In recent past, the United States released another option for passport users. The USA Passport card is a small form of identification used for travel between the United States and its neighboring countries. It can be used at land crossings and ports of sea entry. You can use it to travel from the Caribbean, Canada, Bermuda, and Mexico. It is a less expensive and smaller option than the passport booklet and is more convenient for citizens frequently traveling between these countries by car or by boat. As of July 14, 2008, the travel document is available for eligible US citizens. So far it has already been given out to more than 2,700,000 applicants.

Though the booklet allows for air travel between international destinations, this form of ID is strictly limited to travel by land or by sea. The reason for this is because it was made for those citizens living on the northern and southern edges of the US, specifically the ones that travel often to Mexico or Canada. This provides an easier way of traveling to and from the United States without having to apply for an urgent new passport.

An electronic chip called a ”vicinity read frequency identification chip” is placed in each card. This is a device that speeds up the amount of time used to process identification by the government. Don't worry; the chip doesn't hold personal information, just a unique number that identifies a record within the databases of the government.

You don't need to worry about security either. Each card is engraved by lasers with state-of-the-art technology, which keep security at a maximum while limiting the ability of criminals to try to counterfeit your documents. It also comes with a sleeve that protects the card from being scratched or read.

If you're looking to apply, first gather all the required papers that you need to prove that you are a citizen. Then find some proper identification. Citizenship proof includes an old, undamaged US passport, a birth certificate or a report of birth abroad, a birth certificate certified by the state, county, or city, a citizenship certificate, or a certificate of naturalization.

Proper identification includes a certificate of naturalization, current government ID - state, federal, or city, a valid military ID, or a valid driver's license. In addition to these forms of ID, you are also required to bring one small photograph that is 2 by 2 inches. Only a single photo is required. As soon as you have prepared all the required documents, print and fill out the DS-11 form available online, and go in person to one of several application facilities across the United States. You can locate these places on the Internet.

The application fee for adults is $30. The execution fee is $25. If you're a minor under 16 years old, the fee for application is $15 and the fee for execution is still $25.

After you submit the application, it typically takes between four and six weeks to fully process and ship. There is expedited service available which costs a bit extra. It typically takes between two and three weeks.

Be sure to plan your vacation early and apply for your passport card application ahead of time. You don't want your travel date to come and not have the proper identification, even after applying for an urgent pasport. Happy traveling!