Research Article

The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative has called for a change in requirements for identification. In order to meet these changes a new type of identification - known as the ‘Passport Card’ came into being. This card-passport replaces the PASS card; known as the People Access Security Service Card. This will be a convenient and handy way to present the identification that the US Passport had furnished for many years.

The first passport cards became available for issue in July, 2008. The United States Department of State has not given an updated number of cards issued as of May, 2009. The US State Department estimates, however, that more than 1,000,000 cards have been issued.

Since the Civil Aviation Organization does not recognize the new card it is not valid for any type of international travel. Presently, the passport card is issued only to citizens and nationals in the United States of America.

A unique feature of the renewed card is the vicinity-read frequency identification chip. Each chip is given a special identification number and is inputted in governmental databases. The chip allows for reading at a distance.

Also, the card is being issued in a sleeve that prevents the chip being read when it’s not being used. This card will be valid for entering the US from Mexico, Canada, the Caribbean and also Bermuda. This will be valid at land or border crossings and sea ports. It won’t be valid for air travel. The TSA has announced that it will honor the card, as identity, at security checkpoints at airports. It can also be used within the United States for air travel and to enter federal buildings. This could be an option for people who are settled in the United States possessing driver’s licenses that aren’t compliant.

The new and handy ‘passport’ card will be legal for entering the United States from Mexico, Canada, Bermuda and the Caribbean. The card-passport will be only valid at land, seaport or border crossings. It will not be valid for other air travel. Another feature is that the passport ‘card’ can be used for the form required for employment eligibility (I-9). This has been authorized by the US Citizen-Immigration Services. This means the card qualifies as a List A document for new hires’ employment eligibility. So now this convenient card can prove eligibility for any prospective employee seeking work in the United States.

The total charge of $35 will provide a card valid for five years. Renewal fees will be $10. An adult, 16 years of old and older will pay the same $25 processing fee along with $20 for the passport. Renewal fees are $20. The card will remain valid for 10 years. For first-time applicants who are adults, the cost will be $120.00; for first time minor applicants, the cost will be $95.00. For a wallet size card, the cost is $25.00 when you apply for both documents at the same time.

For adults who wish to purchase a U.S. passport card, the cost is $20 if they already have a valid passport. If you wish to hold both this card as well as the book, and you are a citizen or a national, you will be allowed to possess both. So now U.S. passport identification will be easier and more convenient with a smaller, compact and handy US card passport! This was a wonderful idea that many will find easier. One less thing to worry about when traveling.