The process of renewing passports is something that everyone that has one has to contend with at some point or another. The standard passport is good for 10 years and for minors 16 or younger, five years so they are good for a while but still do expire. The passport card can do the same basic job as the passport book and may be obtained at the same time a passport book is being renewed.

Premiering in 2008, the passport card quickly became a great alternative to those travelers that frequently crossed the border into Mexico, Canada, Bermuda or the Caribbean. This is a wallet-sized card that has no pages to stamp and is good for the same period of time a standard passport is. Current passport holders can receive the card as a renewal option for the low fee of $20.00.

Passport cards are not just for current passport holders, any U.S. citizen in eligible to apply for one the same as a standard passport. Current and past holders of a valid passport book can receive the card via mail and will need to complete and send in the proper renewal form. Those who are applying for the passport card for the first time must do so in person.

Processing times for a passport are similar to those for passport books. Allow four to six weeks for standard processing or order expedited processing in order to receive the passport card within two to three weeks. An independent expediting service may be used for even faster processing. Passport cards must be shipped via first-class mail; they cannot be sent via overnight delivery.

The technology contained within the passport card itself is rather interesting. The card contains a vicinity-read radio frequency identification (RFID) chip. The chip does not contain personal identification, but it links to a stored record in a secured government database. Customs and Border Protection inspectors access the card holder’s photographs and biological information as the card holder approaches an inspection station.

The card comes with high-tech security features, including laser engraving, that prevent counterfeiting and forgery. The card also comes with a protective RFID-blocking sleeve that is used to protect against unauthorized reading or tracking of the card when it is not in use. The card is as secure as current technology permits.

Those wishing to obtain this new passport card in addition to renewing their passports will find the low fee for this card appealing. Minors are also eligible to apply for passport cards and the fee for minor cards is lower than for adults. Minors under the age of 16 must adhere to specific requirements when applying for a passport card.

People in the process of Renewing U S Passports should seriously consider the addition of the card to the order. With over one million of these cards currently in circulation, this has quickly become a preferred means of quick identification for crossing close borders. While this is not meant to replace the US passport card book, for those that cross to Mexico or Canada frequently for business or shopping, it will be a much more convenient method.