Based on the type of international travel that an individual
undertakes, the new passport card might meet all of their needs. It is
important to understand how to apply for the card and how to work the
system in order to get the card in time for any planned travel. If the
trip is imminent, it might not be possible to get the card in time under
normal conditions, causing the individual to need to apply for an
expedited passport card.
This new travel document was designed for
United States residents of the northern and southern border states who
frequently cross the border to work, shop, or visit family. It is meant
to be a more convenient and less expensive alternative to a regular
passport. First made available in 2008, it is an option for any US
citizen.
The passport card was designed for a specific type of
travel and can be used for that purpose only. The guidelines allow it to
be used for return to the United States via land or sea border
crossings, but only from certain countries. Those countries include
Mexico, Canada, the Caribbean islands, and Bermuda. It will not be
accepted for travel by air to or from any of these countries, nor can it
be used to travel to any countries not on this list.
Just because
the passport card is a simplified document, and has limited purposes,
that does not mean that it has relaxed standards for application. The
requirements are just as rigorous as for a regular passport. Since the
process is the same, both can be applied for on the same application. If
it is the first time an individual is applying for a passport document,
there is a requirement that the application be done in person. This can
be done at a Passport Agency office, or what is called an Acceptance
Facility, which can be found in a local post office or governmental
agency office.
The application package that must be presented to
the agent includes the application form DS-11, in conjunction with
certain required supporting documents. Those documents include proof
that you are a US citizen, proof that you are who you claim to be, and
two passport photos of the designated dimensions. In addition, there is
the fee for the passport card, and a separate fee that must be paid to
the Acceptance Facility for their services.
To make the
application process as pain-free as possible, make sure to include the
correct documents with the application. The most common document needed
for native United States citizens is a birth certificate issued and
certified by a government agency. For US citizens born outside the
country, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad will work, or a Certification
of Citizenship that is received when establishing citizenship is
acceptable. A photo I.D., such as a valid driver's license, a current
military identification, or a current identification card issued by a
city, state, or federal government agency serves as proof of identity.
It is a requirement that a photocopy of the proof of identity document
be provided, so plan ahead on this.
For current passport holders
there is a streamlined application process to get a passport card. While
it is not necessary to have a card in this circumstance, it might be
desirable for those who frequently travel by land or sea to the
designated countries and prefer not to carry their traditional passport.
In this situation, the application can be completed via the mail
without having to appear at an Acceptance Facility. The application form
in this case is the DS-82, which is for current passport holders. If
the current passport is due, or almost due, for renewal, that can be
accomplished at the same time as the passport card application. In this
case, the supporting documentation includes the current passport and new
photos. When submitting by mail, do not forget to include payment for
the fees for the card, and passport renewal fee, if appropriate.
Normal
processing times for receiving a passport card are approximately four
to six weeks from receipt of the application. If it's necessary to have
the card faster than this, there is an option to request an expedited
passport card. There is an additional $60 fee, above and beyond the
other fees for this service. Choosing to expedite will generally cut the
processing time by half. In addition, there will be the cost of
overnight delivery services used to ship the card to the recipient.
Normal processing times for receiving a priority passport
card are approximately four to six weeks from receipt of the
application. If it's necessary to have the card faster than this, there
is an option to request an expedited passport card.
There is an additional $60 fee, above and beyond the other fees for
this service. Choosing to expedite will generally cut the processing
time by half. In addition, there will be the cost of overnight delivery
services used to ship the card to the recipient.
