If you want to enter the United States you must have a passport.
Even U. S. Citizens have been required to have the passport book or
passport card to re-enter the States. The card is a less expensive
option for people crossing the border by land or sea and returning from
Mexico, Canada, the Caribbean or Bermuda. Otherwise you must have the
passport book.
This card form of a passport is a convenient size
to fit into a wallet. It is not as expensive as the passport book yet it
is valid for the same time period. If you already have a valid passport
book, you can get the card for $20. Processing time for the card and
book are about the same; however, it may take longer to get the card as
it is only shipped by US mail and overnight delivery is not available.
If
you have ever had any kind of passport in the past you can use the
renewal form to apply for the card. Even persons that may not have had a
card in the past, but have had a book will use the renewal form to
apply for the card. If you have never had a passport in the past, you
must use the initial passport application and visit a processing center
in person. The correct form for first time applicants is the DS-11 and
it is available at the State Department web site.
The card uses an
RFID chip that is embedded in the card. No personal information has
been stored on your card, but it will pull up information from the
government's secure database. The technology allows customs agents to
access photos and biological information that has been stored in that
database as you are approaching the station. There are built in security
feature in the card to prevent counterfeiting or forgery. It is
important that you keep your card in the sleeve that is sent to you in
as this prevents it from being tracked or read by persons who are not
authorized.
Residents living in border communities will find the
card most useful. It allows for easy border crossings for purposes of
shopping, visiting or other business, and then a return home. Remember
that the card is not valid for air travel, so if you plan to fly out of
the country, you will need the passport book.
These rules will
also affect commercial cruise passengers. Formerly travelers were able
to use other means of identification, but now they must have their
passports. Persons holding tickets who do not have proper documentation
will be denied passage on the ship and forfeit the price of their
tickets.
If you plan to visit countries outside of the U. S. you
will need some kind of passport for the visit.
The best plan is to apply
for the passport early. While most passports are currently being
returned within three to four weeks from the time of application, the
best policy is to apply six to eight weeks before you intend to travel.
If you plan to travel within fourteen days, you will want to apply for
an expedited passport.
The passport cards and the book are valid for ten years if you are over sixteen years of age. Younger persons are issued passports that are valid for five years. Apply now and avoid the rush.
