In recent past, the United States released another option for passport users. The passport card is a small form of identification used for travel between the United States and its neighboring countries. It can be used at land crossings and ports of sea entry. You can use it to travel from the Caribbean, Canada, Bermuda, and Mexico. It is a less expensive and smaller option than the passport booklet and is more convenient for citizens frequently traveling between these countries by car or by boat. As of July 14, 2008, the travel document is available for eligible US citizens. So far it has already been given out to more than 2,700,000 applicants.
Passport Booklet
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.
RFID Chip
Inside each one is a chip called the “RFID chip”. This is a chip that is read by vicinity through a certain frequency implanted inside of it. This chip helps to speed up the amount of time it takes for the government to process your ID. It doesn’t have any personal info on it, just a specific number that IDs a government database record.
Security Precautions
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.
Required Papers
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.
Proper Identification
Proper identification includes a certificate of naturalization, current government ID – state, federal, or city, a valid military ID, or a valid driver’s license. In addition to these forms of ID, you are also required to bring one small photograph that is 2 by 2 inches. Only a single photo is required. As soon as you have prepared all the required documents, print and fill out the DS-11 form available online, and go in person to one of several application facilities across the United States. You can locate these places on the Internet.
Application Fees
Application fees for adults are $30, and execution fees are $25. For kids under 16 years old, application fees are $15. Execution fees are still $25.
Application Submission
After you send in your application, it usually takes between 4 and 6 weeks to fully process and be sent out to your location. There is a rush service available that costs additional money. It will reduce the shipping time to 2 to 3 weeks.
Wait Time
Try to apply ahead of time for the passport card to avoid any unnecessary headaches. It’s a real hassle to get to the airport and not have the right ID or when you need an urgent passport. Have a good time on your trip!
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