In recent past, the United States released another option for passport users. The passport card application 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.

You must also understand that although the booklet allows for travel between international countries via airplane, the card will only allow for automobile travel and travel by boat. It was made for citizens living on the North and South borders of the US. Those who travel to Mexico and Canada enough require a more convenient form of identification to travel between each country. This card makes it easier to do so without having to apply for an urgent U S passport.

There is an electronic chip inside each one produced that has a vicinity-read frequency identification chip that helps quicken the process of government identification. This chip does not hold any personal information on it. It holds a unique number that identifies a stored record within government databases.

You do not need to worry about security precautions. The government has implanted a system of laser engraving and modern features of security that minimize the risk of it being forged or counterfeited. It also comes with a sleeve that makes it so no one can read your card while it is inside.

To apply for one, you must have the necessary documents required to prove your identity and citizenship. Proof of citizenship can include a previously issued, undamaged United States passport, a birth certificate that is issued by the city, county, or state, a report of birth abroad or a certificate of birth, a certificate of citizenship, and a naturalization certificate. Acceptable identification includes a previously issued unharmed passport, a naturalization certificate, a valid driver's license, a current government ID that is city, state, or federal or a current military ID.

Along with these documents of identification, you must bring along a small photo 2×2 inches in size. You only need to bring one. Once you have all these items ready, simply fill out form DS-11 and visit one of the many passport application facilities located across the U. S. You can find these locations online.

Application fees for adults are $30, and execution fees are $25. For kids under 16 years old, application fees are $15. Execution fees are still $25.

Once you successfully submit your application, it will typically take four to six weeks to process and be shipped out to you. If you choose the expedited service, it will take two to three weeks. This service typically costs extra.

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