There are several different types of passport. But for most leisure and business travelers, the standard passport card or passport book will serve their purposes. However, for military personnel, Peace Corps volunteers and others traveling on official governmental business, a no-fee passport can be obtained in addition to the regular passport book or passport card.
If there is absolutely no doubt that the traveler will never cross the U.S. border by air, the passport card is a less expensive alternative to the traditional passport book. The passport card is a new document which is valid for land and sea travel between the United States and Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda. However, for air travel or for travel outside the countries listed above, the traditional passport book is required. The passport book is valid for travel worldwide, although separate visa documents may be required depending on the destination country.
It is not necessary to carry both a passport card and a passport book, although passport book holders may apply for a passport card. Persons who hold a passport card may apply for a passport book and later wish to travel to a destination where the card is not valid may apply for a passport book. Passport books and passport cards for those age 16 and older are valid for 10 years from date of issue; for minors under age 16, passports and passport cards are valid for 5 years from date of issue.
Applying for a passport book or passport card is a lengthy process, and can be expensive. First time applicants must apply in person, both adults and minors. The execution fee when applying in person is $25 for both passport books and passport cards. The application fee for passport books for minors under age 16 is $60, for individuals age 16 and up the application fee is $75. The fee for a passport card for minors under age 16 is $10; the fee for individuals age 16 and older is $20.
First time applications for passport books and passport cards may be obtained and filed at most United States Post Office facilities. For an additional fee of $15, many post offices can take passport photos also. Along with two passport photos, application and fees, applicants must provide proof of United States citizenship and proof of identity. Minors under age 16 must apply with both parents present; minors age 16 or 17 must apply with at least one parent present.
Routine processing for passport books and passport cards requires approximately three weeks from the date of application. Expedited processing can be completed for passport books, including delivery, within two weeks. The expedited processing fee is $60, with overnight delivery recommended, which also costs extra. Expedited processing is not presently available for passport cards.
For individuals whose passport books are nearing expiration, or whose passport books were issued within the previous 15 years, it is possible to obtain a replacement passport book by mail. Applications may be obtained at nearly any post office, or the application form may be completed online at the State Department website. Passport book holders may also apply for passport cards by mail, even for a first passport card.
Along with two passport photos, a completed application and fees, applicants must provide the old passport book, which will provide proof of United States citizenship and proof of identity. The passport book must be undamaged, and must have been issued when the individual was age 16 or older. The passport book must also have been issued in the applicant's present name, or the applicant must be able to provide proof of name change along with the application. The old passport is returned along with the replacement, and should be kept in a safe place to prevent misuse.
Routine processing for passport books and passport cards requires approximately three weeks from the date of application. Expedited processing can be completed for passport books, including delivery, within two weeks. The expedited processing fee is $60, with overnight delivery recommended, which also costs extra. Expedited processing is not presently available for passport cards.
It is not necessary to carry a passport or passport card to travel to Alaska or Hawaii, whether traveling by sea or by air. It is also not necessary to carry a passport to travel to Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands, or to other U.S. commonwealth territories.
Every person must have his or her own passport book or passport card when traveling abroad, including newborns and infants. Older minor children must carry their own passports or passport cards, even when traveling with both parents. Under the newly heightened security standards, it is no longer possible to use a driver's license or a birth certificate, even a certified copy, as travel documents for reentry into the United States.
Many countries require visas in addition to passports for entry. It is possible to determine whether a visa is needed for entry into a particular country by checking the official governmental or tourist website for that country. Plenty of time should be allowed for visa applications. Visas often require processing fees. Also, some countries require a minimum time of remaining validity of six months or longer on a traveler's passport before admitting that person into the country. A travel agent can provide this information, or the traveler can check with the embassy or consulate for a particular country.
Some countries require 2 to 4 blank visa pages be available in a passport before admitting a person into that country. Inquire with the airline booking agent when making reservations to be sure. If a passport is still valid, but the blank visa stamp pages are running low, it is possible to have additional pages added to the passport for no charge, with regular processing. There is a fee of $60 for expedited processing, with the recommendation to use an overnight service (with a separate charge) for return of the passport. It is also possible to request additional pages be included in an original or replacement passport for no charge, with regular processing.
