CHANGES IN PASSPORT ISSUANCE AS OF February 1, 2008

On February 1st several changes will take place in passport procedures.

1. Applications for minors - all applications for minors under the age of 16 will require the consent from both parents. This is a change from age 14. All acceptance facilities have been supplied with the pertinent forms and fliers reflecting these changes. Please note that NEW passport forms will replace the current forms and these forms will make mention of the changes.
2. Also on February 1st, the passport office will begin to allow applicants to apply for the new PASSPORT CARD. However, the production of the CARD will not start until the spring. With the introduction of the card a new schedule of fees will be introduced. This new schedule of fees list fee changes affecting the passport books and cards. The passport website already has been updated with the card information and you may find more information concerning the card at http://travel.state.gov/passport/ppt_card/ppt_card_3926.html. Keep in mind that the CARD is only good for land and sea crossings to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and the Caribbean. If you wish to fly to any of these destinations you need to get a Passport.
3. U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the U.S. Department of State (DOS) remind the traveling public that as of Jan. 31, 2008, all adult travelers will be required to present proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate, and proof of identity, such as a driver’s license, when entering the United States through land and sea ports of entry. Currently, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers may accept oral declarations of citizenship from U.S. and Canadian citizens seeking entry into the United States through a land or sea border. However, as of January 31, 2008:
   
   
   • Oral declarations of citizenship alone will no longer be accepted
   • U.S. and Canadian citizens ages 19 and older will need to present a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license, along with proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate or naturalization certificate.
   • Children ages 18 and under will only be required to present proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate
   • Passports and trusted traveler program cards - NEXUS, SENTRI and FAST - will continue to be accepted for cross-border travel
   • All existing nonimmigrant visa and passport requirements will remain in effect and will not be altered by this change.

DOS reminds the public that the current turnaround time for a passport is four to six weeks, so Americans planning international travel may wish to apply now. For information on obtaining a U.S. Passport visit www.travel.state.gov or call 1-877-487-2778. Specific documentation requirements for land, sea and air travel may be found at www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/vacation/ready_set_go/ To learn more about NEXUS, SENTRI and FAST, visit  http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/trusted_traveler/

If you haven't received your passport 2 weeks prior to your departure date,
contact us at 1-866-371-8747.