Passports and Travel Documents
In 2008, the US government began issuing a new type of passport, the US passport card. Now, when you renew your passport, you may notice that the passport renewal application asks you whether or not you would like to apply for a passport card. You can apply for a passport card either instead of or in addition to your regular passport book, but should you?
To answer that question, we must look at the differences between a passport book and a passport card. The passport card was made to be more convenient and easier to carry than a passport book. About the size of a driver's license or credit card, it fits easily into your wallet. It's also less expensive- $20 compared to $75 for a passport renewal.
However, unlike your passport book, a passport card is only valid in certain situations. You can use your passport book to travel just about anywhere. A passport card, on the other hand, will only get you to Mexico, Canada or the Caribbean, and then only if you are traveling land or sea. Passport cards are not valid for air travel, even if you are flying to one of those regions. That being so, my advice is that you apply for a full passport, however, since the Passport Card is invalid for international air travel. Here's how to apply for a U.S. Passport or U.S. Passport Card.
1. Make sure you have all the information and documents you will need to apply for a passport or Passport Card: the following applies to both:
- Proof of U.S. citizenship
- Proof of identity, such as birth certificates or naturalization certificates (original, certified copies with raised seal must be submitted)
- Photograph: You'll need two 2x2-inch passport photos
- Application form for a passport is DS-11 - Passport Card is DS-82. Both forms are available for download on the State Department's Passport website.
- Fees. If you already have a valid passport, you can submit it to apply for a Passport Card, and vice-versa.
2. Complete the application form(s) for the passport and/or Passport Card before you take them to an Application Acceptance Facility for submission but DO NOT sign the form until you are in front of a passport agent.
3. Applications for a passport or Passport Card may be submitted online or at any of 9,300 Passport Application Acceptance Facilities, including U.S. Post Offices and courthouses. Application must be made in person (renewals can be done by mail). Thirteen regional passport agencies and a Gateway City Agency process urgent applications, by appointment, for travelers who need to travel within two weeks.
4. Your passport or Passport Card will arrive by mail in approximately four weeks. However, you can get your passport or Passport Card back in two weeks if you pay for expedited service, which costs an extra $60. If you need to get your passport within two weeks, you'll need to make an appointment at a regional passport agency to apply. There is no fee for making an appointment.
Bermuda - How to Get There:
For visitors arriving by air, Bermuda is served by most US airlines and by international airlines from Canada and Europe. Bermuda is also a major destination for the cruise ship industry.
Use the link below to look for the best airline and hotel deals for your visit to Bermuda:
Know Before You Go!