Passport Cards Are Essential When Leaving The Country

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 US 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.

A us passport card looks much like a driver's license. It is about the same size and easily fits into your wallet. It is valid for the same amount of time that a passport book would be valid. If you already have the book and want the card, you can apply and receive the card for $20. Processing time for the card is about the same as for the book, but it will take a little longer to receive the card as it is only shipped using the US mail.

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.

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 United States passport card are valid for ten years for persons who are sixteen or older. For children under sixteen, both the U.S. passport book and passport card are only valid for five years. Applying early is the best way of avoiding a rush application later on.