On December 31, 2007 the U.S. Department of State published a final rule in the Federal Register on the development of the PASS Card. The wallet-sized, low cost alternative to a U.S. Passport is designed to facilitate efficient and secure cross-border travel at land and sea ports of entry. On June 1, 2009 the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) will be implemented, requiring U.S. Passports or other acceptable documents (PASS Card, Enhanced Drivers License (EDL), NEXUS, and SENTRI cards) will be required for citizens to return to the United States from Canada and Mexico at land and sea ports of entry.
The BTA has long advocated for the development of the PASS Card prior to full implementation of WHTI and continues to support the efforts of states that have chosen to pursue the EDL concept. The BTA continues to share recommendations with policymakers to ease the transition toward the final requirements of WHTI.
On January 31, 2008 the current practice of simply providing an oral declaration of citizenship will end. U.S. citizens without a Passport will be required to present two forms of government identification (drivers license, NEXUS card) including proof of citizenship (birth certificate). However, according to the recently published final rule, citizens will not be able to begin applying for the PASS Card until February 1, 2008, leaving travelers without a U.S. Passport no other option than to carry their birth certificate and another acceptable form of identification when crossing the border until their PASS Card application is accepted and the alternative document issued.
The following is a summary of the final rule for the PASS Card:
Published in Federal Register on December 31, 2007
• Citizens may apply for the PASS Card on February 1, 2008.
• PASS Card does not have to be signed to be valid.
• Utilizes RFID vicinity technology to read a unique Customs and Border Protection (CBP) issued number that is referenced only within CBP’s secure computer system.
• Fees:
Application fee
Adult (16 yr and older)….$20
Minor (under age 16)………10
Execution fee…………………25
(first time applicants only)• Total cost:
First time adult………….45
First time minor………..35
Renewal – adult…………20
Renewal – minor……….10
3 Comments
I don’t understand the large charge for this pass.
I am a permanent resident of the united state, since the 1980’s. I have a green card, and now retired, every year, I go to canada for a visit, can I apply for the border pass, here in the US even if I am a canadian citizen
Could you please tell me how I can apply for a border pass?
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