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!
