People may be more familiar with the former name for a passport card, the People Access Security Service Card, or PASS card. The new passport card is an alternative to a passport in order to meet the requirements of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative.

February of 2008 was when applications for the passport “license” or card started. The cards were then made available to the public the following July. The US State Department has estimated that over one million cards were issued.

The passport card is issued only to nationals and United States citizens. The card cannot be used for international air travel because they do not meet International Civil Aviation Organization document standards.

The United States Department of State decided to issue this card in response to border community residents’ needs for a more portable alternative to the traditional booklet form. The card also includes a vicinity-read radio frequency identification chip with a one of a kind identifying number tied to government databases. The chip is designed to be readable at a further distance.

Another feature of the ‘REAL ID’ Act is that the card will be accepted by the federal government. It can be used in domestic air travel and for entering federal buildings. It is believed that this will be an alternative for people residing in the U. S. who possess ID cards or driver’s licenses that don’t comply. It’s also accepted by the TSA as identity at airport checkpoints.

The form, which establishes employment eligibility, also known as the I-9 form, will accept the new passport to prove eligibility to work in the United States. It is also noted that the card-passport provides identification as well as also authorizing eligibility to work in the U. S.

Adults, 16 years of age and older, will initially pay a $25 processing fee and a $20 fee to purchase the card for a total of $45. Renewal fees will be $20. Adult cards will be good for ten years. The initial card will be $10 for a total of $35. Children’s cards are valid for five years. First time adult applicants pay $120.00; first time minors will pay $95.00.

Any US citizen or national may hold both the American passport card and booklet. Adults who possess a valid new passport pay $20 to obtain the card. Now passports are convenient – in a card! Makes things flow a lot more smoothly. Traveling out of the nation has just become easier.