Renewing American Passports – Renewing One Can Be Easier Than You Would Believe

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.

A passport card is more compact and much easier to deal with than the standard passport book. The wallet-sized card can be used for frequent travel across local borders such as Canada or Mexico. It is, however, not valid for air travel to any other countries. This means that a passport book will still be required, depending on the traveler’s destination, to enter or leave other countries by plane. A current passport holder can apply for the card by mail for a mere $20.00 more when renewing their passport book.

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.

Passport cards are designed much in the same way credit cards are in the use of laser engraving and other methods to prevent forgery or counterfeiting. Each card comes complete with a special sleeve that blocks unauthorized people from scanning it or accessing it in any way when it is not in use. The card is a more secure method than virtually any other form of personal identification available.

The low cost of the card in addition to the passport book when getting a renewal can make this a great secondary form of travel identification. The card is not only for adults as minors are also eligible to apply for this when affecting their renewal process. There are, however, very strict guidelines that the minors must adhere to in order to receive one of these cards.

U.S. citizens Renewing Passports should consider obtaining a US passport card in addition to the traditional passport book. The passport card has quickly become popular, with over one million cards issued since its release. Though it is not intended to replace a passport book, the passport card is a convenient low-cost alternative for people who travel to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda by land or sea.