Previously, a passport was not needed to enter certain countries bordering and close to the United States. Americans could come and go to Mexico, Bermuda, Canada and some Caribbean nations using only their driver's licenses. However, changes to the law now require a passport or passport card for these border crossings.
The passport card can also be used for entering these North American countries, and is an alternative to carrying a full passport. The size of a driver's license, it can easily fit into a wallet and can be used for land and sea entries, but not those made by air.
When issued, passports for adults are valid for 10 years; for children younger than 18, the passports are valid for 5 years. It is important to travel on a passport with ample time left before its expiration date, leaving at least six months of remaining validity when returning to the U.S. Additionally, many countries will not grant entry to people with less than 6 months left on their passport.
When traveling abroad, even babies require their own independent passports. These first passports can't be applied for via mail and both parents must report to a passport office with the infant to procure the passport. If one parent cannot make the appointment, the other will need a statement of consent signed by the parent or legal guardian and a notary public. In the event that the baby has only one parent or guardian, proof of this fact is required.
When applying for a first or renewal passport, documents and forms of identification are required. Applicants must furnish valid ID in the form of an old, undamaged passport, a driver's license or a government or military identification card. Additionally, the applicant must provide evidence of American citizenship which can also include an old passport; a certified birth, naturalization or citizenship certificate, or a consular report of birth abroad. If no such evidence is available, select secondary documents of evidence may be acceptable, such as a census record or baptismal certificate.
