Travel Tips

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 priority passport card.

This new identification travel card was introduced to residents of the United States in 2008. It was designed primarily for US citizens who live near the northern and southern borders and frequently cross the border. However, it is available to any US citizen. It is a less expensive option than obtaining a traditional passport, and was designed for convenience of frequent use.

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.

If you are a first time applicant, the DS-11 form must be completed and presented to the agent. There are several other pieces of the application process. You must prove that you are a United States citizen, provide a government issued photo id to prove your identity, and submit two photographs that meet passport specifications. You must also pay the fee for the passport card, as well as a separate fee to the Acceptance Facility for providing their services.

It is important that you understand what documents of proof are considered acceptable. For proof of citizenship you can supply an official copy of your birth certificate issued state of your birth. If you are a citizen born outside the country you must present a Consular Report of Birth Abroad document. If you have become a US citizen through a naturalization process, you can submit your Certification of Citizenship. A form of identification with a photo, issued by a governmental agency, is also required. This could be a valid license to drive, a military identification card, or a current city, state, or federally issued identification card. Whichever form of identification you choose to present, make a photocopy of it in advance to leave with your application.

If you already have a passport and desire a passport card as well, the application process is a bit simpler. You can complete the process through the mail, and are not required to appear in person at an Acceptance Facility. In this situation you will complete form DS-82, which is for renewal of a passport, or for obtaining a passport card. If your passport is due for renewal, you can apply for them together. As part of this application process, you must submit your current passport, two new photos that meet the specifications, and the fee for the passport card. If you are renewing your regular passport be sure to include the fee for that as well. The Passport Agency will give you a bit of a discount if you apply for both forms of passport at the same time.

Normal processing times for receiving a 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 priority 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 priority U.S. passport delivery services used to ship the card to the recipient.

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