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A passport card is simply a wallet-sized version of a standard passport book with some limitations. The card works only for border travel to and from the U.S. to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bahamas. An expedited passport card costs less than a regular passport and is much more convenient to have around.

The passport card will allow passage to border trips such as Canada and Mexico. This is a dramatic change from years past as the only ID that was needed before was a drivers license or birth certificate. Rules have changed, but exceptions are made for some trips that are close to home. This is great news for casual travelers as the passport card slips right into the wallet and there is no bulky passport book to carry or possibly lose.

Applying for a passport card is much the same process as applying for a standard passport. Actually, all of the same forms are going to be used. The entire process can be handled at a regional office or a local post office that handles passport processing. Anyone not sure of where to go can do a local Internet search and find a location near them.

There are, however, restrictions on a card that a traveler needs to be aware of. The passport card is meant to be a replacement piece of ID in situations where no ID was previously needed to cross the border. Some will say that it makes no sense to issue something that almost looks identical to a license, but there are plenty of security features in a passport ID that are not featured in a state drivers license.

A passport card makes use of some of the most advanced technologies out there today in regards to protecting ones identity. Both electronic coding and art laser engraving are used to make sure that the document cannot be counterfeited. It almost seems as though the technology on the cards gets better and more secure every year.

To get an expedited passport card, everything must be in order or the process will be delayed. Something that some people do not realize is that it is their responsibility to have the photo taken and ready when they get to the passport office. In addition to that, proper ID and proof of citizenship must be gathered. The expedited service will also require that an additional fee be paid.

When turning in all of the documentation and paperwork, make sure that everything is an original. It is also a safe bet to make additional copies of all of the forms of ID for your own records. If using a mail in service, it is always best to use a major carrier and use the overnight mailing. This ensures delivery and is much more secure than randomly mailing out the documents.

The expedited pass port card can be a great benefit to those that live near a country’s border and have the need to regularly cross to the other side. Whether the need is for business or pleasure, this is a much more convenient method than regular a pass port and much easier to carry. There are many issuing agents that may be located online and all are waiting to serve you.