Passports have been all the buzz lately. I even dug for mine after reading in the New York Times last month that it’s taking longer to get passports and renew them. Luckily, I’m a few years from expiring. So what does one do? There’s so much information being thrown at you that you might not know how to consume it all. Well, we’ve got you covered.
The good news is that passport requirements aren’t going into effect tomorrow. And a passport isn’t required for travel to the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico, rather only a non-expired government-issued photo ID that matches the name on the reservation is needed. So you have some time, but it’s good to get a jump on things now while it’s fresh. Below is some information to help better prepare you for when you need to have things in order.
REAL IDs vs. PASSPORTS
It can be tricky to know the difference between passport books, passport cards and other types of identification and when each type of ID is needed when traveling. And with new laws requiring IDs to be REAL ID-compliant combined with rumors of a “passport crisis,” it can all get very confusing. Here’s what you need to know to understand these two issues.
A REAL ID is a state-issued driver’s license or identification card that meets minimum security standards set by the Federal Government by October 1, 2020. REAL IDs will be required by all U.S. citizens flying domestically. A passport is a document issued by the State Department to show ultimate proof of citizenship and to entitle citizens to travel internationally by land, sea or air. U.S. passports are REAL ID-compliant.
Starting January 22, 2018, domestic air travelers with a driver’s license issued by a state that is not REAL ID-compliant will need to show an alternative form of acceptable ID for domestic air travel. Acceptable forms of alternative ID include:
- U.S. passport
- U.S. passport card
- DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
- U.S. military ID (active duty or retired military and their dependents, and DoD civilians)
- For additional forms of ID, visit the TSA’s website here.
The Truth About Passports
U.S. passports expire every ten years. In 2007, new requirements for U.S. citizens traveling to Mexico and Canada caused a big spike in passport applications and the State Department had a large backlog of documents to process. Today, the routine processing time for new passports or renewals is estimated at 4 to 6 weeks, but can be expedited to 3 weeks for an additional fee. The processing time may also vary based on demand. Peak season, which can slow down processing times, is from January to August. Off-peak season is from September to December ou peut on acheter du viagra.
The cost of a new passport for an adult is $135. The cost of a renewal of an adult passport is $110. A passport for minors under the age of 16 costs $105.
Passport photos that don’t meet requirements are the most common thing that slows down a passport application or renewal. You can take the photo yourself, but using a professional passport photo service is highly recommended. In order to meet all the requirements, your passport photo must be:
- In color
- Printed on matte or glossy photo quality paper
- 2×2 inches (51×51 mm) in size
- Sized properly so your head is between 1 inch and 1 3/8 inches (25 and 35 mm) from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head
- Taken within the last 6 months to reflect your current appearance
- Taken in front of a plain white or off-white background (Note: This guideline is not commonly followed!)
- Taken in full-face view, directly facing the camera
- Taken with a neutral facial expression (preferred) or a natural smile, with both eyes open
For more helpful guidelines, visit the State Department’s passport photo page here.
In summary, don’t wait to get or renew your passport or REAL ID. If you’re planning a vacation, or think you might go in the next year even, plan ahead. Don’t get stuck without the right information and enjoy your next vacation.
