| The passport issue has become a sticky one in our | | | | 7,000 passport acceptance facilities located in the |
| post 911 world. In the United States in particular a | | | | United States with two photographs of yourself, |
| new law called The Intelligence Reform and Terrorism | | | | proof of U.S. citizenship such as a birth certificate, |
| Prevention Act was passed in 2004 requiring | | | | and a valid photo ID like a driver's license. These |
| passports for travel to and from the Caribbean, | | | | acceptance facilities can be found in many Federal, |
| Bermuda, Panama, Mexico, and Canada. The | | | | state, and probate courts as well as post offices and |
| government is phasing these areas in over time but | | | | public libraries. |
| by January 1st of 2008 the rules will be in effect for | | | | All persons traveling must have their own passports |
| all of these areas. This section of the act, called the | | | | including infants. All minors under the age of fourteen |
| Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative calls for more | | | | must also appear in person and have the consent of |
| stringent regulations where before one could travel | | | | both parents. In the case of divorced parents you will |
| from the U.S. to these destinations with only a | | | | have to show the court order granting custody as |
| picture ID and a birth certificate. | | | | well. If both parents cannot be present then one |
| A passport has been required for international travel | | | | parent must submit the second parent's notarized |
| so there are no changes to be made there, but if | | | | consent authorizing the issuance of a passport. There |
| you intend to travel in the Americas or the Caribbean | | | | is a form available called the DS-3053 from the State |
| after December 31st of 2006 you will need a | | | | Department. |
| passport. | | | | The fees for passports are as follows: |
| So, how do you go about getting a passport you | | | | Age 16 and older the passport fee is $55 plus a |
| ask? Well, for starters give yourself plenty of time. It | | | | security surcharge of $12 and an execution fee of |
| is suggested you allow at least six weeks prior to | | | | $97. |
| your departure. United States passports are issued | | | | Under the age of 16 the passport fee is reduced to |
| through the Department of State and they will | | | | $40 with the other fees remaining the same for a |
| investigate to be sure that you don't have | | | | total of $82. |
| outstanding warrants, past due child support and | | | | The acceptable forms of payment vary with each |
| other issues. | | | | facility so you will have to check with them to see |
| In order to obtain a passport for the first time you | | | | whether they accept checks or credit cards. |
| must appear in person at one of the more than | | | | |