Passport ID Card

This slim line passport device is a great alternative to standard passports for people who live on or near the Mexican or Canadian border and travel back and forth to the United States. The cards have a radio frequency ID chip, otherwise known as an RFID, installed in the card. Border patrol agents are specially trained to read information on the chip that is connected to a database that contains the cardholder's passport information.

The radio frequency ID is safe because there is no personal information about the cardholder on it. Only border personnel who have the skills and permission to read the database information are allowed access. The card comes with a blocking sleeve to keep it from being damaged or being scanned when no one is using it.

The passport can be available for any legal American citizen regardless of whether or not they have ever had a passport. Travelers can get a passport when they fill out the necessary application, a DS-11 and turn it in ID and photos along with it. If the person already has a passport, they can get the card only at a discounted rate.

Fees for passport cards are very economical compared with the cost of a regular passport. A standard card for a first-time adult purchase is $45.00 and children under 16 pay only $35.00. The passport book is more than twice the price at $100.00 for adults buying a passport for the first time. Individuals who want to switch from a paper book to a passport card only have to pay a modest fee of $20.00.

These cards last for the same length of time as a passport. Adult cards are valid for ten years from their issue date and minor's cards are good for 5 years. The cards do not need to be updated during the entire lifespan of the card. This makes them very convenient as they can be placed in the wallet and carried all the time.

While it is feasible for some individuals to apply for these by mail, it should be noted that even if they submit their information by an overnight method, it will not be returned in the same manner. The new cards will only be returned to the applicants by way of first class mail. This means that if the applicant needs it quickly, they will need to use another method.

Private US passport agency providers are available online that can assist an individual in receiving a passport much quicker. They have the ways and means to expedite the entire process and return the passport application in as little as one to two business days for a fee. This fee will, however, be in addition to any fees that the government is entitled to.