You Can Have More Accommodating Travel With A Passport Id Card

In this day and age, it is necessary to have an official form of ID for almost any type of travel. This is especially true when it comes to international travel, yet many people do not realize that they need a passport to travel to nearby countries such as Canada and Mexico. For this type of travel, the U S passport ID card offers a more convenient alternative to the traditional passport book.
Passport cards are an official document issued by the Department of State and look very similar to a driver's license. In fact, it is a convenient form of alternative photo identification for someone who, for whatever reason, does not have a driver's license. Since they were first produced in 2008, over two million passport cards have been issued to citizens of the United States.
The passport card is similar to the conventional passport in many ways, but the main dissimilarity is that the card cannot be used for international flights. It can be used in many situations, though, including crossing the United States border by land or sea. When crossing the border into the Bahamas, Bermuda, Mexico or Canada. When going on a trip by bus, car or boat, this is an excellent form of identification, but cardholders should remember that it can never be used for international flight, even to Canada or Mexico.
Although it cannot be used for all types of travel, there are many reasons to apply for this form of identification. Anyone who has ever traveled internationally knows that they spend every other minute checking their bags to make sure that their passport is where they left it. Passport cards can be kept conveniently in a wallet, so there is no need to go searching for them either on or prior to a trip.
The feature that makes passport cards so truly unique is the vicinity-read radio frequency identification, or RFID chip in each card. Each chip contains a unique number, which is associated with records in a secure government database. Since there is no information written on the chip itself, holders can rest easy that their privacy is not being violated. The chip simply makes passing through a border quicker and more efficient.
Applying for passport cards is very similar to applying for a passport book. Applicants are required to present the same documents to prove their American citizenship and identity. In fact, it is possible to apply for a passport and passport card at the same time, on the same form. Both documents are typically received in four to six weeks or two to three weeks if they are ordered with expedited processing.
Just like a passport book, the card is valid for ten years for an adult and five years for a minor. There is a significant difference, however, in the costs. While a passport book costs ninety-five dollars for an adult and eighty-five dollars for a minor, the card only costs forty-five dollars for an adult and twenty for a minor. This is a significant savings that makes the card worthwhile for someone who has no plans to fly out of the country.

By: Ben Pate

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Whether someone needs an alternate photo identification card or plans on traveling over land borders, the United States passport cards is a great option to replace a more expensive and less convenient passport book. No extra paperwork is required to get one and it is far less likely to get lost. This is a great option for international travel across sea or land.