U.S. PASSPORT CARD
NOW AVAILABLE
U.S. PASSPORT CARD APPLICATIONS
NOW BEING ACCEPTED
U.S. citizens may begin applying in advance for the new U.S. Passport Card beginning February 1, 2008,  in anticipation of land border travel document requirements. We expect cards will be available and mailed to applicants in spring 2008.
The passport card will facilitate entry and expedite document processing at U.S. land and sea ports-of-entry when arriving from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda. The card may not be used to travel by air. It will otherwise carry the rights and privileges of the U.S. passport book and will be adjudicated to the exact same standards.
The Department of State is issuing this passport card in response to the needs of border resident communities for a less expensive and more portable alternative to the traditional passport book. The card will have the same validity period as a passport book: 10 years for an adult, five for children 15 and younger. For adults who already have a passport book, they may apply for the card as a passport renewal and pay only $20. First-time applicants will pay $45 for adult cards and $35 for children.
To facilitate the frequent travel of U.S. citizens living in border communities and to meet DHS’s operational needs at land borders, the passport card will contain a vicinity-read radio frequency identification (RFID) chip. This chip will link the card to a stored record in secure government databases. There will be no personal information written to the RFID chip itself.
For more information see Passport Application Processing Times.
The Passport Services Office provides information and services to American citizens about how to obtain, replace or change a passport.
A passport is an internationally recognized travel document that verifies the identity and nationality of the bearer. A valid U.S. passport is required to enter and leave most foreign countries. Only the U.S. Department of State has the authority to grant, issue or verify United States passports.
New Application for a U.S. Passport
To obtain a passport for the first time, you need to go in person to one of over 9,000 passport acceptance facilities located throughout the United States with two photographs of yourself, proof of U.S. citizenship, and a valid form of photo identification such as a driver’s license.
Acceptance facilities include many Federal, state and probate courts, post offices, some public libraries and a number of county and municipal offices. There are also 13 regional passport agencies, and 1 Gateway City Agency, which serve customers who are traveling within 2 weeks (14 days), or who need foreign visas for travel. Appointments are required in such cases.
You’ll need to apply in person if you are applying for a U.S. passport for the first time: if your expired U.S. passport is not in your possession; if your previous U.S. passport has expired and was issued more than 15 years ago; if your previous U.S. passport was issued when you were under age 16; or if your currently valid U.S. passport has been lost or stolen.
For more information on getting a new passport, please visit How to get a passport page.
Renewal of a U.S. Passport
You can renew by mail if: Your most recent passport is available to submit and it is not damaged; you received the passport within the past 15 years; you were over age 16 when it was issued; you still have the same name, or can legally document your name change.
You can get a passport renewal application form by downloading it from this site.
If your passport has been, altered or damaged, you cannot apply by mail. You must apply in person.
For more information on how to renew a passport, please visit How to renew a passport page.
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WHAT DOES YOUR CRUISE LINE
HAVE TO SAY ABOUT PASSPORTS?
Let's face it, the cruise lines own the ships and whatever their individual take on the law is, that's what counts. As THE critical part of the embarkation process, you need to know what YOUR cruise line requires. Check here for the latest from all the major cruise lines. If you have any questions at all about what they say, call and get clarification.
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Your shipboard charge card
This card is used in place of cash on board most cruise ships. In fact, the only place cash is good for anything onboard is in the casino. You'll need some cash though for tipping room service or to spend in port. Your shipboard charge card is also your cabin key and boarding card on many ships. It can be used to open and close your in-cabin safe but that is not recommended. Rather, some other card with a magnetic strip on the back is suggested the theory being that if some pirate had your shipboard charge card then they could slip into your cabin and take your loot. Probably good advice that we don't follow. I also see a lot of people these days with thier cards on a lanyard around thier neck so they won't lose them. If you do lose yours or if it stops working for some reason all is not lost, head to the Pursers desk where they will make you another one.
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Passport Express
Passport Express helps individuals, travel agents and corporate travel departments obtain passports. Getting a passport or visa can be confusing and stressful when a trip is on the line. Our passport & visa specialists cut through the red tape to get you a passport or visa when you need it!
Our company is nationally recognized by The New York Times, Washington Post, and the Dow Jones Business Directory. Passport Express is not a government agency. We work with the US Passport Agency and foreign consulates to expedite passports & visas.
Without our help, the US Passport Agency can take over 8 weeks to process a Passport.
Instant Passport and Birth CertificateThis site offers Passports, Birth Certificates and vital records in as little as 24 hour- you'll pay through the nose for this service but it might be worth it if you're in a big hurry....which you shouldn't be- you should have plenty of time to plan your cruise---its part of the fun!
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Your personal documents
These are not required but a good idea just to be totally safe. They should be stored separate from your other documents and considered "back-ups". Copies of your passports and Identification I consider pretty important. I also suggest copies of medical prescriptions including medications and eyeglass prescriptions. While it is suggested to transport medications in thier original containers, a doctors prescription for these items is not a bad idea.
If you plan far enough in advance your doctor can write a prescription and note "for travel replacement emergency" on it. In addition, when you print your edocuments, print two copies and store them in separate places. Leave a third copy behind for the folks back home who might be watching your house or apartment. The value in this is probably more for peace of mind than anything else but as long as you're being prepared might as go all the way.
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