US Passport Card

[jyl]

Well, this is a new one on me.

Received my new US passport today and also received a credit card like thing called a "US Passport Card". As far as I can tell, this replaces a passport for land or sea travel to-from the US and neighboring countries (Canada, Mexico, some Caribbean countries, etc); is acceptable identification for TSA; is proof of citizenship; is a form of "RealID"; and I'm not sure what else it does. It is NOT a replacement for a passport for international air travel.

It is kind of pretty. I guess I'll keep it in my wallet just in case I need to prove my citizenship or something.

[flatbutt]

IIRC it's only good for land (Canada/Mexico) and sea crossings (Bermuda/Caribbean).

[wildthing]

I made the mistake of paying for this extra card. I've not had a use for it since I don't travel by land to other countries.

[jyl]

I must have inadvertently checked the box for it.

Come to think of it, there have been times when I've needed "two forms of government issued ID". Once I talked the lady into taking my CCW permit as the second ID. Other times I've had to go home and return with my passport. Now I'll have the two IDs handy.

[widgeon13]

Is it for voter ID as well!

[red-beard]

Originally Posted by jyl

I must have inadvertently checked the box for it.

Come to think of it, there have been times when I've needed "two forms of government issued ID". Once I talked the lady into taking my CCW permit as the second ID. Other times I've had to go home and return with my passport. Now I'll have the two IDs handy.

CHL is a government ID. It is acceptable for use at polling stations here.

For me, I like the passport card. Keep it hidden, not in a wallet, where it won't be stolen. If you lose your passport while traveling, it is the BEST ID at the consulate or embassy.

We don't drive in Mexico anymore, too many car-jackings, etc, since the Zetas killed off the Juarez cartel. We'd carry the regular passports anyway.

[Hugh R]

I have one, I also scanned the picture page of my passport and color printed and laminated it. That is in my pocket when I walk around abroad, not my actual passport. A USA passport is worth $10K in the UK and more in Eastern Europe. I know two people who got rolled in eastern Europe for their USA passports. My employer also has a scanned image of my passport in case everything goes to crap they can email it to someone. Its better than nothing.

[upwardr]

10,000.00 for ripped passport?

[Tobra]

How much is one in Guatemala? Just curious, would like to know what my life was worth in case I get killed for it or something.

[JJ 911SC]

From http://moneytalks.net/article-and-commentary/todays-best-money-making-ideas/lifestyle/329-lifestyle/15661-the-complete-black-market-guide.html

Fake ID Cards, Driver Licenses, and Stolen Passports

• Average Price of a Stolen Passport for Sale$3,500

• Black Market Driver License – New Jersey$2,500 to $7,000
• Black Market Passport – Nepal$6,961
• Black Market Passport – Peru$1,750
• Black Market Passport – Sweden$12,200
• Black Market Passport and Visa – Australia$15,000

• Blank Stolen Passport – UK$1,642

• Fake Green Card$75 to $300

• Fake Birth Certificate – Cuba$10,000 to $50,000

• Fake Car License Plate in Cambodia$4.50 to $10

• Fake Driver License – California$200
• Fake Driver License – Confiscated in New York1,450 in 2012

• Fake ID Card – Malaysia$771 (includes smuggling)
• Fake ID Card – New York$160 in 90 min
• Fake ID Confiscated – Arizona2,064 from students in 2010
• Fake ID Confiscated from China1,700 in 3 months at one airport
• Fake ID from China$300 for 1, $400 for 2
• Fake ID Papers for Residency – USA$2,500 per set
• Fake IDs for Sale – United States$0.1 Billion ($100 Million)

• Fake Passport – Australia$806
• Fake Passport – China$10,000 to $25,000
• Fake Passport – China (Alter Photo)$3,500 to $5,000
• Fake Passport – Egypt, Germany, Morocco$6,830 to Syrian Refugees
• Fake Passport in Thailand – Basic$245 in 2 hours
• Fake Passport in Thailand – Higher Quality$1,000 to $1,250
• Fake Passports in India$294

• Fake Social Security Card$75 to $300

• Lost or Stolen Passport Reported11 Million in 2010

• Passport Selling – Thailand$200

• Stolen ID to buy Health Insurance$1,250