With all of the hype about passports, you may have wondered just what a passport is! It is the only universally accepted form of identification. In the US as well as other countries, it is a Government issued official document or certification -- one that identifies a traveler as a citizen or national with a right to protection while out of their home country and a right to return to the country of their citizenship. Your drivers License and birth certificate are state issued documents.

A passport is required for both departure from and re-entry to the United States. After 9/11, Congress passed the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI). Under the WHTI law, air travelers are already required to possess a valid passport to re-enter the U.S. Now, the same requirement has been extended to travelers crossing U.S. land borders and seaports.There are numerous bills in congress at this time to make various changes to this law. Some will extend the implementation dates and others will offer passport alternatives. The dates may be backed up a bit, and you may be able to apply for a passport alternative, but why wait?

So, lets get started … you will need a passport application, your birth certificate, passport photos, a minimum of $100.00 and your drivers license in order to obtain a passport. Passport applications are available at most post offices, clerk of court offices, or online.

Birth Certificate must be issued by the state you where were born. It must be a certified copy with a raised seal. Check your file or safety deposit box to see what you do have. You may be required to order one from the state you were born in. This usually takes up to 6 weeks.

Passport Photos are available at Office Depot, Kinko's, CVS and Walgreens. They may be available at the post office as well. The picture must meet the size, color and content requirements on the passport application. The bottom line is that in the very near future, all US citizens will need a passport. Stop putting it off and apply today.  Click on "Travel Resources" on our website for more information.  Written by Pam Bordelon