Passport Questions... [Archive]

emmjay

08-03-2005, 07:55 AM

The only thing that is annoying about it is if you are using it at an airport self-check in where you can scan your passport, you will have to get an airline employee to come over and check it and verify your name. I'm only mentioning this because when we went to Mexico in May, I had to wait 15 minutes for someone to come and look at my passport because we were at a kiosk for carry-ons only and there weren't any employees nearby. Had I known, we would have just gone in the regular line.

Other than that it's no big deal - they all know to look at the last page for the amendment. Initially I was thinking about getting a new one too but after traveling with it, I definitely don't want to spend the money when it's not all that much of a hassle.

HeatherFL

08-03-2005, 08:05 AM

I had mine amended to read my hyphenated last name. Now I'm divorced and I've just left it alone. First, I admittedly don't want to lose all my stamps from my traveling and second, since the front page says my name now before I was married. I've traveled outside of the country several times after my divorce and have had no problems at all. In fact, I was just in Mexico last month and when I scanned my passport even though the hyphenated last name is technically the name it's under, I had no issues at all. Spit out my ticket and I was on my merry way. :)

H.

emmjay

08-03-2005, 08:23 AM

Yeah, that makes sense - my tickets were in my married name but the part of the passport that scans still reads my maiden name so it recognized that there was a difference. Sorry, I don't think I was very clear in my previous post! If you use your maiden name and that is what your passport originally said, I guess no one would even look for the amendment!

HeatherFL - when you get a new passport, they will send the old one back with holes punched in it so you can keep your stamps - I have all of my old passports. Or did you mean that you like having all of the stamps in the passport you use? (You probably already know this - I know you travel all of the time so I feel pretty ridiculous telling you anything about traveling ;) )

HeatherFL

08-03-2005, 08:32 AM

LOL :)

Or did you mean that you like having all of the stamps in the passport you use?

That's what I meant. I like looking at them when I travel. I am weird!

H.

Bbbethie

08-04-2005, 10:11 AM

I'm so glad you started this, Sabrina! DH and I are planning a trip to Mexico for next month. Even though we've been married for almost three years, I still haven't changed my name on my passport. At this point I don't want to bother with it and may just book everything in my maiden name. However, I'm not familiar with the ammendment. Can somebody tell me how that works?

emmjay

08-04-2005, 10:31 AM

You can download the forms from here: Passport Name Change (http://travel.state.gov/passport/fri/amend/amend_851.html) and then you mail/bring the form and your passport to a passport office.

They print that you have officially changed your name way in the back section of the passport where there is an Amendments section. So if you change it and go to the airport, the airline employee will have to flip to the back section to verify that your name has been changed since the main information page with your picture will not be changed.

Hope that helps!

Bbbethie

08-04-2005, 11:18 AM

Thanks, emmjay. How long does the process take? Do they need to mail your passport back to you?

keska

08-04-2005, 11:26 AM

The only time I had a bit of a problem was in Bratislava, but I think the airport guy had an issue with Americans in general. Anyway, they still let me travel through to Croatia.

emmjay

08-04-2005, 11:27 AM

Yes, they just mail it back and I don't think it's rush mail. I think it took 3-4 weeks, so you might not want to risk it for your trip to Mexico. Although you can probably request a rush service - OK, I just looked at that link and the expedited service is $60 in addition to the overnight shipping fees!

Now that I'm thinking about it, I think you have to mail it to a specific center in S.C. to get the name change - if I remember correctly, you can't just bring it to a passport office. I would probably just go with my maiden name for this trip and then take care of it later on when you aren't going to need your passport, just to be on the safe side.

Where are you going in Mexico? I was there for the first time in May and had a fantastic time! Have a great trip! :)

Bbbethie

08-04-2005, 11:50 AM

emmjay Thanks for the info. I guess we'll be using my maiden name this trip. Good to know for future reference though.

We're going down to the Riviera Maya. We went there on our honeymoon and first anniversary. This will be our last hurrah and third anniversary trip before our baby is due in February. Where did you stay?

sbgirl

08-05-2005, 11:07 PM

When I went to Australia, I was always held up or had to tell them about the amended page. Personally, at the time I wish I had gotten a new passport. Unfortunately, I haven't used it that much so its not worth it.

sapphire

08-06-2005, 10:39 AM

So if my name is hypenated should I just leave my passport alone? If I don't change it could there be any repucussions?

Sazoo

08-18-2005, 09:57 PM

I got married & changed my name last fall, but I have yet to get my passport changed (or ammended - I didn't know that was even an option!) We booked our HM tickets in my maiden name since I knew I wouldn't have any identification in my married name yet for that trip, & since then I haven't done any international travelling.

But now my passport is about to expire (in December), so I'm going to have to renew it AND change my name at the same time. I keep forgetting to go figure out what paperwork, documentation, fees, etc. I have to do go get this changed, but I need to get it done soon so it doesn't expire! :rolleyes:

HeatherFL

08-18-2005, 10:06 PM

So if my name is hypenated should I just leave my passport alone? If I don't change it could there be any repucussions?

No, you should still have it amended. If you have your hyphenated name on your boarding pass, then your passport should match.

~H.

babae07

12-05-2005, 09:15 PM

I'm resurrecting this thread in hopes you ladies could help quick. Since all of you have amended passports, what did you do about your signature? Did you have to sign your new name on the passport? If so, where?

TIA!

Shirley

babae07

12-06-2005, 08:12 AM

Thanks jet-sette. I've always wondered but never asked about the signature.

Cilantro

12-06-2005, 03:24 PM

FYI...

Within the First Year

If your name changed, and it is still within one year of the date your passport was issued, you may obtain a free replacement passport. You must provide:

* Form DS-5504, Passport Re-Application Form
* The passport to be replaced;
* Acceptable evidence of name-change, such as marriage/divorce/adoption decree; or court order of name change; and
* Two recent passport photos

The replacement passport will have a new issue date and a full ten years’ validity. There is no charge for routine service, which is your receipt of the replacement passport within six (6) weeks from the date you send the Form DS-5504 via First Class Mail. (Your replacement passport will be returned to you via Priority Mail.)

If Expedited Service is requested, there is a charge of $60 per application, plus the cost of two-way overnight delivery for receipt within 2 weeks. For receipt in less than 2 weeks, customers should call 1-877-487-2778 to make an appointment at one of 14 Regional Passport Agencies across the U.S.

After One Year and Otherwise Eligible to Use Form DS-82

If you request a name-change more than one year after the issuance of your passport, and are otherwise eligible to use Form DS-82, you must provide:

* Form DS-82, Application for a U.S. Passport by Mail;
* The passport to be replaced;
* Acceptable evidence of name-change, such as marriage/divorce/adoption decree; or Court order of name-change;
* Appropriate fees; and
* Two (2) recent passport photos.

Routine service is receipt of the new passport within 6 weeks after sending the above via First Class Mail If Expedited. Service is requested, there is an aditional charge of $60 per application, plus the cost of two-way overnight delivery for receipt within two (2) weeks. For receipt in less than two (2) weeks, customers should call 1-877-487-2778 to make an appointment at one of 14 Passport Agencies across the U.S.

BethElena

12-13-2005, 12:43 PM

Cilantro - so you're saying that if you can us the DS-82, you can't just do the amended, free version??

Noniitis

12-13-2005, 04:30 PM

as a PSA I went in on Nov 2nd to get my son's first passport and to do a name change on my passport. His had to been done at an offical place as he is under 16 with both parents there.. Well for mine they handed me a slip of paper that reads <it was in all caps>:

The US State Dept has asked that as of Sept 26 2005, any applicant that needs to amend the name on their valid US Passport should interact directly through them. This includes change of name due to marriage, divorce or legal court ordered name name. They have directed us to the state dept web site at WWW.TRAVEL.STATE.GOV for instructions.

Thank you

I sent mine in < after procrastinating for 3 weeks> I rushed it and sent it over night then included an over night envelope back and it was back to me in 3 days.. My sons is still not here and I had to call about it and pay the expitetion fee to get it quicker so that I can get our Visas for Brazil.

Annette

12-14-2005, 02:17 PM

I just travelled with my amended passport. It has a typewritten statement on the back page stating the bearer's name changed, etc. I had no problems but I had to keep pointing out to the officials that the amendment was in the back.
I also added my married name where I had originally signed it.

Katy

03-03-2006, 12:01 PM

I have a question...I'm about to apply for a passport. My drivers license shows me as Katy Maiden Married (using my maiden as my middle), but 've yet to change my SS. So when I apply for my passport, should I apply as the name matches my driver's license?

kdotp

03-03-2006, 12:12 PM

I originally got my passport for when I was traveling internationally in college. I didn't send it in to have it amended until a few months before we were scheduled to leave on a trip to London (more than two years after we got married). I got it in plenty of time before our trip and never had any issues with either the signature or them not looking at the amendment (I think I maybe had to mention it to someone once.)

I *do* plan on getting a new passport when mine expires, though, because my picture is outdated (and not very flattering!)

Jess71903

03-10-2006, 09:06 PM

I have a question. DH and I are traveling to the US Virgin Islands in June and we have read that we may want to get passports for our travels even though it is a US territory. Neither of us have passports now. Has anyone traveled to the USVI? Did you need a passport? We will be flying from home to Miami to St. Croix. TIA!

pride&prejudice

03-19-2006, 02:49 PM

I was just on the site, and I'm a little confused.

It made me think that I had to go in person and fill out DS-11, but yet I answered all the questions for DS-82 (renewal) yes, so I could fill out that form.

I have to get my picture taken anyhow, so I'm making an appointment at the post office and I'm going to ask them and hopefully get clarification.

Jess71903 - You don't need passports now. But on all the travel sites, it shows that most places you will need passports by Jan 2007 (or it might be 2008), so it might not be a bad investment. I helping my parents get passports now so that we can go to Canada next year. After the hassel we had with them and their driver's liscense, I don't want to go through that again. :rolleyes:

designer

03-23-2006, 10:42 AM

I haven't read through this whole thread...
But just thought I would add my experience. I had put off getting my name changed, because I thought it would be a big pain...and so 3 1/2 years after our wedding, I finally did it! It was SO EASY... and now I don't need to worry about having my travel stuff in my madien name, I would recommend, just getting it changed!

stephie61706

03-24-2006, 09:56 AM

BrownEyedGirl

03-28-2006, 12:37 PM

I can't remember about the re-entering thing...but I do know that they are not amending passports any more. If your name has changed, you have to pay for a new passport. I was a bit ticked at myself for procrastinating and not getting it changed until now (married 11/03). That new rule started 01/01/06.

Sabrina

03-28-2006, 01:42 PM

so I was reading on the "other thread" about honeymoons and they said as of this year you need a passport to re-enter the US from Jamaica, that's not right is it? I would really rather wait to get my passport then to get it just for the honeymoon and have to change it right away.

You will need a passport if you want to go to Jamaica after December 31, 2006.
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html

ivory

09-13-2006, 01:40 PM

I'm another one who has been married over 3 years and never changed the name on my passport. There is a possibility I'll tag along with DH on some business travel in the coming months, but we don't know when. Even if I pay for expedited service, there is the chance something could come up before I get it back.

So, if I decide not to chance it and just book travel under my maiden name, is there any reason to be concerned? If it makes a difference, 2 possible countries we'd visit are Japan and Brazil. My DL and SS are changed to my married, but that's not an issue, right?

Sabrina

09-14-2006, 05:53 AM

So, if I decide not to chance it and just book travel under my maiden name, is there any reason to be concerned? If it makes a difference, 2 possible countries we'd visit are Japan and Brazil. My DL and SS are changed to my married, but that's not an issue, right?

This should not be an issue. As long as your passport matches the name on your ticket, you should be ok.

kk junebug

09-14-2006, 07:18 AM

hmmm...i tend to disagree. when we flew from JFK (NY) to Italy in May, we had to show BOTH a drivers license AND our passport.

i had the same problem w/my passport not being in my married name and i had to have my passport expedited in order to get it on time. it was kind of stressful due to the time crunch..:(

i would look further into this (look online or call the US Travel Bureau), just to be safe. ;)

PS. i should add that JFK airport is insane w/security, so it COULD vary around the country...

ivory

09-14-2006, 09:40 AM

Thanks to you both for your replies! That's interesting about JFK and the DL. Weird. My last passport-required international travel was our honeymoon, and since I hadn't changed my DL yet and it was a non-issue, I don't recall if they ever asked for it.

I better call and find out officially. DH just called and out of the blue, he may have to go to Australia in less than 3 weeks. I'd hate to miss out on that, but I think if I pay for expedition plus overnight mail both ways (ugh), I could get the new passport. Damn, am I an idiot for not doing this back when I could do it not only at a leisurely pace, but for free (before they changed the guidelines).

ivory

09-14-2006, 11:02 AM

So, I just called the National Passport Information Center. They confirmed that if I book under my maiden name, I can travel with the old passport. I knew that already since I and tons of women here did that for honeymoons. But I was worried that since I legally changed my name otherwise (including with the SSA), that it could somehow cause an issue. So I asked if I would technically be doing anything illegal or shady this way, and she said no. She just advised that I bring the maarriage certificate anyway, in case I'm asked for a second form of ID anywhere (and would need to produce the driver license with conflicting name). I had planned to do that anyway.

And I would think that if they're asking people for driver licenses in addition to the passport, that they can't technically require it. There are many situations where a person would have one and not the other, such as a child travelling internationally. Perhaps some folks in JKF were being overzealous?

And on an unrelated curiosity, because I haven't travelled with/as a child in many years, how do kids check in for domestic flights sans ID? Do they have parents confirm the child's identity?

framboise

12-12-2006, 05:16 PM

I need to change my name on my passport one of these days & am trying to figure out how to go about it. I thought I had it all figured out & then I read above about the amendment thing. That sounded like a great deal but I guess it's no longer available? I guess the only option now is to pay for a renewal? Good thing I got my money's worth with the one I'm replacing!

I am relieved to read that they mail your old passport back to you because I have some really cool stamps & visas in mine that I don't want to lose. I'm glad that I'll still have those as a momento of sorts.

If anyone has any recent experiences I'd still like to hear about them!

eli1126

01-02-2007, 10:55 AM

For the photo section, it says if you wear glasses, wigs, hearing devices normally, that you should wear them for your photo. I wear glasses, but usually only at night. Should I wear them in the photo even though I probably won't wear them when we travel? DH says I should, so I thought I'd get some CC'ers opinions. I also wear my hair curly or straight depending on my mood, does it matter if the day my pictures is taken my hair is different than when I travel? This is my first passport and I don't want to get stuck in Florida while all our friends cruise the Eastern Carribean! TIA!

Annette

01-03-2007, 05:09 PM

I don't think it matters. I have glasses on for my photo, but then I got Lasik. I haven't had any problems with security asking where my glasses are.
If you only wear them at night, don't wear them for the picture.

eponymous

01-03-2007, 05:18 PM

I'd suggest not wearing your glasses. If you are wearing them and there's a question about your identity/appearance, it's easier to take off glasses that you're wearing than put on glasses that you don't have with you... But remember that people change their hair color frequenty, nevermind style, nevermind eye color, and unless something drastic happens, it's unlikely that anyone will ever give your passport more than a disinterested glance.

jennylou

01-10-2007, 12:49 PM

I have a question. We procrastinated (well, I did have to find my Birth Certificate) and didn't get our passport applications out before the six week time frame.

So, we were going to do a rush, but then when I went to the passport website, I found this :
As early as January 1, 2008, ALL persons, including U.S. citizens, traveling between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda by land or sea (including ferries), may be required to present a valid passport or other documents as determined by the Department of Homeland Security. While recent legislative changes permit a later deadline, the Departments of State and Homeland Security are working to meet all requirements as soon as possible. Ample advance notice will be provided to enable the public to obtain passports or passport cards for land/sea entrie

So, do I not need to get a passport for a cruise that we will be on in February? Will I be able to get off the boat? Do we just take a photo ID and our birth certificates? We are travelling to Mexico, Belize and Grand Cayman.

TIA! :)

am_81

01-10-2007, 01:06 PM

I have a question. We procrastinated (well, I did have to find my Birth Certificate) and didn't get our passport applications out before the six week time frame.

So, we were going to do a rush, but then when I went to the passport website, I found this :

So, do I not need to get a passport for a cruise that we will be on in February? Will I be able to get off the boat? Do we just take a photo ID and our birth certificates? We are travelling to Mexico, Belize and Grand Cayman.

TIA! :)

Have you checked the guidelines of the coutries you are visiting? I know that here in Bermuda, once the deadline was set for non-US citizens needing the passport for entry to the US, the Bermudian govt immediately gave US citizens visiting Bermuda the same exact timeline (I couldve sworn it was 1-01-07, though). Also, is there someone with the cruise line that could answer your question? I'm sure there are a lot of people travelling right now that have the same questions and concerns as you do.

IMO, I would go ahead and pay for the rush, maybe even if it turns out you dont need it. Seeing what I've seen the last few years traveling, passports make everything easier.

jennylou

01-10-2007, 01:17 PM

Eh, I just hate to pay expidited service (at $60 bucks a pop), plus the regular fee, if we really don't need it. I'm just cheap like that. ;)

Adaya

01-10-2007, 04:07 PM

I have a question. We procrastinated (well, I did have to find my Birth Certificate) and didn't get our passport applications out before the six week time frame.

So, we were going to do a rush, but then when I went to the passport website, I found this :

So, do I not need to get a passport for a cruise that we will be on in February? Will I be able to get off the boat? Do we just take a photo ID and our birth certificates? We are travelling to Mexico, Belize and Grand Cayman.

TIA! :)

I would say you wouldn't need the passport. However, my suggestion would be to call the cruiseline and talk to one of the reps. They are very helpful.

For example, I just went on a cruise in December, and found out from the Carnival rep that I could travel with my expired passport as long as it hadn't been expired for 10 years. I just needed proof of citizenship. I was just about to pay for expedited service to renew it b/c I couldn't get a hold of my birth certificate. So the rep really helped a lot.

jennylou

01-10-2007, 09:17 PM

Adaya - we are going Carnival as well. Their website states that you can travel with expired passport (not more than 10 years), as well as with a birth certificate and photo ID. I'm going to pass on paying for the THREE expidited passports and instead enjoy that money for our cruise. :)

eli1126

01-22-2007, 12:18 PM

Whoo-Hoo! DH and I got our pictures taken, submitted all our paperwork, and paid the hefty fees today for our very first U.S. passports!! Yes, I am a complete dork! They should arrive in 6 weeks :)

eli1126

01-22-2007, 12:23 PM

I just realized though we gave the guy our birth certificates and I didn't realize that they keep them :eek: Do they send them back or do we just have to go and get new ones issued?

Sabrina

01-22-2007, 12:45 PM

I just realized though we gave the guy our birth certificates and I didn't realize that they keep them :eek: Do they send them back or do we just have to go and get new ones issued?

No worries, they will send them back to you with the passport!

eli1126

01-22-2007, 12:47 PM

No worries, they will send them back to you with the passport!

Thanks Sabrina!

InDueTime

01-23-2007, 01:59 PM

I am waiting on my passport as we speak. Mines expired and I had to renew but I also have gotten married since then so I had to send my original marriage certificate along with it.. I thought that effective a few days ago that any travel outside of the US required a passport. Not sure if cruises are included. I would definitely verify though...

jennylou

01-23-2007, 02:09 PM

framboise

01-25-2007, 06:06 PM

Hmmm, I'm interested in hearing about how this works out for you, JennyLou, because I am in a similar boat (pun intended!). Just today I went to get my new passport (there is a processing center near me so I was able to drop off the info & come back to pick it up) with my married name because we're going on a last-minute cruise in Feb. At first we were thinking that it wouldn't be necessary because of the land & sea requirements rolling out next year, but then just this weekend we thought about it / investigated a little more and realized that didn't work for me, so as of 2 hours ago, I am the proud owner of a passport in my married name. I hope they check that thing to death so that the expedite fee is worth it! Haha.

ETA, but I hope they don't check yours much & that you're fine with what you've got!

Foley42

01-25-2007, 06:11 PM

I skimmed this thread and could have overlooked the answer to my question.

I've never had a passport...how do I get one?

jennylou

01-25-2007, 06:13 PM

framboise

01-25-2007, 06:57 PM

Foley, here's a starting place (http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html). Or this (http://travel.state.gov/passport/get/first/first_830.html). You can get the pictures taken at places like photo developing shops (if those even still exist!), some Kinkos, some post offices, etc. If you think you may be traveling sometime kinda soon, it might be good to get started on the process so that you don't have to pay to have it expedited (trust me!).

Jennylou, that makes sense. I hope we both did the right thing! *Crossing fingers*. Bon voyage!

Foley42

01-27-2007, 11:52 PM

Thanks framboise. We aren't planning on traveling outside the country in the next 18 months, but I just want to go ahead a get one :)

blondegirl

01-29-2007, 08:07 AM

Quick question for those of you who got a passpost recently.

DH and I are going to Jamaica on May 5 and we haven't gotten our passports yet. We have all the paperwork together, and were planning to go in mid Feb (so about 10-11 weeks before travel). The website says it takes 6 weeks (approximately) to process the application. My FIL told us that the passport agencies are totally busy now with the recent changes and that it could take double the time they normally say (so up like 4 months he said). Any one experienced this lately? Or do you think we'll be ok with the 10 wk time frame?? I'd hate to have to use expedited service!!

Thanks!

eli1126

01-29-2007, 08:23 AM

DH and I submitted all our paperwork last week and they told us to expect them in about 6 weeks. They did not mention anything about it possibly taking longer with the increase. HTH!

blondegirl

01-29-2007, 08:48 AM

DH and I submitted all our paperwork last week and they told us to expect them in about 6 weeks. They did not mention anything about it possibly taking longer with the increase. HTH!

That's great, thank you!! My FIL is the type who has to have everything done properly, early, etc. I figured he was just trying to scare us into getting the passports sooner!!

ellidew

02-14-2007, 11:57 AM

Does anyone know what i should put down for the following information for a child that is only 3 months old? Height, hair color, eye color. He's only 25 inches (so i assume i put that) but what about hair color - He only has a little fuzz and it's between light blonde and dark brown, and his eyes are currently blue... so i guess i put that? (i know they can change but i guess they want to know what they are on the date of application) I know these sound like stupid questions. I was just wondering if anyone else has had to do this and what they put. The more i think about it the funnier i think these questions are for a baby so small. lol.

Passport Photos: Anyone with a AAA Gold membership can get FREE passport photos taken at their AAA office.

alisong

02-14-2007, 12:01 PM

ellidew - Yup, we put 27 inches, blue eyes, red hair... It's totally silly. Anyway, this information isn't included on the passport anywhere, so I guess it doesn't matter that it will be out of date in about a week.

jennylou

02-27-2007, 12:12 AM

ellidew

03-08-2007, 10:05 AM

How long has it been taking to receive passport in the mail? We were going to travel in May (within the US) but changed our minds to travel in April instead. We thought we'd have ds' passport in time for flying (we feel more comfortable having a photo id of him with us than just his birth cert) but we moved our trip up. We fly out 6.5 weeks from the date we mailed off all of the paperwork. Has anyone been receiving passports this quickly? I know they say to allow 8-10 weeks but i thought that might just be an overestimation as a precaution. Years ago when dh and I got ours we got them back really quickly but now that people have to get them i assume the turn around time has been increased due to the new demand. I'm just curious. It's not mandatory that we have it and i just ordered another copy of ds' birth certificate so we have it just in case.

eli1126

03-08-2007, 03:26 PM

ellidew: DH and I just got ours in the mail today. It was exactly 6 weeks on Monday that we submitted everything, so it took 6 weeks and 3 days. It's my first passport, so I was a little excited today when I opened it :o

Adaya

03-10-2007, 09:43 AM

ellidew, I received my renewed passport in just over 5 weeks. A few more days later would have made 6 weeks.

alisong

03-22-2007, 01:16 PM

ellidew - hopefully you've received your passport by now, but I did want to pass on this info from the State Department:

The U.S. State Department reportedly has been inundated with requests for passports. It could take 10 weeks instead of the usual six to process routine applications, according to the U.S. State Department. Expedited requests, which cost an extra $60 on top of the normal $97 fee, reportedly now take four weeks instead of two.

http://travel.state.gov/passport/get/processing/processing_1740.html

akacharlotte

04-03-2007, 08:16 PM

We submitted our passport applications a week and a half ago. We paid for the expedited service based on the info on the website posted above. We are praying we get them in time. We were told 4 weeks which will be a little more than 2 weeks before we travel.

My only concern now is that there will be a problem. This happened to the guy in line in front of us. They would not accept his birth certificate and he was leaving in a month!

blondegirl

04-04-2007, 11:38 AM

I didn't know you could check the status of your application online. Here's a link:

https://passportstatus.state.gov/opss/OPSS_Status_i.asp

akacharlotte

04-04-2007, 03:29 PM

I've been refraining from checking every single day. :) Our status has been the same for a week.

blondegirl

04-05-2007, 02:59 PM

:o Me too!!!

akacharlotte

04-07-2007, 10:26 AM

I had a surprise in the mailbox yesterday! We had slips to pick up two Express Mail packages at the post office. Sure enough it was our passports. So it took 2 weeks and 1 day with expedited service!

jesseybell

04-09-2007, 10:16 AM

I didn't know you could check the status of your application online. Here's a link:

https://passportstatus.state.gov/opss/OPSS_Status_i.asp

Mine isn't showing up yet, though they cashed my check :mad:

We are going on a cruise, so at least I know I will be okay if doesn't come in time, but I will feel much more comfortable having it (especially since the reason I am having to get a new one is my name changing, not because mine expired so I'll have to bring my birth certificate and a copy of our marriage license (since the passport people have my original).

I am pretty pissed at myself for waiting so long to get this done.

akacharlotte

04-09-2007, 03:49 PM

jesseybell-It took ours about a week to show up online if that helps. I was mad at myself to because we waited so long but thankfully it all worked out.

blondegirl

04-10-2007, 04:34 PM

My husbands isn't showing up online yet either, and we applied at the end of Feb (the 19 or 26th if I remember correctly!)???? We are leaving for our trip May 5th. Yikes. I hope we get them soon!

jennylou

04-10-2007, 05:09 PM

Mine isn't showing up yet, though they cashed my check :mad:

We are going on a cruise, so at least I know I will be okay if doesn't come in time, but I will feel much more comfortable having it (especially since the reason I am having to get a new one is my name changing, not because mine expired so I'll have to bring my birth certificate and a copy of our marriage license (since the passport people have my original).

I am pretty pissed at myself for waiting so long to get this done.

I took my birth cert and my license (my license has my married name). I took a copy of my marriage license, but no one asked to see it.

alisong

04-10-2007, 06:27 PM

blondegirl and jesseybell - I'd really strongly advise calling. This is what happened to my stepson's application, it just never appeared on the tracking website. It ended up that they'd lost the application, and they had to do an enormously expedited passport (like 24 hours). Don't let it get to this stage! You'll have to wait on hold for an enormously long time, but eventually you can get someone helpful on the other end.

blondegirl

04-10-2007, 08:16 PM

My application shows up on the website, but DH's does not. I was going to wait until 2 wks out to call, since that is what it suggests on the website. Maybe I'll try and call sometime this week. When we applied, we were just over 10 wks out, and the guy said that was plenty of time to get our passports, but I'm starting to get nervous!!

blondegirl

04-30-2007, 12:40 PM

Just wanted to post my experience and give kudos to the National Passport Information Center.

DH and I are trveling on 5/5. We submitted our applications in mid Feb, so 11 weeks before our trip. On 4/23, we were 12 days away from the trip, and our passports had not arrived. My application was showing being processed online, but DH's was not. I called NPIC, they told me they would contact the CT passport agency amd tell them we needed our passports soon! We had our passports 2 days later!!

akacharlotte

04-30-2007, 02:31 PM

blondegirl-I'm so glad you got your passports in time! Where are you going for vacation?

blondegirl

04-30-2007, 02:50 PM

We are going to Jamaica! So excited. This will be our first vacation without the kids in over 3 years!

It took our passports 10wks 1dy to get to us. Don't know if it was just a coincidence that it came so quickly after I called or what, but I was glad we didn't have to pay for expedited!

carrie9142

04-30-2007, 03:22 PM

We are going to Jamaica on 5/4! We planned late, so I didn't even go to the passport office until late March/early April. I had been reading all of these warnings abotu super long waits, so I did pay for mine to be expedited since our trip was about 7-8 weeks. I think it came in about 3.

jesseybell

05-04-2007, 08:42 PM

I took my birth cert and my license (my license has my married name). I took a copy of my marriage license, but no one asked to see it.

That's what I will end up doing if my passport doesn't come in the next 10 days. It is not showing up on line (they cashed my check 5 weeks ago). I tried calling (at completely off hours) but couldn't get through - they wouldn't let me stay on-hold. I submitted an inquiry on-line. Now I need to go find a copy of our marriage license.....

JillyBean

05-05-2007, 12:36 AM

I didn't know you could check the status online! Thanks for the link! We're leaving the first week of June, so we still have a while, but I'm already getting anxious. The post office told me it would be around 10 weeks, so it should show up mid-late of this month.

KrissyCat7

06-19-2007, 10:23 AM

I have a unique situation. I've misplaced my passport so I need to get a new one. I also need to change my name on my passport. Is there a way to easily do both?

JillyBean

06-19-2007, 02:52 PM

I had to get another passport for the same reasons Krissy. I had misplaced my old one that had my maiden name on it. Because I did not have the passport to send in, I had to do an application for a lost or stolen passport. You can only do a name change if you can send in your current passport. Unfortunately, thanks to all of the passport delays going on, we missed our trip because DH's passport did not show up even though we applied 15 weeks in advance. My advice would be to get it done as soon as you can. I hope you have better luck than we did!

ellidew

06-19-2007, 03:29 PM

So sorry you missed your trip jillybean! How awful. We weren't in a hurry to get ds' passport since were not traveling out of the country until october but it took 16.5 weeks to arrive!

JillyBean

06-19-2007, 08:53 PM

Yikes! What's funny is the last time I checked the passport website it was still showing that the average time is 10 weeks. Hopefully now that they've lifted some of the restrictions (just 3 days after we were scheduled to leave!) it won't be as bad.

jesseybell

06-19-2007, 09:05 PM

Jillybean - I am sorry you didn't get to go on your trip. Mine finally arrived 13 weeks later (even though I said I was traveling 3 weeks earlier, but luckily it was a cruise so I was able to travel without it). A co-worker's son applied 14 weeks prior to his trip, but he wasn't diligent about calling people (he is only 17) until days prior. Finally calls to his congresswoman and town hall expedited the passport and he received it less than 24 hours before departure (he was going to the Dominican Republic, which is not part of the Carribean).

ellidew

06-21-2007, 08:45 AM

My sister just sent me this email:

The news last night said that we do not need passports for Canada, Mexico or the Carribean until next summer, 2008. I will still get one for Audrey, but you can use the regular forms of id to get to and from.

Has anyone heard this news? Is it true? My sister has a habit of only half listening and filling in the blanks with whatever she so chooses. I just can't believe that after all the delays the government would just lift the passport rule! I've been sending her emails weekly about getting her, her dh and dd's passports for a trip to Mexico in October knowing that it took 16 weeks to get my ds' and were about 18 weeks from our trip. I can just see her NOT getting it and needing it and not being able to go.

I emailed her and asked her what local news channel she was watching to get the whole story. I didn't see any updates on the department of state website. (with the exception of being able to travel with a receipt for a passport)

ellidew

06-21-2007, 09:10 AM

So, i'm right and what she heard was the information on being able to travel without the physical passport but with an official receipt and photo identification. This is twice in 2 days she has only heard a portion of something and decided to fill in the blanks on her own.

Since the US lift is only for re-entry INTO the US and all other countries "are self-determined. We are reaching out to the governments of countries affected by WHTI to consult with them about our announcement. We hope they also will be able to take a flexible approach. We will communicate the results of our consultations with the airlines to facilitate boarding. Please check this page for updated information." as quoted from the US dept of state release (http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html). Does anyone know what Mexicos stance is on this? How would i find that out? Basically, they can deny entry to anyone without a physical passport to show if they so choose. I honestly don't think they would, but they could! ;)

ellidew

06-21-2007, 09:18 AM

This website states that you have to have a passport to enter mexico with the exception of needing a paid receipt and application from the department of state BUT ONLY UNTIL SEPTEMBER 30 2007.
http://www.wordtravels.com/Travelguide/Countries/Mexico/Visa

ETA: I have no idea what her resistance about getting passports is all about. We have roughly 18 weeks so just apply and more than likely it will be here in 16 weeks.

KrissyCat7

06-21-2007, 10:55 AM

You can only do a name change if you can send in your current passport. That is stupid and doesn't make any sense. They are going to issue a passport to a person that technically doesn't exist anymore instead of issuing it in my legal name?

The news last night said that we do not need passports for Canada, Mexico or the Carribean until next summer, 2008. I will still get one for Audrey, but you can use the regular forms of id to get to and from. This is true. You need a birth certificate and photo id....but it is only true for LAND and SEA. If you are flying you still need a passport or proof that you ordered a passport.

camberne

06-22-2007, 07:08 AM

After standing in line in DC at the passport office with a letter from Sen. John Warner stating for them to expedite my son's passport so that he could go to Scotland (I was not ALLOWED to originally order his passport with an expedited status because he wasn't traveling for 14 weeks, but I did try to do it expedited in the first place), I know all about the new guidelines that were issued the previous night and the process for expediting passport service. Unfortunately, the new relaxed stance on passports didn't help us at all because he was going to Scotland.

The orignal passport application was requested to be upgraded to expedited by Sen. John Warner's office, and we were supposed to receive it no later than June 6th or 7th. Since we didn't recieve it, Sen. Warner's office faxed a letter to the regional passport office in DC so that we could go to the "Special Issue Office" to have a same-day passport done. After waiting FIVE HOURS in line (in 101 degree heat, because they wouldn't let us wait in the lobby of the building), they told us that we wouldn't get passports that day because they were only issuing same-day passports to people who had tickets to travel either that day (friday), Saturday or Sunday. They said that the passport we originally applied for (the application hadn't finished processing in New Orleans and would be cancelled) Our new passport application would be processed Friday night or Saturday and would be ready on Monday and I could go back up to pick it up (which I couldn't because I was starting a new job), but that they would FedEx it to me and I would receive it Wed or Thurs, June 13th or 14th (Geoffrey was leaving on the 17th). I asked what would happen if I didn't recieve it by Thursday and was told "then I'll see you on Friday and we'll process it same-day"!!

Wednesday, the 13th, we recieved a passport - from New Orleans... the one that was supposedly cancelled when we applied again in DC. Friday, the 15th, we received a SECOND passport from DC. First we had no passport, and then we were swimming in passports!! I had to call the passport agency (that stupid 877# that takes over an hour for you to get through on) to find out which one was valid. As it turns out, the one that we got on Friday was the valid one, and I was told to send the other one back to New Orleans to be destroyed.

Odd thing - the DC passport was issued three days after the NOLA one, but the DC passport has a lower passport number on it than the NOLA one does... how did that happen?? What a stressful two weeks that was... but at least my son is currently in Scotland enjoying his vacation!!

*Whew*

bellaprincess

06-22-2007, 10:23 AM

Sorry to hear about the delayed passport! I can't imagine how frustrating that would be.

I needed to renew my passport before moving to the Caribbean in January, but since I waited until the last minute, I used a passport processing service I found online. I overnighted them my 2 checks ( 1 to the gov't and 1 very very expensive one to them for their service) , paperwork, and photos on a Monday. I had my brand new electronic passport in my hands on Wednesday afternoon.

diam124

06-22-2007, 11:11 AM

What a nightmare this passport thing is! I just had to get a new passport last Fall for a trip to the Caribbean (actually I think at the time I could have used a birth certificate, but my parents had it). I'm so glad I did it back then since we're going abroad again in Sept.

Rosebud

06-23-2007, 05:43 PM

An interesting (and kind of horrifying) article printed in the L.A. Times today about how backed up the passport system is due to the influx of new applications. My passport expires next year and after reading this, I'm think I'm going to apply for a renewal way, way early.

Long wait for passports is a ticket to pure misery: Thousands descend on Federal Building at the height of travel season due to new regulations. (http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-passport23jun23,1,6912455.story?coll=la-headlines-california&ctrack=1&cset=true)

Outside a will-call booth at the Federal Building in Westwood on Friday afternoon, Semida Crihalmean giggled and posed for a photo for her friend Andreea Boitor while tightly clutching her passport. Around the two, roughly 500 people milled about or sat in a line stretching halfway around the building. The lucky ones had umbrellas or folding chairs; others used envelopes to shield themselves from the sun.

To passersby, the scene might have looked like the queue for a popular movie, or maybe just some kind of tourist haven. But it was more like tourist hell for Southern California residents preparing for summer vacations or other trips abroad. State Department officials have long expected a surge in passport applications given the new Department of Homeland Security rules, but the scope of the recent logjam â€” which coincided with peak tourism season â€” caught officials nationwide off guard.

Crihalmean and Boitor were celebrating the end of a wait that had started at 5:30 a.m. for Crihalmean's passport to be processed and delivered by the Los Angeles Passport Agency. Hundreds of others were less fortunate, many lingering for hours over several days to try to pick up their passports. For the past month, the Federal Building plaza been filled to overflowing with desperate travelers hoping to apply for or pick up their passports, grumbling to their neighbors in line about the wait. Some are filing their initial applications and others are hoping to pick up documents that should have been mailed long ago; all are planning to travel within the next two weeks. (continues)

eli1126

06-25-2007, 07:13 AM

DH and I are going on a cruise in February 08 and we ran down to the post office in January because we had heard that it could get crazy with the new regulations. We didn't need to pay for the expedited services and ours arrived in a little over 6 weeks. However, we have been telling our friends, that are also going on the cruise, that they may want to get it done now and not wait until the last minute.

vwinkel

06-26-2007, 09:55 AM

I found a good deal for last minute travel to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. However, I do not have a passport. I just want to be sure that I'm reading this new rule correctly. I cannot go to Mexico unless I have one physicallly in hand? Or can I show proof that I have applied for one but bring a birth certificate and drivers license?

ellidew

06-26-2007, 10:31 AM

Or can I show proof that I have applied for one but bring a birth certificate and drivers license?

Yes. Travel Accomodation Announced June 8th (Travel Accommodation Announced June 8, 2007)

The U.S. Departments of State and Homeland Security announced Friday, June 8th that U.S. citizens traveling to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda or countries in the Caribbean region, who have applied for, but not yet received passports, can re-enter the United States by air.

Adults who have applied for but not yet received a passport should present government-issued photo identification and an official proof of application from the U.S. Department of State. This accommodation applies to all American citizens who apply for passports, until September 30, when this accommodation period ends. U.S. citizens with pending passport applications can obtain proof of application at: http://travel.state.gov/passport/get/status/status_2567.html.

vwinkel

06-26-2007, 03:14 PM

Thanks Elidew. I swear I read that but for some reason it wasn't registering.

betsyboop

07-13-2007, 08:50 AM

A potential trip to Israel just came up for us and we need to get DD a passport asap. I went to CVS to get her picture taken and the guy there said that he thought that baby passports are only good for 6 months. Is this true? I had always thought that passports for anyone under 16 were good for 5 years. Are the rules different for babies? I'd hate to pay to get a ruch ordered passport and then have the Israel trip not work out and then have the passport expire without ever even using it!

jennylou

07-13-2007, 08:57 AM

Five years.

KrissyCat7

07-22-2007, 09:11 AM

I just got my new passport in the mail last week. It took 3 weeks being expdeitited. Wasnt too bad of a process after all.

You can only do a name change if you can send in your current passport. I was able to have my passport issued in my new married name, even with having lost my original passport. It wasnt a big deal at all.

njdiva

08-08-2007, 02:31 PM

Hi Ladies,
For those in the NJ/NY/PA area.... DH & I went to the Philadelphia agency to apply for a new passport and the process was much better than I anticipated. If you are planning on going to Philly... & traveling within 14 days you do not need to make an appointment. Even though I wasted time on the national hotline - they tell you that your appointment does not make a difference in Philadelphia.

Once you arrive, they take a group of people inside through security check-in (every 15 minutes) and you meet with one rep who will review your application and your documents and give you a number. Once your number is called you meet with another rep (very similar to the DMV) who will process your information and your payment. This rep will give you a reciept which instructs you of a time when your passport will be ready for pickup.

We arrived at the agency at 11am and this entire process took only 1 hour. But we had to return at 2:30 to pick up our passports. That's it.

Good luck to everyone... Aruba here I come :cool:

Rosebud

09-08-2007, 10:44 AM

Passport crunch over, State Department says (http://www.cnn.com/2007/TRAVEL/09/07/us.passports.ap/index.html)

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The State Department said Friday it has worked through a massive backlog in passport applications and that processing times are back to normal after months of major delays that disrupted summer travel plans for thousands of Americans.

The department said steps taken to deal with the crisis -- the hiring of hundreds of new adjudicators, temporary transfers of employees to passport centers and the opening of a new facility to handle the deluge -- had brought the waiting period for a standard application back to six to eight weeks and three weeks for expedited service. (CNN)

Good news! :)

BTB

09-08-2007, 12:04 PM

We chose expedited service - the post office told us that "current wait times for expedited service are 4-6 weeks" - and DD's passport arrived NINE DAYS after the day we applied. The letter that said 'your application was received, here's the website where you can track it' arrived three days later. :D

JillyBean

09-08-2007, 06:20 PM

It's about time. Hopefully no one else has to miss their trip like we did. I still wish they had anticipated the rush before it got out of control.

shopaholic

09-28-2007, 05:54 PM

alisong

09-28-2007, 06:35 PM

ok, I am a moron because I waited way too long to get a passport. Now I need to go to Canada on October 22nd.

Do I have any chance in getting it before then? I read I can go to the passport office in Chicago but how long will it take from that point?

If I understand correctly I can't travel with the receipt and pending printout from the passport website. That expires 9/30/07??

Also, (hope this isn't entirely stupid) but do they just make a copy of your birth certificate? They don't take your original copy do they??You might be okay - I hear the really bad crunch has ended somewhat. I'd definitely plan on paying for expedited service! If you reallyreally have to have it, you might want to consider a passport expediting service. They're super expensive, but can get you a passport in a couple of days.

Oh, and yes you will need to provide an original birth certificate, which they will return.

babylove

09-30-2007, 07:12 AM

alisong

09-30-2007, 09:30 AM

I'm going to St. John in one month for a wedding and my MIL told me this morning that she heard on CNN that starting Monday, you need a passport to go to the Caribbean!!!! I can't find anything about this online....anyone know??It sounds like your MIL is referring to this: Western Hemesphere Travel Initiative (http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html). But this wouldn't apply to St. John, because it's a US territory (US Virgin Islands). The passport requirement for October 1 (rather than just proof of having applied for a passport) is for non-US territories in the Carribean (plus Mexico/Canada/Bermuda).

shopaholic

09-30-2007, 10:59 AM

So today is the last day where you can travel just showing proof that you applied for a passport? Starting tomorrow (Oct. 1) you absolutely need to have the passport?

Rosebud

09-30-2007, 11:08 AM

I'm going to St. John in one month for a wedding and my MIL told me this morning that she heard on CNN that starting Monday, you need a passport to go to the Caribbean!!!! I can't find anything about this online....anyone know??

As alisong said, you don't need a passport for St. John. However, I would call the airline and ask them, just to be sure. Is your flight direct between the USA and St. John? If you're connecting somewhere else first that is not a US territory, you may still need a passport.

Rosebud

09-30-2007, 11:18 AM

From ABC News (http://abcnews.go.com/Travel/story?id=3669711&page=1) (Sept. 29):

Beginning Monday, every American will need a passport to enter or leave the United States by air, even those traveling to or coming from Canada, Mexico or Bermuda -- where a driver's license or a birth certificate used to be enough.

The new passport rules were announced last November and went into effect in January. But the State Department was flooded with more passport applications than it could handle, so in June it announced a grace period through the summer, allowing people to travel with government-issued ID plus proof they had applied for a passport. The government says it has now eliminated the backlog of applications and the grace period ends Monday.

There is a list of exceptions posted here, including:

Those traveling by sea or land still do not need a passport, though that will change sometime next summer. And beginning Jan. 31, 2008, those crossing the border into Canada by car will need a government ID and proof of citizenship, like a birth certificate. An oral declaration of citizenship is all that is currently required.

Passengers on cruises that begin and end in the United States may leave and re-enter the U.S. with just a government-issued ID and proof of citizenship. (The cruise companies may require a passport, however.)

shopaholic

10-28-2007, 04:13 PM

I just applied for my passport on Sat. using expedited service. My travel is now going to be Nov. 13th. I am hoping I get it in time!

shopaholic

11-02-2007, 08:07 PM

wow, got it in 6 days!! Is that a new record?

vee05

11-02-2007, 10:18 PM

nice. I didnt do the expediated but applied on the 22nd hopefully in the next few weeks it should be here.

Rosebud

11-02-2007, 10:46 PM

wow, got it in 6 days!! Is that a new record?

Wow, that's fantastic! I guess things really have gotten up to speed at the passport office. :)

vee05

11-09-2007, 03:05 PM

I submitted my paperwork on October 22nd by regular processing and received my passport today November 9th!

Adaya

11-09-2007, 05:02 PM

I submitted my paperwork on October 22nd by regular processing and received my passport today November 9th!

Wow, that's fast. My mom will be happy to hear that. She is gonna be renewing hers pretty soon.

kmack

11-10-2007, 11:31 AM

has anyone gotten a passport for a newborn? we are most likely moving after our DS is born, DH will be going ahead of me so i want to get over as soon as possible. i can't seem to remember how long it took to get a birth certificate for our DD, but i imagaine that would be the only thing to hold me up?

alisong

11-10-2007, 02:40 PM

We got a passport for DS when he was around 2 months old, and it was no problem. The photo is a little comical, but it works. We were able to go in person to get a birth certificate when he was less than a week old, so that wasn't much of a holdup. I believe we paid for expedited service, as we were travelling very soon after. It took a couple of weeks, from memory.

kmack

11-10-2007, 06:52 PM

great alisong, thanks! do you remember if you needed his social security number? i forgot i had to write that in for DD and i don't remember how long it took to get one of those issued.

docoNY

11-16-2007, 05:39 PM

we got DD's passport when she was a month old & we had our DD's SS# but didn't need it - just the birth cert and we both had to be there to apply for it - if your DH isn't with you - you need to have something notarized from him saying its ok for the child to get a passport or something like that and we expedited it too since we were travelling when she was 10wks old

MrsBeckyLP

01-15-2008, 04:15 PM

Has anyone recently applied for a passport? Do you know how long it's taking to get one? (First-time applicant.) I can't decide if I should expedite or not. We don't have a trip booked yet, but I'm shooting for mid/late February.

AlisonCO

01-16-2008, 02:40 PM

We just went Monday to get passports for our kids and they told us to plan for at least 4-6 weeks with up to 8 being within the normal range. I believe that if you pay to expedite, it is 2-3 weeks but I am not sure about that (we didn't need to use that option.)

vwinkel

03-11-2008, 08:26 AM

I can't find the article online about traveling to Mexico. Can I still show proof that I have applied and only bring my driver's license and birth certificate? Did that expire last year?

jennylou

03-11-2008, 08:40 AM

vwinkel - It's probably not a bad idea to call, but it looks like that would be acceptable if traveling by land or sea.
http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/vacation/ready_set_go/land_travel/chnge_in_proced.xml

If traveling by air, it looks like you must have a passport:
http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/vacation/ready_set_go/air_travel/documents_needed.xml

vwinkel

03-11-2008, 01:01 PM

thanks.

endymion411

05-06-2008, 08:33 PM

hello!

i sent my passport in to get a visa for a trip i'm taking this summer. dh and i just decided this week to drive home to visit our families (plane tickets were too $$$), and the fastest route is through canada---can i go with just my birth certificate/driver's license? (i have my expired passport, but i'm not sure if that's helpful or not)

thanks!

Rosebud

10-27-2008, 02:40 PM

Another passport question. I have been reading the State Dept. website and Googling like crazy, but am still unsure about this.

DH and I are thinking about driving from Seattle to Vancouver in December. DH and I have passports. Does our baby, who will be 10 months, need a passport? I know that until July 2009 you can still cross the Canadian border by land with just a birth certificate and photo ID, but of course DS is too little to have a driver's license, so we only have a birth certificate. We'll get a passport if we need to, I'm just not sure if there's another, easier option.

TIA!

ETA: I think I've just answered my own question. From the Homeland Security website (http://www.dhs.gov/xtrvlsec/crossingborders/#0):

Land/Sea Travel
Beginning January 31, 2008, the United States will end the practice of accepting oral declarations of citizenship at the border.

U.S. citizens ages 19 and older must present documentation that proves both identity and citizenship. Identification documents must include a photo, name and date of birth. View the complete list of acceptable documents at CBP.gov for land travel and sea travel.
Children ages 18 and under will only be required to present proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate.
U.S. citizens can also apply for a U.S. Passport Card, which facilitates entry and expedites document processing at U.S. land and sea ports-of-entry when arriving from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda. The card may not be used to travel by air. Otherwise, it carries the rights and privileges of the U.S. passport book and is adjudicated to the exact same standards.

So just a birth certificate should be okay, right?

Wrighty26

10-27-2008, 06:33 PM