Recently, the United States released another option to the passport booklet. The american passport 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.
You must also understand that although the booklet allows for travel between international countries via airplane, the 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 United States passport.
An electronic chip called a ”vicinity read frequency identification chip” is placed in each card. This is a device that speeds up the amount of time used to process identification by the government. Don’t worry; the chip doesn’t hold personal information, just a unique number that identifies a record within the databases of the government.
You do not need to worry about security precautions. The government has implanted a system of laser engraving and modern features of security that minimize the risk of it being forged or counterfeited. It also comes with a sleeve that makes it so no one can read your card while it is inside.
If you’re looking to apply, first gather all the required papers that you need to prove that you are a citizen. Then find some proper identification. Citizenship proof includes an old, undamaged US passport, a birth certificate or a report of birth abroad, a birth certificate certified by the state, county, or city, a citizenship certificate, or a certificate of naturalization.
Acceptable ID includes older undamaged passports, certificates of naturalization, driver’s license, government identification whether state, city, or federal or a recent military ID. In addition to these papers, you’re going to need to bring a photo that is 2 by 2 inches. Only one photo is required. If you’re ready to fill out your application, print out form DS-11 and fill it out. Then visit one of several application facilities across the nation. Simply search for one in your search engine of choice.
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.
Once you successfully submit your application, it will typically take four to six weeks to process and be shipped out to you. If you choose the expedited service, it will take two to three weeks. This service typically costs extra.
Be sure to plan your vacation early and apply for your United States passport card ahead of time. You don’t want your travel date to come and not have the proper identification, even after applying for an urgent American passport. Happy traveling!
