Archive for the ‘Passport Card’ Category

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Applying For A United State Passport Card

Monday, December 12th, 2011

The purpose of a Passport Card is to allow individuals to enter into the United States of America via land border crossings such as Canada, Mexico and sea points of entry. The document is convenient to obtain and does not cost as much as the passport book. United States citizens are able to proceed with application for this document.

International Travel

Individuals must remember that one will not be able to travel by international air with this document. This particular legal item will fulfill all border travel requirements and is provided in a less bulky format than that of regular passports. The purpose of these cards is to provide proof of identity and U. S. Citizenship.

Application

For first time applicants, individuals are required to apply in person by visiting legal authorities when it is the first time that one is applying for the document. It should be issued for those who are under sixteen years of age or if the previous legal item was issued when the individual was sixteen. This document should be applied for in instances where it has been lost, stolen or damaged.

Timeline

One is required to apply for a new document if it was issued more than fifteen years ago or where you were unable to legally document your name change. During the application process one must remember that special requirements are necessary for minors between sixteen and seventeen years of age. Adults who need to apply for a new item have to complete and submit forms in person.

Online Process

All United States citizens possess the legal right to apply for the U. S. Passport Card where application processes may be completed online using the DS-11 form. During this procedure, application forms must not be signed before instructed to do so by an Acceptance Agent. Should one not be able to provide proof of social security will result in an increase in processing time or the denial of approving the application.

Procedure

When visiting an Acceptance Facility or Passport Agency for application procedures, one must provide evidence for proof of U. S citizenship submitted with form DS-11. When all documents are submitted as evidence for citizenship, it will be returned to the applicant via mail delivery together with the newly issued document. The primary source of evidence that is required for application processes is a certified birth certificate or previous passport documentation.

Place Specific

You should apply for this legal document if you have made travel arrangements on short notice to destinations such as the Caribbean, Canada or Mexico. Once the specific item as been obtained, individuals will be allowed to travel to land and sea border destinations without having to apply for a visa. The purposes of the document include proof of legal age for purchasing alcohol or tobacco and proof of identification when traveling by air within the United States.

The United States Passport Card is available to all American citizens and is a less expensive option when traveling to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda or the Caribbean. State of the art features are included in the card to protect against forgery and counterfeiting . It may be faster to apply for a passport card if you find your passport lost. For information pertaining to specific applicant procedures consult with local authorities.

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How Long Does It Take To Get A Passport Card And Where Can I Use It

Wednesday, November 30th, 2011

Whether you are thinking about traveling abroad or are asking how long it takes to get a passport card, we have helpful information for you. There are some things you need to know regarding these types of documents as well as where and how they can be used. The first order of business is defining what these documents are.

Limited Travel

Unlike the traditional U. S. Travel document, the card is a wallet sized document used for frequent travel from Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and the Caribbean and it is only used to enter the United States when we reach its borders either by land or sea. One cannot use this document for any other type of travel other than to these destinations at this time and upon entering the U. S.

RFID

The document is equipped with RFID technology and your records are stored in a secure database that can only be accessed by authorized personnel. It is a convenient document if you travel to the places mentioned on a frequent basis. This could be the ideal identifying source for business travelers and vacationing families.

Forms

The length of time it takes to get this documentation depends on whether you already have the original travel document or if you are a new applicant for a document. Whether you are a new or first time applicant, you will need to fill out the necessary forms at one of the application acceptance facilities,which are located conveniently throughout the country.

Time It Takes

When you apply, it generally takes 4 to 6 weeks for the application process to be completed and for you to receive your official document. If expedited services is an option you choose, your wait will be approximately 2 to 3 weeks depending on certain factors as the number of applications that need to be processed and if you provide valid and verifiable information when you apply.

Expediting

You can use passport expediting services online which will greatly speed up the process of getting your document in your hands sooner. These agencies are ready and willing to serve those who have pressing travel needs and need their documents faster than the average time it takes to receive them.

Many expediting services can get your documents to you within 24 to 48 hours for emergency travel. They can also have them to you within 2 to 3 business days, depending on how soon you need them.

Original Documents

If you already have an original travel document, getting the additional document will be a lot simpler because your information has already been obtained,you will just need to fill out form DS-82 and you can apply by mail or at one of the governing facilities to get it sooner.

When you travel abroad to other countries, you will need an urgent U. S. Passport as this is the only document that is authorized for International travel. No matter what your travel needs, you can obtain both if you like when you first apply. All you will need to do is check the box for the passport card and you can have both documents which makes travel even more convenient for you. It may take a little time to obtain them but the wait will be well worth the effort as you can now travel abroad confidently knowing that you have the supporting documents needed to verify your identity and the protection that goes along with them.

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Passport Card – General Information

Monday, October 24th, 2011

A passport ID card is the best alternative to traditional passport books that wear out after a while. It makes border travel more convenient for those who cross them regularly. A passport card is perfectly sized to fit in the card compartment of a wallet and is suitable for anyone traveling on a Caribbean cruise or to a border country. Unfortunately, the passport card is disallowed for global travel when using an airplane to get to the location.

Why Get Passport Card?

This can be a very useful tool for people who reside near our borders and enjoy the luxury to be capable to travel to these types of border countries at will. The card comes with an RFID chip discreetly embedded in it. Border control personnel read the information on the chip that is stored on a government database using their information.

RFID Chips

The RFID chips does not have of the cardholder’s personal data onto it, simply details which pertains to the individuals passport.. Only authorized personnel can access the information and properly read the card using the database. The card comes with a protective blocking sleeve that protects the information from unnecessary and unwanted scanning.

The passport might be readily available for any legal American citizen whether or not or not they have ever had a passport. Vacationers can get a passport once they fill out the necessary application, a DS-11 and turn it in ID and photos along with it. If the particular person already has a passport, they are able to get the card only at a discounted rate.

Costs Incurred

Costs for a passport card are a lot more economical than a traditional passport book. The adult fee for a first-time card purchase is only $45.00 as compared with the adult passbook price of $100.00. Children under 16 years old can get an ID card for only $35.00. Individuals who already have a legitimate passport only have to pay $20.000 when they switch to a passport card.

Passport ID cards last the same amount of time as a standard passport book. The adult card is valid for 10 years from the date of purchase and a child’s card can be used for five years using the same criteria. The cards don’t have to be renewed before the time period is up, so makes them very simple to use.

Expedited Services

Although people can apply for cards by mail, they’re not going to get them any faster through rush delivery methods. Brand new cards are only sent to cardholders by way of first class mail. In the event that cardholders would like to get their cards as quickly as possible, they need to choose another method to get their card during the preferred time frame.

Non-public US passport agency providers are available online that can assist an individual in receiving a USA Passport id card much quicker. They have the ways and also means to expedite the entire process and return the American passport in as little as one to two business days for a fee. This fee will, however, be in addition to any fees that the government is entitled to.

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What You Need To Know Regarding The Passport Card

Friday, July 8th, 2011

Recently, the United States released another option to the passport booklet. The pass port card is a small, credit card sized form of travel documentation that U. S. Citizens may use to re-enter the US at land-border crossings, and at entrances from seaports. You may travel from Canada, the Caribbean, Mexico, and Bermuda. This kind of identification is less costly and pocket-sized. It is a wonderful alternative for those of us that travel quite a bit between the countries listed above. Starting on the 14th of July in 2008, it will become readily available to all eligible United States Citizens. So far, over 2,700,000 citizens have applied.

International Travel

You must also understand that although the booklet allows for travel between international countries via airplane, the US Passport card will only allow for automobile travel and travel by boat. It was made for citizens living on the North and South borders of the US. Those who travel to Mexico and Canada enough require a more convenient form of identification to travel between each country. This card makes it easier to do so without having to apply for an urgent U S passport.

Electronic Chip

Inside each one is a chip called the “RFID chip”. This is a chip that is read by vicinity through a certain frequency implanted inside of it. This chip helps to speed up the amount of time it takes for the government to process your ID. It doesn’t have any personal info on it, just a specific number that IDs a government database record.

Security Precautions

You don’t need to worry about security either. Each card is engraved by lasers with state-of-the-art technology, which keep security at a maximum while limiting the ability of criminals to try to counterfeit your documents. It also comes with a sleeve that protects the card from being scratched or read.

Required Documents

To apply for one, you must have the necessary documents required to prove your identity and citizenship. Proof of citizenship can include a previously issued, undamaged United States passport, a birth certificate that is issued by the city, county, or state, a report of birth abroad or a certificate of birth, a certificate of citizenship, and a naturalization certificate. Acceptable identification includes a previously issued unharmed passport, a naturalization certificate, a valid driver’s license, a current government ID that is city, state, or federal or a current military ID.

Proper Identification

Proper identification includes a certificate of naturalization, current government ID – state, federal, or city, a valid military ID, or a valid driver’s license. In addition to these forms of ID, you are also required to bring one small photograph that is 2 by 2 inches. Only a single photo is required. As soon as you have prepared all the required documents, print and fill out the DS-11 form available online, and go in person to one of several application facilities across the United States. You can locate these places on the Internet.

Application Fee

The fee for the application itself is thirty dollars. The execution fee is twenty-five. For minors under the age of 16, the application fee is fifteen dollars and the execution fee is twenty-five.

Application Submission

After you submit the passport application, it typically takes between four and six weeks to fully process and ship. There is expedited service available which costs a bit extra. It typically takes between two and three weeks.

Wait Time

When applying for your United States passport card, make sure you give yourself plenty of time so you have it in time for your trip. Nothing is worse than getting to the airport and not having the correct forms of ID, even after applying for an urgent United States passport. Have fun and be safe!

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U.S. Passport Card – Don’t Struggle To Get One

Thursday, April 21st, 2011

Traveling internationally requires you to bring your US passport with you. Most, if not all, countries require this document before letting you enter their territory, as this establishes your identity and shows proof of your citizenship. Usually, you’ll bring your passport book to these destinations, but there are places where you can simply use the US passport card. You can use your passport card in destinations covered by the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI). These destinations are Bermuda, Canada, the Caribbean, and Mexico. In this article, we’ll show you how to get a passport card so you can visit these WHTI destinations.

Passport Card

Before anything else let’s discuss what a passport card is. Simply put, it is an alternative to the passport book that US citizens can use in traveling to WHTI destinations. Unlike the passport book, a passport card is smaller and easily fits into your wallet.

Portable Card

If convenience is your thing, then you’ll definitely want to know how to get a passport card or  how to get a new passport in a day. When you have one, you don’t have to present it to the US Customs officials anymore just to provide your identity. All they need to do is scan your card, and they will immediately get relevant details about you. Your card stays in your wallet.

Cheaper Alternative

A passport card is also a cheaper alternative to the typical passport book. The fee for applying for a passport card is only about half of the passport book’s price. However, the use of passport cards are only allowed for travel to the WHTI destinations by land or sea. If you are going to travel to these destinations by air, you will then be required to submit your passport book.

DS-82 Form

Interested in getting a passport card? The steps are fairly straightforward, and they depend on whether or not you already have a passport. If you are a previous or current passport holder, then you can fill in Form DS-82, which enables you to send your application by mail.

Previous Passport Required

However, if you haven’t had any passport before, then you will need to submit the Form DS-11. Unlike the DS-82, you will have to submit this form in person to the passport office. That’s why it’s important that you already familiarize yourself with the requirements you need to submit even before applying, so as to save you valuable time.

Discount With Both

If you travel to various destinations regularly, then you’ll likely want to be flexible when it comes to your travel. You can get the flexibility you want if you apply for both a passport book and passport card. That way, you can use your passport card when visiting WTHI destinations then use your passport book to other destinations. What’s more is that you can get a considerable discount if you apply for both types of passports at the same time.

Card Convenience

To summarize this information, you need a United States passport card when traveling to WHTI destinations. It’s also great if you are after the convenience and cost-effectiveness of having one compared to a United States passport book obtained through the passport agencies. Look into this alternative before your next trip.

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USA Passport Card – Applying For One Is Easy

Monday, April 18th, 2011

When you travel to foreign destinations that require a US passport, then you must always have your US passport with you. In most instances, you’ll have to bring your US passport book. However, if you are just traveling to territories that are part of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), then you can simply bring your expedite passport card instead of the book. These territories are Canada, the Caribbean, Bermuda, and Mexico. Read this article in full and we’ll show you how to get a passport card so you can visit these destinations.

Passport Card Information

First off, let’s talk about what a passport card is. This is for those who are looking for a cheaper and more convenient alternative to the passport book. Unlike passport books that can be quite thick, passport cards are thin and can easily fit into your wallet.

Expedited Application

If convenience is your thing, then you’ll definitely want to have your passport application expedited for a card. When you have one, you don’t have to present it to the US Customs officials anymore just to provide your identity. All they need to do is scan your card, and they will immediately get relevant details about you. Your card stays in your wallet.

Cheaper Alternative

A passport card is also a cheaper alternative to the typical passport book. The fee for applying for a passport card is only about half of the passport book’s price. However, the use of passport cards are only allowed for travel to the WHTI destinations by land or sea. If you are going to travel to these destinations by air, you will then be required to submit your passport book.

Passport Card Application

Now, how do you apply for a passport card? Doing this depends if you already have a passport or not. If you are already a passport holder, or if you already had a passport before, then you can fill in Form DS-82, and submit it along with other requirements you need to fulfill. Filling in the DS-82 allows you to send your application for a passport card by mail.

DS-11 Form

However, if you haven’t had any passport before, then you will need to submit the Form DS-11. Unlike the DS-82, you will have to submit this form in person to the passport office. That’s why it’s important that you already familiarize yourself with the requirements you need to submit even before applying, so as to save you valuable time.

Card And Book Capabilities

Having a passport card is a great thing. However, there are times when you’ll also need to have a passport book. The great thing is that you can apply for both documents. This provides you with great flexibility when it comes to your travel. That way, you can use your passport card when visiting WHTI destinations, then use your passport book when traveling to Europe, for example. If you are applying for both documents, you have the choice to apply for them at the same time and get a corresponding discount from the application fee.

WHTI Destinations

To summarize this information, you need a U.S. passport card when traveling to WHTI destinations. It’s also great if you are after the convenience and cost-effectiveness of having one compared to a US passport book , especially through passport expediting services. Look into this alternative before your next trip.

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Need A Passport Card Or A New US Passport?

Wednesday, April 6th, 2011

Whether you are applying for a new passport, passport renewal, or want to replace your lost or stolen passport, it’s important you know what you need to get a new passport. This helps keep you from wasting your time fumbling around about what you have to do. This is especially important if the procedure requires you to make a personal appearance at the passport office.

First Passport

We’ll show you how to get your first passport, renew your expired passport, and apply for a passport card. That sounds a lot of stuff you need to learn about, but don’t worry, as we’ll keep things as simple as possible. So read on and learn more.

Passport Application

First off, let’s talk about first-time passport applicants. If you are applying for a passport for the first time, you will need to fill in the DS-11 form. Aside from this, you will also need to submit other requirements needed from first-time passport applicants.

Establish Citizenship

You will also need to submit a proof of your US citizenship. To do this, you can present any of the following documents: your birth certificate, your certificate of citizenship, your certificate of naturalization, or a consular report of your birth if you were born abroad. Your document will be returned to you by mail along with your new passport. There are instances, however, when it is mailed separately.

Submit Identification

When submitting your passport application in person, you will be required to present your ID at the passport office. Also have that ID photocopied and submit it with the other requirements. Then you also need two color passport photos attached to your documents. Once you have fulfilled all the requirements, you have to pay the applicable fees.

Passport Renewal

Now let’s deal with renewing your expedited passport. You need to have your passport renewed once it expires. You can then request for passport renewal by mail if you fill in Form DS-82. However, if you are based abroad, you will have to visit the nearest US embassy or consulate to have your passport renewed. Simply submit it to them and they will help you with what you need.

Passport Card Areas

Finally, there’s the passport card. You can use the passport card when traveling to these Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative areas: Bermuda, Canada, the Caribbean, and Mexico. If you currently have a US passport, or at least were a previous passport holder, then you can apply for a passport card by mail. Simply fill in Dorm DS-82 then send it by mail. Otherwise, you will have to submit the DS-11 form in person.

Simple Process

Simply put, you’ll only need two types of passport forms when working with a passport application form. You have to use the DS-11 if you are getting a passport for the first time, along with the other required documents. On the other hand, use the DS-82 if you are renewing your expired USA passport. Follow the same instructions when applying for US passport card.

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What Is A U.S. Passport Card?

Monday, March 14th, 2011

When traveling outside of the United States, you will be required to carry a passport with you. This will also be important once you return to the US. You have a choice of two types of passports to use, depending on your type of travel: there’s the passport card and the passport book. Find out everything you need to know about passports here, including information on what a pasport card is. We’ll keep it straightforward and simple.

First off, a passport card is an affordable and lightweight alternative to your passport book. It is wallet-size, making it easier to store than the larger passport book, and is obviously a lot thinner as well. It is also a lot cheaper than a regular passport book, costing around half of the price of a passport book.

On the downside, the passport card has limited uses. You can only use this type of passport if you’re traveling to territories in the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) by land or sea. WHTI territories are Canada, Bermuda, Mexico, and the Caribbean. So when you’re traveling outside of those four destinations, you’ll need a passport book.

Once again, you can only use the passport card when traveling by sea or land to the destinations we already mentioned. So when you are traveling by air to any destination, WHTI territories included, you will need to have a passport book. Thus, it’s important to know where you’re heading and what the requirements are before applying for a passport.

If you regularly travel to WHTI countries as well as countries outside of the WHTI areas, then you have the option of applying for both types of pasports. It means that you can apply for both a passport card and a passport book. You will then have the option of what you’re going to use depending on your destination for a particular trip. It’s also advised that you apply for both at the same time rather than individually as you will get a huge discount if you do.

When applying for a passport card, you’ll need to determine if you’re already a previous passport holder. If you are, then you can apply for your passport card by mail. To do this, you’ll have to fill the Form DS-82, and provide other requirements that may be needed. You’ll also need to do this even if you’re getting your passport card for the first time. In case your passport card will be your first passport, then you’ll have to fill in the Form DS-11.

Having a passport card can be convenient when you’re traveling as it has a built-in radio frequency identification (RFID) chip. It enables the US Customs to verify your personal information wirelessly by simply scanning your passport card. It’s quick and it’s convenient, as all the information they need are quickly downloaded.

Hopefully you now have a good idea of the uses and limits of a pasport card. Just remember that when traveling to WHTI territories by land or sea, you can use your passport card. However, for international air travel even to WHTI areas, then you will be required to present a passport book.

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Passport Cards – A New Alternative To The Passport Book

Friday, November 5th, 2010

Some of the best moments I have ever had came from traveling. There is simply nothing like it. Breaking out of your comfort zone to become acquainted with people and places and cultures so unlike yourself is, I believe, one of the most valuable things you can do for yourself. Of course there is the question of money. Passports, airline tickets, accommodations, transportation, and other expenses required for travel can quickly add up. However, you don’t need to go very far to get away, and there is even a new alternative to the passport: the US passport card.

Passport cards are a relatively new addition to the passport industry. Also known as the People Access Security Service, or “PASS” card, this card functions much as a standard passport does. Starting in July of 2008, people have been applying for and receiving passport cards in order to travel. There are only a few basic rules when it comes to using a passport card. A passport card can only be used for traveling to countries near the United States or to countries that are associated with the United States. For example, Canada and Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean are the places you can go and use a passport card instead of a passport book.

Passport cards can only be used for travel by land or sea. If you decide to travel by plane, you will not be able to use a passport card. The rationale behind the passport card is one of convenience. It was made for those who frequently travel over land borders, whether it be for a job or something else. It looks like any other card you might hold in your wallet, and is much more discreet and portable than the standard passport.

This card does a little more than other cards in your wallet. For example, it features a vicinity-read radio frequency identification, or RFID, chip. This chip, however, doesn’t carry any of your personal information on it. It only contains a special number used to identify you in a government database. Some worry that because it’s just a card, it can be easily forged or manipulated. However, a special laser is used to engrave it, along with other high-tech procedures, making forgeries and fakes easy to spot. The card even comes with a very special sleeve to keep it in, ensuring that no one can read your card illegally.

This RFID technology is seen in many other parts of daily life. For example, it’s what your car key uses to unlock your car and not every other car in the parking lot. It’s also used in some bank cards, in highway toll tags, and security access cards.

The passport card carries some similarities to the basic passport book. First of all, it’s a document that allows you to enter into other countries. Most importantly however, the passport card does have an expiration date. Just like the passport, your passport card is only valid for five years if you are under 18. If you are over 18, your passport card is valid for ten years.

You can apply for a passport card either in person or online. Online expedited United States passport services specialize in expediting passports and passport cards, along with other passport services. If you need a passport card, these websites have an application. If you need to get it renewed, they have a U.S. passport renewal form. It’s all done straight from your computer, making traveling a breeze and vacations a reality.

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What Is The Passport Card?

Thursday, June 17th, 2010

For the convenience and safety of American citizens, the US State Department has provided the option of a lightweight card as identification when crossing certain borders. Also known as a PassCard, it became available in July 2008. So, what is it? Is it the right choice for you? Here is what you need to know about the passport card.

The card identifies a person as a US citizen and is a special alternative to the traditional passport booklet. It can be applied during travel to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and the Caribbean, but only when commuting by land or sea. It is not a valid method of identification for air travel, and cannot be used in travel to or from any other countries.

Anyone who experiences a lot of travel between countries in North America may find the card beneficial. It is particularly useful for those who live in border towns because of its wallet size and lower cost. There is also a belief that this will speed up the process at border. For those same reasons it has benefits for many others.

The card features high tech security features that help defend against counterfeiting. There is also a RFID chip in the card that helps with security at the border. This chip is also included in the passport booklet, and many credit and debit bank cards. There is no personal information on the chip, but for those with concerns, a sleeve is provided that blocks radio frequencies from being sent.

Students or anyone else who travels to the specified destinations might appreciate the price. At forty five dollars, in comparison to the passport booklet’s one hundred dollar price tag, it can be seen as a value. For people over the age of sixteen, it is valid for 10 years before it needs to be renewed. The passport card can be used for five years for those under the age of sixteen.

A passport card has the same requirements as the conventional booklet. If it is your first time getting a passport, you will need to apply in person at a Passport Application Facility and provide identification. In addition, two 2×2 photos and a birth certificate or proof naturalization need to be brought to show US citizenship. This will be sent with the application and returned in the mail along with your new card.

If this is not your first passport, you do not need to appear in person and can send your entire application by mail. Your passport booklet can be sent in as proof of citizenship and identity. It will be returned when you receive your card. There is also an option to apply for both the card and booklet at the same time.

The passport card is made for North American travel, has a lower price than the passport booklet, and can easily fit into a wallet. Now that you know what it is, decide whether it is the right choice for you. There are many resources online that can assist you in obtaining your passport card.

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