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PASSPORTS – Do I need One ?
A passport is one of the most important forms of identification a person can possess . A Passport is an irrefutable document and proves that you are a U . S . citizen . Having this proof while traveling in another country is invaluable in case of any emergency such as a medical illness , or if you get injured and need medical care . It is also necessary to have a passport to be allowed to re-enter the United States .
Since travel security measures have increased it is almost impossible to travel without a passport . Everyone who travels out of the US should have a passport and that includes infants through adulthood . A U . S . passport is issued by the U . S . Department of State and is almost impossible to forge . This makes a passport an irrefutable form of identification . Currently a passport is the only type of national identification that is available in the United States .
The blue cover USA passport book is required for all international travel by air . A passport card is valid only for travel by land and by sea to the following locations : Canada , Mexico , Bermuda , and the Caribbean .
You can apply for a passport -card when you apply or renew your passport – or you can apply separately . For complete details regarding passports visit : www . Travel . State . Gov .
Current fees for a new passport , as well as a renewal , is $ 110.00 , a passport card is $ 30.00 , and you can do both at same time for $ 140.00 . A Passport is good for 10 years from issue date .
Fee for children under the age of 16 is $ 80.00 for the passport and $ 15.00 for a passport card . The youth passport is good for 5 years . All children under age 16 must apply for a passport in person with two parents
22 MOMENTUM or guardians and cannot be renewed by mail . Routine turnaround time for a passport is averaging 10 -12 weeks .
*** It is also important to note that if you are traveling with a passport , our best practice is to renew it within 6 months of expiration . Many countries require your US passport be valid at least three months after your intended date of departure . Also necessary for air travel – “ Check for the star .” Beginning October 1 , 2020 , every air traveler 18 years of age and older will need a
REAL ID-compliant driver ’ s license or another acceptable form of
ID to fly within the
United States . REAL ID compliant cards are generally marked with a star located in the upper portion of the card . If you are not sure , contact your state driver ’ s license agency on how to obtain a REAL ID compliant card . Information can also be found at : www . tsa . gov . real-id