Recently a man made headlines as he proclaimed the border patrol agents let him get through the Canadian/American border with just a scanned copy of his passport on his iPad. Although an interesting concept, it is not true. When presented with this information the agents specified that the man was let into the United States because he had other qualifying documentation. Due to recent stricter laws all those individuals wishing to cross into the US must have required travel documents; these documents constitute a passport replacement if their passport is lost or a passport card.
Passport Cards
Passport Cards can be used to enter the United States from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and the Bermuda land border crossings or sea ports of entry. This is because they are more convenient and less expensive than an actual passport book. These cards are great for those who travel frequently between the borders, however they are only good for land and sea travel, and cannot be used for air travel.
Requirements
Any US citizen can obtain a passport card even if they have never applied for a passport before. Those that do have passports can also apply for a passport card, as they are much more convenient for travel. These cards can be applied for online and are even subject to emergency passport services for those that need them quickly.
Process
It is a relatively simple process, compared to getting a regular passport, to get a passport card. First, you will have to show authorities some proof of citizenship. There are numerous things you can shoe to prove this including birth certificates or social security cards. Also, you will be required to fill out a few application forms before you get your passport card. Once you have taken all of these steps and sent in your forms and proof of citizenship, you will receive you brand new passport card in the mail. It should only take a couple of days for the process to be completed.
Travel Documents
Passports are incredibly important travel documents that allow their holders to travel freely all over the world. It is vital that you keep your passport in a safe location while you are traveling. However, if you are someone who does not do a lot of overseas travel and just needs to get in and out of Mexico or Canada, consider getting a United States passport card. These cards are much smaller than a regular passport and can fit right in your wallet like a credit card.
Passport cards offer incredible benefits to individuals who find themselves traveling to either Mexico or Canada frequently. They are much easier to obtain and are a lot cheaper than standard United States passport books. If you are interested in obtaining a U.S. passport card or need a US passport replacement, you can go on the internet and search for passport agency that offers passport card services. Once you fill out the applications and send in your proof of citizenship, you should have your new passport card in the mail very shortly.