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Is A U S Passport Card Right For You?

Posted on 27 July 2010

The US State Department is now offering the relatively new passport card id. Also called the PassCard, it was created for the convenience of Americans who travel to certain North American countries. What do you need to know about this card? Is it truly more convenient? Find out if the PassCard is right for you.

The PassCard is a new alternative to the conventional passport booklet as a way of identifying yourself as a US citizen. When travelling by land or sea, it can successfully be used when returning from Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean. It will not be accepted for travel by air and is not a valid travel document for any other countries.

Anyone who experiences a lot of travel between countries in North America may find the card beneficial. It is particularly useful for those who live in border towns because of its wallet size and lower cost. There is also a belief that this will speed up the process at border. For those same reasons it has benefits for many others.

There are certain security features involved to protect the PassCard from counterfeiting. The RFID chip helps the security process at the border, but there is no personal identification information held within the chip. The pasport booklet and many credit and debit cards also have the same kind of chip. For those who feel that it is necessary, a sleeve is given with the card that blocks transfer of information.

The price is what most people look at to make their final decision. The traditional booklet costs one hundred dollars, compare that to the forty five dollar price of the PassCard. Just like the booklet, the card is valid for ten years for those over the age of sixteen. Under sixteen years of age the card is valid for five years.

The card and booklet have the same application process. You will need to find an approved passport facility and turn in your paperwork in person if this is your first time getting a passport. You will need to show valid identification and fill out the proper form. Then the two 2×2 pictures you have brought will be mailed along with your proof of US citizenship, either a birth certificate or papers showing naturalization. These will be returned to you when your card arrives in the mail.

If you already have a passport there is no need to find a facility, the application can be sent by mail. You will still need to send proof of citizenship, but your passport can be used for this purpose. It will be returned to you in the mail with your card. You also have the option to renew your passport booklet and attain a new PassCard at the same time.

For some people, there are a number of benefits to the USA Passport card. The credit card size makes it easy to carry during travel and the low price is convenient for those on a budget. The PassCard made be the right fit for you. There are many online sources to help you in the simple application process.

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