New Passport Requirements
Monday, March 16th, 2009
Traveling out of the country by car is about to get a little more complicated. In the past, American citizens traveling by car to Canada and Mexico could return to the United States with a birth certificate. Even children and infants will need to have their own passport. For years, traveling to these two countries by any means required the same. After 9/11, the rules changed and only those driving could still travel conveniently without a passport. Originally the changes were supposed to go into affect from all modes of transportation at the same time. Backlogs in the system caused a presidential order that provided for land travel to go into affect later than air and sea.
The summer of 2009 will bring tighter requirements on passports. That means that any citizen leaving the United States by any means will need to have a passport. It is a good idea to get your passport early because often the application process can take several months, even longer if there is a rush on the passport office. You can also carry an equivalent document (a state issued enhanced driver's license, a Native American tribal photo identification card, military identification with travel orders or other WHTI-Compliant Travel Documents for United States citizens).
The process for getting a passport is not difficult. Adults can fill out the forms at the local circuit court or other designated location. Minor children will have to apply for their passports in person and both parents will need to be present with them.
The good news is that a passport will last for 10 years for those people that were issued them after the age of 16. Those under sixteen will be valid for five years. It is recommended that even if you are just renewing your passport you allow nine months for the process.
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