August 28, 2010
A Guide To Overnight US Passport Cards
You know what a passport card is designed for, and have determined that having one meets your travel needs. The next step is to understand what it takes to apply for the card, and how long it normally takes to get one. If you discover that the normal processing times do not meet your requirements, you might need to follow the steps necessary to get an next day passport card.
While still fairly new and unknown to some travelers, this new travel identification document made its debut in 2008. Though this card was created for a specific type of traveler, specifically those who cross the northern or southern borders frequently, it can be obtained by any United States citizen. It was designed to be more convenient to use and cheaper to obtain than a normal passport book.
The passport card was designed for a specific type of travel and can be used for that purpose only. The guidelines allow it to be used for return to the United States via land or sea border crossings, but only from certain countries. Those countries include Mexico, Canada, the Caribbean islands, and Bermuda. It will not be accepted for travel by air to or from any of these countries, nor can it be used to travel to any countries not on this list.
Just because the passport card is a simplified document, and has limited purposes, that does not mean that it has relaxed standards for application. The requirements are just as rigorous as for a regular passport. Since the process is the same, both can be applied for on the same application. If it is the first time an individual is applying for a passport document, there is a requirement that the application be done in person. This can be done at a Passport Agency office, or what is called an Acceptance Facility, which can be found in a local post office or governmental agency office.
For a new applicant, you must complete form DS-11 and submit it to the agent at the Acceptance Facility. In addition, you must provide proof of your citizenship, proof of your identity, two passport photos that meet the application requirements, and the fee for the passport card. You will also have to pay the Acceptance Facility a fee to cover their work, as an intermediary agent of the Passport Agency. This fee is separate from the fee you pay to the issuing agency.
To make the application process as pain-free as possible, make sure to include the correct documents with the application. The most common document needed for native United States citizens is a birth certificate issued and certified by a government agency. For US citizens born outside the country, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad will work, or a Certification of Citizenship that is received when establishing citizenship is acceptable. A photo I.D., such as a valid driver's license, a current military identification, or a current identification card issued by a city, state, or federal government agency serves as proof of identity. It is a requirement that a photocopy of the proof of identity document be provided, so plan ahead on this.
If you already have a passport and desire a passport card as well, the application process is a bit simpler. You can complete the process through the mail, and are not required to appear in person at an Acceptance Facility. In this situation you will complete form DS-82, which is for renewal of a passport, or for obtaining a passport card. If your passport is due for renewal, you can apply for them together. As part of this application process, you must submit your current passport, two new photos that meet the specifications, and the fee for the passport card. If you are getting a priority U.S. passport be sure to include the fee for that as well. The Passport Agency will give you a bit of a discount if you apply for both forms of passport at the same time.
If you have a need to receive your card faster than normal processing times will allow, you have the option to pay an additional fee of $60 with your application to receive an expedited passport card. This fee applies whether you are applying in person or by mail. This will generally cut the wait time by half compared to normal processing. You will also be expected to pay whatever overnight delivery fees are required in order to ship the documents.
Filed under Whale Watching Tours by jenny