At AAA Travel we try to keep you up-to-date on the latest travel news and regulations. And Passports are no different. Now a necessity for International travel, AAA Travel is here with all the information on Passports you should know.
U.S. Passport Application Forms and Fees Change as of February 1, 2008
The U.S. Passport Office has implemented new application forms for first-time applicants (DS-11) and renewals by mail (DS-82) as a result of fee changes effective February 1, 2008.
Applicants need to apply in person if applying for a U.S. passport for the first time; if an expired U.S. passport is not in their possession; if a previous U.S. passport has expired and was issued more than 15 years ago; if a previous U.S. passport was issued when under age 16; or if a currently valid U.S. passport has been lost , stolen, altered or damaged.
Renewals by mail are accepted if the most recent passport is available to submit and it is not damaged; the passport was received within the past 15 years; applicant was over age 16 when it was issued; applicant still has the same name, or can legally document a name change.
In addition, applications are now being accepted for the new U.S. Passport Card valid for entry and 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. It will otherwise carry the rights and privileges of the U.S. passport book and will be adjudicated to the exact same standards. Passport Cards are expected to be available and mailed to applicants in spring 2008.
All children regardless of age (including newborns and infants) must have their own passport. See Special Requirements for Minor Children under 16 years of age.
The passport renewal application fee is $75.
For full details log onto travel.state.gov.
AIR TRAVEL
Implemented on January 23, 2007, ALL PERSONS traveling by air between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and the Caribbean region are required to present a passport or other valid travel document to enter or re-enter the United States.
LAND AND SEA TRAVEL
JANUARY 31, 2008
U.S. and Canadian citizens will need to present either a WHTI-compliant document, or a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license, plus proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate. DHS also proposes to begin alternative procedures for U.S. and Canadian children at that time.
SUMMER 2008
At a later date to be determined, the departments will implement the full requirements of the land and sea phase of WHTI. The proposed rules require most U.S. citizens entering the United States at sea or land ports of entry to have either a U.S. passport; a U.S. passport card; a trusted traveler card such as NEXUS, FAST, or SENTRI; a valid Merchant Mariner Document (MMD) when traveling in conjunction with official maritime business; or a valid U.S. Military identification card when traveling on official orders.
The implementation date will be determined based on a number of factors, including the progress of actions undertaken by the Department of Homeland Security to implement the WHTI requirements and the availability of WHTI compliant documents on both sides of the border. DHS and DOS expect the date of full WHTI implementation to be in the summer of 2008. The precise implementation date will be formally announced with at least 60 days notice.
Note: The passport requirement does NOT apply to U.S. citizens traveling to or returning directly from a U.S. territory.
U.S. PASSPORT AND OTHER TRAVEL DOCUMENTS
U.S. Passport: U.S. citizens may present a valid U.S. passport when traveling via air, land or sea between the U.S. and the aforementioned Western Hemisphere countries.
The Passport Card: This limited-use, wallet-size passport card is not yet available and is under development. When available it will only be valid for land and sea travel between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean region (includes Bermuda).
Other Accepted Travel Documents: SENTRI, NEXUS, FAST and the U.S. Coast Guard Mariner Document. Members of the U.S. Armed Forces on active duty traveling on orders are exempt from the passport requirement. DHS has more information on these travel documents.
For more information on this Passport Information, Click Here.
General Passport Information:
AAA Southern PA offers individuals the opportunity to take passport photos in our local offices. Fees for Passport photos are:
$10 Nonmembers
$5 Regular Members
FREE Plus Members
Unfortunately, AAA Southern PA does not process passport applications, but you can pick up an application at any AAA Southern PA location.
You can also download a Passport Application and check your application status here.
Passport Fees
Age 16 and older: The passport application fee is $75. The execution fee is $25. The total is $100.
Under Age 16: The passport application fee is $60. The execution fee is $25. The total is $85.
For more information on Methods of Payment and miscellaneous charges, Click Here.
Local Passport Locations
To obtain or renew your passport, you must visit an official Passport facility and submit an application.
Click Here to find the Us. Passport Location closest to you.
For complete information on U.S. Passports, log onto the U.S. Department of State web site.
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