If you want to enter the United States you must have a passport. Even U. S. Citizens have been required to have the passport book or new passport cardd to re-enter the States. The card is a less expensive option for people crossing the border by land or sea and returning from Mexico, Canada, the Caribbean or Bermuda. Otherwise you must have the passport book.

The U S passport card is conveniently sized to fit into your wallet. It is less expensive than the passport book, however, is valid for the same amount of time. Adults with a valid passport book can apply for the card for only $20. Although processing times for both the passport book and passport card are approximately the same, it may take a little longer to get the card as it is only shipped by mail and the overnight delivery is not an option.

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 American passport 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.

If you are planning a trip outside of the United States, whether by land, sea or air, you will need to make application for your passport early in the planning process. The cost is $135 for a normal application. It will take three to four weeks to get your passport back. Most people will want to plan at least six weeks to ensure the passports are back on time.

Both the passport and the passport card are valid for ten years for persons who are sixteen or older. For children under sixteen, both the passport book and passport card are only valid for five years. Applying early is the best way of avoiding a rush application later on.