The new U.S. Passport Card is in production. It will go into effect next June 1.The U.S. State Department said it already has received 350,000 applications and the cards will be sent out within the next eight weeks before new applications are processed.
The wallet-sized document, which is different than the standard passport, is intended to be used for re-entry into the U.S. at land border crossings and sea ports of entry when arriving from Mexico, Canada, the Caribbean and Bermuda. It cannot be used for international air travel.
The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) requires travelers to present a single document denoting both citizenship and identity when entering the U.S. through land or sea borders.
Adults who already have a passport may apply for the card as a passport renewal and pay $20. First-time applicants pay $45 for adult cards and $35 for children. You can get details for obtaining the cards.
ON THE WEB
• State Department card details
• Dowd's Guides
