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In the summer of 2008, US Passport cards made it possible for a select group of travelers to get a valid passport in a more cost effective and smaller fashion. At only a fraction of the cost, US Passport cards seem to be a dream come true for many travelers, but many people have voiced concerns.
Wait a minute! Since when do I need a passport to get in and out of the United States?
Until recently, all you need to leave or enter the United States by land or sea was a birth certificate and a valid state issued driver’s license. However, on June 1, 2009, everyone will be required to have US Passport cards to leave or enter the United States after traveling by sea or land.
Wow! Do US Passport cards work the same as the traditional passport book?
No. The cheaper US Passport cards are only for use when traveling into or out of the United States by sea or land between Canada, Mexico, the United States, the Caribbean, and Bermuda. If you have plans or something happens and you must travel by air, you will still need the traditional US passport book.
Hmm, this does not make sense? Why would I want to get US Passport cards when a US passport book covers travel by land, sea, AND air?
Cheaper passports are an affordable solution to many people just needing to get across the border. These US Passport cards are also equipped with a type of microchip that allows border patrols to simply wave a wand at your car, you remove the card from its protective holder, and viola! The border patrol has all your information readily available. All you have to do is drive up, wave, and pass on through. This saves a lot of time!
Wait a minute… a microchip? How safe is this microchip?
"There's no danger of any personal information being transmitted from the chip on the card, because there is no information on the card," says Steve Royster, spokesman for the Bureau of Consular Affairs at the State Department. "Instead, all the chip has is an ID number that will be used to link the card to a secure government database that's accessed as someone drives toward the border." There is a protective sleeve that comes with your US Passport cards that will keep your information secure until you decide to allow others to see this information.
Ok, then is it easier to get US Passport cards?
Unfortunately, no. Whether you apply for a passport book or a passport card, you will find that you follow the same process, need the same identification, and must wait just as long. In addition, expedited services are not available for the US Passport cards.
Can I have both a US Passport card and book?
Most definitely, yes! Many people appreciate having something simple and fast when it comes to crossing the border. In addition, these people may also like traveling abroad by air. The good news is that you can apply for and obtain both types of passports. One small note… if you do apply for both, you only have to pay a small fee for the US Passport card if you already have the US Passport book!
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