Your Passport Card Is Ready

This card form of a passport is a convenient size to fit into a wallet. It is not as expensive as the passport book yet it is valid for the same time period. If you already have a valid passport book, you can get the card for $20. Processing time for the american passport card and book are about the same; however, it may take longer to get the card as it is only shipped by US mail and overnight delivery is not available.

Persons who have had a passport in the past can use the passport renewal form to apply for the passport card. Even though you may have never had a card in the past, the renewal application is used for anyone who has had a passport in the past. If you have not had a passport before, you must apply for the card in person and use the initial passport application form. This is Form DS-11 and can be found on the web site of the State Department.

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.

These rules will also affect commercial cruise passengers. Formerly travelers were able to use other means of identification, but now they must have their passports. Persons holding tickets who do not have proper documentation will be denied passage on the ship and forfeit the price of their tickets.

The best plan is to apply for your passport early in the process when planning to leave the country. Although normal processing time is three to four weeks, it is best to allow even more time than that in case you need to send more information to get the passport. You should make application at least six weeks before you plan to travel if possible. In cases of emergency, you will be able to get a passport much quicker, however it will cost more money.

Either type of passport application is valid for ten years if you are sixteen years of age or older. Children under sixteen will have a passport that expires in five years. If you are considering travel any time in the near future, the sooner you apply for your new passport card, the better.