Passports - Important Facts to Know Before Traveling

There are passport books and passport cards. The difference is significant. Although the cards are cheaper, they are limited to Mexico and Canada when traveling by land. You cannot use them to other countries or when flying outside of the US. Travelers that live near the border, like the cards if they are driving back and forth regularly. We highly recommend purchasing the passport books to allow travel more extensively. If you are 15 years or under, the passports are good for 5 years. Otherwise, they are good for 10 years. Be sure to check the expiration date. Many countries will not allow them if less than 6 months before they expire. They make travel easier when traveling with children in the US. The card can be swiped at the airline desk. TSA guidelines change constantly and there is question if children need identification. They generally only require for those 18 years and older. If a child appears to be of age, there could be some delay. The wait time for getting a passport is generally 4-6 weeks. We suggest you have one for last minute trips such as expected situations. If you have family abroad, you may need to travel on short notice. The cost to expedite a passport can be very expensive. See the website for more information: http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html