The Community Word

Undoubtedly, you have heard rumblings about new passport laws. Passports are now needed for any kind of travel outside of the United States, even to Mexico and Canada. However, these laws seem to be coming in fast and are changing constantly, so it is of no surprise that many people are confused. Hopefully this outline of current laws, upcoming laws, and how to obtain a passport help lessen some of the confusion.

The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) requires citizens of the United States, Canada, Mexico, and other countries in the western hemisphere to hold a valid passport or other WHTI-approved document to enter or depart the United States. This initiative is included in the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 and is a result of recommendations made by the 9/11 Commission on ways to strengthen border security. Government standard documentation, like passports, allows travelers to easily enter and leave the United States by confirming a person’s identity and nationality. The Department of Homeland Security is able to quickly and accurately identify legitimate travelers, giving the department more resources to deter travelers who may pose a security threat.

A U.S. passport is the most common WHTI-compliant document for travel, but other documentation includes a not-yet-released passport card. Once it becomes available, this pocket-sized card will allow land and sea travel between the United States, Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean.

The initiative is being put into place in two phases: air travel and land/sea travel. The air travel phase of the initiative was implemented earlier in the year when anyone traveling to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean by air was required to have a passport (or other WHTI-approved document) to enter or depart the United States. Due to an increase in passport processing times, the Department of Homeland Security accommodated travelers by allowing an “official proof of passport application receipt” to substitute as a passport; however, this period ended and, as of October 1, all air passengers must have a passport. By Summer 2008, the full implementation of WHTI will occur, which requires all citizens in the western hemisphere to have a passport or other ap proved document when entering and leaving the United States. The exact date is yet to be determined, but the public will be given a notice of 60 days.

As a result of this initiative, passport applications have increased tremendously. There were over 16 million passports issued in fiscal year 2007, compared to 12.1 million issued in fiscal year 2006. There are currently over 9,000 locations across the country that accepts passport applications, including three in Peoria: the County Clerk’s office, North University Post Office, and the main post office branch on State Street.

Last month, the Post Office hosted a Passport Day at Bradley University’s Student Center, and another one was held at the North University Post Office. Both events gave the public an opportunity to submit applications for new passports, as well as provided official passport photos for $15. The purpose of the events was to educate the public about the application process and to make it easier to submit all the required documentation.

Applying for a passport can be painless and easy if all the proper information is known before starting the process. First time passport applicants must apply in person. It is also necessary to apply for a passport in person if your previous passport was lost, stolen, or damaged; expired and was issued more than 15 years ago; or expired and was issued before you were 16.

An Application for Passport (otherwise known as a Form DS-11), proof of U.S. citizenship, and proof of identity are all required to apply for a passport. Form DS-11 is available for download at travel.state.gov or from any passport agency, including post offices.

Documentation proving U.S. citizenship includes a previous passport that is not damaged or altered, naturalization certificate, certificate of citizenship, or a certified birth certificate, which is the most common way to prove citizenship. Certified birth certificates may be obtained through the Peoria County Clerk’s office, and requests may be made in person office during normal business hours, which is Monday through Friday 8:30 am - 5:30 pm. The office is closed on county holidays. If you’re unable to visit the office, requests may also be made via the Internet. To receive birth records within two weeks of order by standard U.S. mail, visit www.illinoisepay.com. Expedited delivery, with an option for overnight delivery, is available through www.vitalcheck.com. Birth records cost $9 for the first copy and $6 for additional copies and can be paid by cash, debit card, money order, or cashier check—no personal checks are accepted. If paying by a debit card, a $2.50 usage fee will be added. Additional charges may apply to orders made over the Internet.

Documentation showing proof of identity may include a previous passport that is not damaged or altered, valid current driver’s license, state-issued identification card, military card, or a naturalization certificate.

Additionally, two passport photographs must be presented when applying. They need to be identical, color photos that measure two inches by two inches. Many drugstores and photography places offer passport photos that meet the requirements. Also, the North University Post Office and main post office branch offer onsite photos.

The cost of a passport is a combination of the application fee, which includes a $12 Security Surcharge, and an execution fee, which helps pay the costs of the agency processing the applications. Passports issued to anyone under age 16, the application fee is $52 and the execution fee is $30, bringing the total to $82. Passports issued to people over age 16, the application fee is $67, the execution fee is $30, making the total passport cost $97. Both the fees are combined into one payment made payable to the U.S. Department of State.

Processing a passport using standard service usually takes 4 to 6 weeks. Expedited service is available for those wishing to receive their passport within three weeks. To ensure the three-week timeframe, choose overnight delivery for both legs of the trip (sending out your application and mailing the passport to you) and write “Expedite” on the mailing envelope. Expedited service is an additional $60 per application, plus delivery costs.

For more information, visit the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs at travel.state.gov. or contact local post offices: North University Station Post Office at (309) 692-9817 or the Main Post Office at (309) 671-8848