U.S. Passport Primer: A Guide to the New Passport Regulations

Thanks to new federal passport proposals, the costof the offices closest to you, search by ZIP code on
of a Caribbean cruise, a Cancun honeymoon, or athe State Department website at
Vancouver theater weekend could be going up. TheYou need to bring two identical 2-by-2 inch, full-face,
security-related changes, scheduled to take effectfront-view photographs, and a completed DS-11
over the next 2 1/2 years, will affect Americans whoapplication form (available from one of the 6,000
travel to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, Panama andfacilities or at
Caribbean. Previously, American travelers simplyIn addition, you will need a driver's license or
flashed a driver's license or birth certificate whengovernment-issued ID card and proof of citizenship,
returning from those destinations.which in most cases, is an original or certified birth
Beginning December 31, 2005, re-entry to the U.S.certificate.
from the Caribbean, Bermuda, Central and SouthAll children under age 14 must also apply for a
America will require a passport--$97 for adults, $82passport in person, and both parents or legal
for children under 16. On December 31, 2006guardians must appear together and sign the child's
passport requirements will go into effect for all airform (if the second parent submits a notarized letter
and sea travel to or from Mexico and Canada. Andof intent, one parent signature is adequate). Minors
on December 31, 2007, passports will be required forage 14 to 17 must also appear in person and for
ALL air, sea, and land border crossings to or from thesecurity reasons, parental consent may be required.
United States.And, unlike adults, children under 14 must apply for
A passport is an internationally recognized travelrenewals in person.
document that verifies the identity and nationality ofFor Americans 16 and older, a first passport costs
the bearer. A valid U.S. passport is required to enter$97 and is good for 10 years. Children under the age
and leave most foreign countries. Only the U.S.of 16 require their own passport which cost $82 and
Department of State has the authority to grant,are valid for five years. Renewals, which can be done
issue or verify United States passports, and theby mail, are $67 for both adults and children.
process can be arduous and time consuming.One of the most often asked questions, "When
Frequently asked questions about passports such as:should I apply for a passport?" has a simple
"When should I apply?", "Do I have to apply inanswer--several months before your planned trip. If
person?", "What should I do if my passport is lost oryou will need visas from foreign embassies to enter
stolen?", "Does my baby need a passport?" Answersthose countries, allow even more time. Don't wait to
to these questions and hundreds of others can beget a passport! Get it now, so you will be ready in
found by searching the Internet. Interesting tip--evencase you may need or want to travel on short
your pet will need a passport to enter the Europeannotice. The average time from application to passport
Union.arrival is six to eight weeks, and passport demand
To obtain a U.S. passport for the first time, you needgoes up during the summer months, so plan
to go in person to one of the 6,0000 designatedaccordingly.
passport application acceptance facilities nationwide,When you receive your passport, remember to sign
including many post offices, Federal and state courts,it in ink and print your name and address so it may
clerks of court, and a growing number of publicbe returned to you if it is ever lost.
libraries and public colleges and universities. For a list