of Homeland Security include: the U.S. Passport Card; the Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL); the Enhanced Tribal Card (ETC); trusted traveler cards (NEXUS, SENTRI, Global Entry and FAST cards); the new Enhanced Permanent Resident Card (PRC) or new Border Crossing Card (BCC).
Ready Lanes operate at the San Ysidro and Otay Mesa ports of entry. Please check with your local crossing on hours of operation.
What documents can I use to enter the Ready Lane?
WHTI-compliant, RFID-enabled cards approved by the Department of Homeland Security include: the U.S. Passport Card; the Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL); the Enhanced Tribal Card (ETC); Trusted Traveler Cards (NEXUS, SENTRI, Global Entry and FAST cards); the new Enhanced Permanent Resident Card (PRC) or new Border Crossing Card (BCC).
SENTRI and NEXUS lanes are reserved strictly for the use of SENTRI, NEXUS and Global Entry card holders.
All travelers in the vehicle over the age of 16 must have an RFID-enabled card to use the Ready Lane. Children 15 years old and younger may travel in the Ready Lane with adult travelers if all adults in the vehicle have an RFID-enabled travel card.
U.S. Passport Cards can be obtained through the Department of State.
NEXUS/SENTRI/FAST cards can be obtained through the CBP website.
Enhanced Driver’s Licenses (EDL) can be obtained from a local DMV or government office in the states of New York, Washington, Vermont, and Michigan, as well as in the Canadian provinces of Ontario, British Columbia, Quebec, and Manitoba. Note: If you applied and are waiting for the EDL, the receipt or temporary notice you may have received is NOT a valid travel document.