Most people are familiar with the traditional passport book that contains pages that are stamped upon entry to other countries. If the passport holder was over age 16 when the passport book was issued, it is good for ten years. If the holder was under age 16, the passport book is good for five years. When renewing passports, a person may want to consider obtaining a new passport card in addition to the passport book.
A passport card is more compact and much easier to deal with than the standard passport book. The wallet-sized card can be used for frequent travel across local borders such as Canada or Mexico. It is, however, not valid for air travel to any other countries. This means that a passport book will still be required, depending on the traveler’s destination, to enter or leave other countries by plane. A current passport holder can apply for the card by mail for a mere $20.00 more when renewing their passport book.
Passport cards are not just for current passport holders, any U.S. citizen in eligible to apply for one the same as a standard passport. Current and past holders of a valid passport book can receive the card via mail and will need to complete and send in the proper renewal form. Those who are applying for the passport card for the first time must do so in person.
Whether it is the book or the card that is being applied for, they both take approximately the same amount of time to process and send. There is a 4 to 6 week wait time on the card or book for the standard service and if expedited is requested, this may be accomplished in 2 to 3 weeks. The expedited service, however, does carry an extra fee. While an individual can submit their application via overnight mail, the passport itself will only be returned by first class mail through the Post Office.
Advancements in technology have made the card one of the most efficient methods of border identification available today. The RFID chip that is built in to the card allows the border personnel to scan an individual’s card and access all the necessary information regarding that person. The radio frequency ID chip can be read by the customs and border guards, giving the access to a secure database with the information, rather than it being contain on the card itself.
The card comes with high-tech security features, including laser engraving, that prevent counterfeiting and forgery. The card also comes with a protective RFID-blocking sleeve that is used to protect against unauthorized reading or tracking of the card when it is not in use. The card is as secure as current technology permits.
The low cost of the card in addition to the passport book when getting a renewal can make this a great secondary form of travel identification. The card is not only for adults as minors are also eligible to apply for this when affecting their renewal process. There are, however, very strict guidelines that the minors must adhere to in order to receive one of these cards.
People in the process of Renewing American Passports should seriously consider the addition of the card to the order. With over one million of these cards currently in circulation, this has quickly become a preferred means of quick identification for crossing close borders. While this is not meant to replace the U S passport card book, for those that cross to Mexico or Canada frequently for business or shopping, it will be a much more convenient method.
