The Passport Card, A Less Expensive Option
Since June 1, 2009, all United States citizens traveling out of the country must show a passport to come back home. If you often travel to Mexico, Canada, the Caribbean, or Bermuda by land or sea, the passport card may be an excellent option for you. If you plan to travel outside the U. S. by air, you will need the passport book.
The passport card is conveniently sized to fit into your wallet. It is less expensive than the passport book, however, is valid for the same amount of time. Adults with a valid passport book can apply for the card for only $20.
Although processing times for both the passport book and passport card are approximately the same, it may take a little longer to get the card as it is only shipped by mail and the overnight delivery is not an option.
Persons who have had a passport in the past can use the passport renewal form to apply for the passport card. Even though you may have never had a card in the past, the renewal application is used for anyone who has had a passport in the past.
If you have not had a passport before, you must apply for the card in person and use the initial passport application form. This is Form DS-11 and can be found on the web site of the State Department.
The passport card includes a RFID chip. While no personal information is stored on the card itself, it does pull up your information from a secure database kept by the U. S. Government. This technology will allow Customs to access your photographs, as well as biographical information, that have been stored in the database as you approach the inspection station.
The card has security features that are built in to deter counterfeiting, as well as forgery. It is also important to keep the card in the RFID blocking sleeve that comes with the card. This sleeve protects the card from being read or tracked by unauthorized persons.
The card is most useful for persons that live in border communities. It will allow them to cross the border for shopping or visiting and return home easily. Since it is not acceptable for air travel, people who do not live near the border may be better served with the normal passport.
The new rules about passports will also affect commercial cruise passengers. Whereas these travelers formerly were able to re-enter the country without passports, a passport is now required. Because of this, most cruise companies will require passengers to have a passport or card in order to embark on the ship.
If you are planning a trip outside of the United States, whether by land, sea or air, you will need to make application for your passport early in the planning process. The cost is $135 for a normal application. It will take three to four weeks to get your passport back. Most people will want to plan at least six weeks to ensure the passports are back on time.
Both the passport and the passport card are valid for ten years for persons who are sixteen or older. For children under sixteen, both the passport book and passport card are only valid for five years. Applying early is the best way of avoiding a rush application later on.
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