Travel Tips

In today’s world, it is a good idea to have photo identification on hand at all times, even for domestic travel. In the case of international travel, this is not only advised, but required, and yet many people still do not have a passport. For travel that does not require a flight, a United States passport card ID is a convenient alternative to a typical passport.

Passport cards are official documents that the Department of State issues and they look very much like a normal driver’s license. It is actually a great alternative form of identification for people who may not have a valid driver’s license for some reason. More than 2 million cards have been granted to US citizens since they were initially introduced in the summer of 2008.

The major difference between a conventional passport and a passport card is that the card is not a valid credential for air travel outside of the United States. It can be used, however, for crossing the border in and out of America by land or sea. It is acceptable for travel in and out of the United States from Mexico, Canada, Bermuda or the Bahamas. This means it is ideal for cruises or road trips, but bear in mind that it is not to be used for any flight, even to Mexico or Canada.

Although the card is not valid for all travel, there are many reasons that it is a handy thing to have. Anyone who has traveled outside of the country knows what it is like to check luggage and backpacks over and over to make sure the passports are still where they left them. Passport cards are the size and shape of a credit card, so they are easy to store safely in any wallet.

The feature that makes passport cards so truly unique is the vicinity-read radio frequency identification, or RFID chip in each card. Each chip contains a unique number, which is associated with records in a secure government database. Since there is no information written on the chip itself, holders can rest easy that their privacy is not being violated. The chip simply makes passing through a border quicker and more efficient.

Applying for passport cards is very similar to applying for a passport book. Applicants are required to present the same documents to prove their American citizenship and identity. In fact, it is possible to apply for a passport and passport card at the same time, on the same form. Both documents are typically received in four to six weeks or two to three weeks if they are ordered with expedited processing.

Just like a passport book, the card is valid for ten years for an adult and five years for a minor. There is a significant difference, however, in the costs. While a passport book costs ninety-five dollars for an adult and eighty-five dollars for a minor, the card only costs forty-five dollars for an adult and twenty for a minor. This is a significant savings that makes the card worthwhile for someone who has no plans to fly out of the country.

Whether traveling over a land border or simply looking for an alternate form of photo identification, the passport card ID is a wonderful alternative to the long-established passport. It does not require any additional paperwork or information and is easy to keep track of at all times. For international travel over land or sea, this is the most convenient and efficient way to go. Go to USPassportNow.com to find out more.

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