In today’s world, it is a good idea to have photo identification on hand at all times, even for domestic travel. In the case of international travel, this is not only advised, but required, and yet many people still do not have a passport. For travel that does not require a flight, a U.S. passport card ID is a convenient alternative to a typical passport.

Passport cards are official documents that the Department of State issues and they look very much like a normal driver’s license. It is actually a great alternative form of identification for people who may not have a valid driver’s license for some reason. More than 2 million cards have been granted to US citizens since they were initially introduced in the summer of 2008.

The main thing that distinguishes the passport card from a traditional passport is that it cannot be used for international air travel. It can, however, be used for land border crossing in and out of the US. This means that it is an appropriate form of identification for travel between the US and Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean or Bermuda. This makes it perfect for road trips and cruises but remember that, even in these nearby countries, passport cards cannot be used for air travel.

Although the card is not valid for all travel, there are many reasons that it is a handy thing to have. Anyone who has traveled outside of the country knows what it is like to check luggage and backpacks over and over to make sure the passports are still where they left them. Passport cards are the size and shape of a credit card, so they are easy to store safely in any wallet.

The feature that makes passport cards so truly unique is the vicinity-read radio frequency identification, or RFID chip in each card. Each chip contains a unique number, which is associated with records in a secure government database. Since there is no information written on the chip itself, holders can rest easy that their privacy is not being violated. The chip simply makes passing through a border quicker and more efficient.

Applying for a passport book and applying for a card are nearly the exact same process. The same required documents apply proving both identity and citizenship. Applicants can even use the same application to get both the book and the card. They both take about five weeks to be processed and can both be received within three weeks with accelerated processing.

Just as a passport book is good for ten years for adults and five years for children, so is the card. The significant difference comes in the cost. A passport book costs ninety-five dollars for adults while the card is just forty-five dollars. If someone does not plan on flying overseas, they can save a significant amount of money by getting the card instead of the book.

Whether someone requires identification for international land travel or simply needs an alternative to a driver’s license for photo ID, the pasport ID card is a cost-effective and convenient option. It is far easier to keep an eye on and just as easy to obtain. For travel outside of the United States via land or sea, this is an excellent option. To find out more information, visit http://www.uspassportnow.com.