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Passport Card
The Department of Homeland Security is currently developing a passport card system. The proposed new passport card, also referred to as the PASS card, is a limited use passport in a wallet sized format. The PASS card is currently not yet available as it is being developed by the U.S. Government.
PASS cards would be added to the existing list of acceptable proofs of identification, which include:
How will the Passport Card Work?
The cards would use radio technology that would allow Customs and Border Protection officers to read them from about 20 feet away. Passengers in a car driving across the border, for example, could have their information scanned without getting out.
Who will Issue the Pass Card?
The proposed PASS cards would provide U.S. citizens with a travel credential costing less than a full size passport. The passport card (also being called border card) will be issued by the State Department. The PASS card technology, however, will be determined by the DHS (Department of Homeland Security).
How much will the Passport Card Cost?
Officials had said earlier this year the card might cost as much as $50, about half the price of a passport. Tuesday's proposal cut that to $20 for adults and $10 for children under 16. Citizens could apply for the cards at the same time they apply for passports. New applications would cost another $25 to pay for security background checks.
U.S. Passport Card Latest News
Few details are currently available about the PASScard, but it will probably only be valid for land and sea travel between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean. It will be especially beneficial to business travelers and other individuals who live in border communities and travel frequently (by land or sea) between the United States, Canada and Mexico. The PASScard will also be a less expensive alternative to cruise ship passengers traveling from the United States to Bermuda, the Bahamas and the Caribbean. If you would like to be notified when the proposed United States Passport Card (PASS card) is available, please visit www.uspasscard.com for the latest information.