Substitute for Passport? - Timeshare Users Group Online Community Forums

california-bighorn · November 8, 2008, 09:53 PM

A couple of weeks ago I caught the end of something on TV about some kind of card that will replace the need to have a passport. I believe I heard it would only be good for travel from the USA to Mexico and Canada. Kind of a North American Card, although I don't know what it is or will be called.
Does anyone have any information on this? What are fees, how long to obtain, how long is it good for and anything else important.

Luanne · November 8, 2008, 10:21 PM

Here, found this by googling:

http://www.usimmigrationsupport.org/passportcard.html

california-bighorn · November 8, 2008, 10:40 PM

Thanks Luanne
Since most of us fly to international destinations it won't be of much help.

Luanne · November 8, 2008, 10:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by california-bighorn

Thanks Luanne
Since most of fly to international destinations it won't be of much help.

I guess I'm not part of the "most".

However, I do have a passport.

Talent312 · November 9, 2008, 12:16 AM

I don't really understand why my fellow Americans seem so resistant to getting passports. Sure, its takes a little effort, but its easier than getting a DL (no foreign language test). They open the door to the world, ... and who knows when one might need a quick getaway to someplace w/o an extradition treaty.

Patri · November 9, 2008, 11:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Talent312

. ... and who knows when one might need a quick getaway to someplace w/o an extradition treaty.

dioxide45 · November 9, 2008, 12:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Talent312

I don't really understand why my fellow Americans seem so resistant to getting passports. Sure, its takes a little effort, but its easier than getting a DL (no foreign language test). They open the door to the world, ... and who knows when one might need a quick getaway to someplace w/o an extradition treaty.

They are also good for 10 years. Unlike the Canadian passport that I hold that is only valid for five years.

nightnurse613 · November 9, 2008, 09:22 PM

I would just like to point out, you DO NOT need the ebook that Luanne's web site takes you to (especially at $50). You can go directly to the Secretary of State website, type in passport card application and download the passport CARD application form (actually, you can fill it out online); get two photos taken at a local drug store and make an appointment at the nearest facility (even the post office). Bring the money orders and apply in person. As many people pointed out, this was designed to facilitate those people frequently passing between Canada, Mexico and the US. The passport cards are not good anywhere else and, you never know when you need to go somewhere that doesn't have an extradition treaty

so you might want to give a second thought about a passport (double the price, though).

Luanne · November 9, 2008, 09:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nightnurse613

I would just like to point out, you DO NOT need the ebook that Luanne's web site takes you to (especially at $50).

I just provided that as an explanation of what the card was. Also, to show that you can find just about anything using google. To be honest, I didn't read the part about the cost.

dwsupt · November 10, 2008, 09:48 AM

We ordered one with our passports last summer. It is basically the same info found on a passport. It can be used for travel to Canada or Mexico only. For the price, if I could redo things, I'd stick to just the passport.

Bill4728 · November 10, 2008, 01:25 PM

From the website in post #2

Quote:

OVERVIEW OF THE UNITED STATES PASSPORT CARD

Valid only for land and sea travel between the United States and Mexico, Canada, Bermuda and the Caribbean.
A Passport Card cannot be used for international travel by air.
Applications are currently being taken but issuance of the new Passport Card is expected to be in the fall of 2008.
Issued by the U.S. Department of State.
Available only to U.S. citizens.

PS The cost is a huge factor:
First time - Passport $100 vs Passport card $45
Renewals- Passport $75 vs Passport card $20

Both are good for 10 years.

T_R_Oglodyte · November 10, 2008, 01:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Talent312

I don't really understand why my fellow Americans seem so resistant to getting passports. Sure, its takes a little effort, but its easier than getting a DL (no foreign language test). They open the door to the world, ... and who knows when one might need a quick getaway to someplace w/o an extradition treaty.

A passport is also an excellent second ID. If you lose your drivers license (e.g., if your wallet or purse is stolen) it's easy to get replacement ID using a passport.

I also use my passport as primary ID when I'm traveling; generally the only vendor who ever sees my drivers license is a car rental agency. I figure that a passport is a more secure form of ID than a drivers license.

Bill4728 · November 10, 2008, 01:41 PM

In Washington state, they have a "Enhanced Driver License" which does the same thing as a Passport card but it is part of your driver's license. Cost is $15 more than a regular driver license but only good for 5 years.

The best thing about it is you're never likely to forget it when traving by car to canada. Since it your driver license, you'd alway have your DL with you when you drive.

falmouth3 · November 10, 2008, 02:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by T_R_Oglodyte

I also use my passport as primary ID when I'm traveling; generally the only vendor who ever sees my drivers license is a car rental agency. I figure that a passport is a more secure form of ID than a drivers license.

I do the same. It's easier to have my passport out that to keep opening my purse to get my wallet and then struggle to get the license out of it's tight compartment.

Sue

JanB · November 13, 2008, 11:02 PM

Several years ago Shaggy wrote that while snorkeling in Hawaii, her waterproof neck pouch floated off with her room key, money, AND DRIVER'S LICENSE. This happened, I believe, the day before she was to fly back to the mainland. Fortunately, some honest person found it and returned it to her timeshare. But, from her experience, Steve and I ALWAYS fly with both our passports and driver's licenses in country and internationally!

TheTimeTraveler · November 13, 2008, 11:48 PM

By the way, the Passports and Passport Cards (both of which have been talked about in previous threads) can be obtained from many Post Offices (Post Offices which offer that particular customer service).

Recently I renewed my Passport at my local Post Office and they instructed me how to fill out the renewal form. I mailed it in and had it back SEVEN days later. Amazing!

The Passport Card can be used only be used for a few destinations (as discussed in previous threads), however the actual Passports themselves can be used under all circumstances traveling absolutely anywhere. That said, I would suggest that you get the Passport itself if you are making an initial application.

Happy travels

geekette · November 14, 2008, 02:05 PM

unless costs have gone up A LOT in 2 years, no way I paid $100 for my passport. More like $60, including pictures.

dwsupt · November 14, 2008, 02:12 PM

Way-
We got 3 of them $100 each.

rsnash · November 14, 2008, 02:50 PM

We just sent in our paperwork for renewing our passports, $75 each. That's with the regular non-expedited service. We used our old, non-expired passports as ID, so they are in the package. They were to expire in April and we have a trip planned to the Bahamas in May. Meanwhile, we are now able to take a vacation Christmas week, and were looking into going to Mexico, but you have to have a passport to fly there. Does anyone know how long the renewal should take? I'm reluctant to book anything until I get our new passports back in the mail, and of course it is now too late to do the in person thing.

x3 skier · November 19, 2008, 10:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rsnash

We just sent in our paperwork for renewing our passports, $75 each. That's with the regular non-expedited service. We used our old, non-expired passports as ID, so they are in the package. They were to expire in April and we have a trip planned to the Bahamas in May. Meanwhile, we are now able to take a vacation Christmas week, and were looking into going to Mexico, but you have to have a passport to fly there. Does anyone know how long the renewal should take? I'm reluctant to book anything until I get our new passports back in the mail, and of course it is now too late to do the in person thing.

After the recent fiasco that caused a huge backlog, "normal" times seem to be around two weeks or so.

Cheers

November 8, 2008, 09:53 PM	#1
california-bighorn TUG Member BBS Reg. Date: Jun 6, 05 Location: Granite Bay, California Posts: 586 Resorts: Wyndham PAHIO Kauai Beach Villas, Pueblo Bonito Sunset Beach, Imperial of Waikiki, WWVC, Perennial V C	Substitute for Passport? A couple of weeks ago I caught the end of something on TV about some kind of card that will replace the need to have a passport. I believe I heard it would only be good for travel from the USA to Mexico and Canada. Kind of a North American Card, although I don't know what it is or will be called. Does anyone have any information on this? What are fees, how long to obtain, how long is it good for and anything else important. __________________ I gotta go where there ain't any snow, where there ain't any blow, 'cause my fins sink so low. I gotta go where it's warm. "Boat Drinks" Jimmy Buffett and the Coral Reefer Band FINS UP !!! Marty

November 8, 2008, 10:40 PM	#3
california-bighorn TUG Member BBS Reg. Date: Jun 6, 05 Location: Granite Bay, California Posts: 586 Resorts: Wyndham PAHIO Kauai Beach Villas, Pueblo Bonito Sunset Beach, Imperial of Waikiki, WWVC, Perennial V C	Thanks Luanne Since most of us fly to international destinations it won't be of much help. __________________ I gotta go where there ain't any snow, where there ain't any blow, 'cause my fins sink so low. I gotta go where it's warm. "Boat Drinks" Jimmy Buffett and the Coral Reefer Band FINS UP !!! Marty Last edited by california-bighorn : November 9, 2008 at 01:20 AM.

November 10, 2008, 09:48 AM	#10
dwsupt TUG Member BBS Reg. Date: Aug 26, 08 Location: Illinois Posts: 106 Resorts: Escapes to StoneBridge x3	passport card We ordered one with our passports last summer. It is basically the same info found on a passport. It can be used for travel to Canada or Mexico only. For the price, if I could redo things, I'd stick to just the passport.

November 10, 2008, 01:41 PM	#13
Bill4728 Moderator TUG Lifetime Member BBS Reg. Date: Jun 6, 05 Location: Lake Tapps, WA Posts: 7,305 Resorts: Club Intrawest, Monarch Grand Vacations, Mountainside Lodge, Marriott Newport Coast	In Washington state, they have a "Enhanced Driver License" which does the same thing as a Passport card but it is part of your driver's license. Cost is $15 more than a regular driver license but only good for 5 years. The best thing about it is you're never likely to forget it when traving by car to canada. Since it your driver license, you'd alway have your DL with you when you drive. __________________ Bill All my posts should be considered my personal opinion or experience unless otherwise noted.

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November 8, 2008, 10:21 PM	#2
Luanne TUG Member BBS Reg. Date: Jun 6, 05 Location: San Francisco Bay area Posts: 3,468 Resorts: Maui Lea at Maui Hill San Diego Country Estates	Google is your friend Here, found this by googling: http://www.usimmigrationsupport.org/passportcard.html __________________ Luanne

November 9, 2008, 12:16 AM	#5
Talent312 TUG Member BBS Reg. Date: Jul 4, 07 Location: North Florida Posts: 2,042	I don't really understand why my fellow Americans seem so resistant to getting passports. Sure, its takes a little effort, but its easier than getting a DL (no foreign language test). They open the door to the world, ... and who knows when one might need a quick getaway to someplace w/o an extradition treaty.

November 9, 2008, 09:22 PM	#8
nightnurse613 TUG Member BBS Reg. Date: Jun 6, 05 Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 1,313 Resorts: Villas of Sedona (2), Ridge at Sedona Golf, THE Club	I would just like to point out, you DO NOT need the ebook that Luanne's web site takes you to (especially at $50). You can go directly to the Secretary of State website, type in passport card application and download the passport CARD application form (actually, you can fill it out online); get two photos taken at a local drug store and make an appointment at the nearest facility (even the post office). Bring the money orders and apply in person. As many people pointed out, this was designed to facilitate those people frequently passing between Canada, Mexico and the US. The passport cards are not good anywhere else and, you never know when you need to go somewhere that doesn't have an extradition treaty so you might want to give a second thought about a passport (double the price, though).

November 13, 2008, 11:02 PM	#15
JanB TUG Member BBS Reg. Date: Jun 6, 05 Location: Sacramento Posts: 557	Several years ago Shaggy wrote that while snorkeling in Hawaii, her waterproof neck pouch floated off with her room key, money, AND DRIVER'S LICENSE. This happened, I believe, the day before she was to fly back to the mainland. Fortunately, some honest person found it and returned it to her timeshare. But, from her experience, Steve and I ALWAYS fly with both our passports and driver's licenses in country and internationally!

November 13, 2008, 11:48 PM	#16
TheTimeTraveler TUG Member BBS Reg. Date: Jan 23, 08 Location: Massachusetts Posts: 460	By the way, the Passports and Passport Cards (both of which have been talked about in previous threads) can be obtained from many Post Offices (Post Offices which offer that particular customer service). Recently I renewed my Passport at my local Post Office and they instructed me how to fill out the renewal form. I mailed it in and had it back SEVEN days later. Amazing! The Passport Card can be used only be used for a few destinations (as discussed in previous threads), however the actual Passports themselves can be used under all circumstances traveling absolutely anywhere. That said, I would suggest that you get the Passport itself if you are making an initial application. Happy travels

November 14, 2008, 02:05 PM	#17
geekette Guest BBS Reg. Date: Jun 6, 05 Posts: 2,760	unless costs have gone up A LOT in 2 years, no way I paid $100 for my passport. More like $60, including pictures.

November 14, 2008, 02:12 PM	#18
dwsupt TUG Member BBS Reg. Date: Aug 26, 08 Location: Illinois Posts: 106 Resorts: Escapes to StoneBridge x3	Way- We got 3 of them $100 each.

November 14, 2008, 02:50 PM	#19
rsnash TUG Member BBS Reg. Date: Aug 2, 08 Location: NJ Posts: 340 Resorts: Marriott Fairway Villas, Wyndham Avenue Plaza	We just sent in our paperwork for renewing our passports, $75 each. That's with the regular non-expedited service. We used our old, non-expired passports as ID, so they are in the package. They were to expire in April and we have a trip planned to the Bahamas in May. Meanwhile, we are now able to take a vacation Christmas week, and were looking into going to Mexico, but you have to have a passport to fly there. Does anyone know how long the renewal should take? I'm reluctant to book anything until I get our new passports back in the mail, and of course it is now too late to do the in person thing.