BajaNomad - Passport Card Info, Please?

Passport Card Info, Please?

MsTerieus - 1-5-2012 at 05:39 PM

Dear Nomads,

After 1.5 or more hours of research, I am giving up and asking you experts:

I have a US Passport and want to obtain a Passport Card, without giving up my passport and without paying expedition fees.

1) If I apply for the card at the Tijuana Consulate (and pay no expedition fee), will I receive it at the time of my appointment or will I need to return to pick it up later? (You might think the web site of the TJ Consulate or US State Dep't. would answer this question, but NO.)

2) If the answer to (1) is that I will have to pick it up later, can I get apply for it in the San Diego area and get the card at that time?

3) If the answer to (2) is "yes," could you tell me where I can do this around San Ysidro or Chula Vista? (I gather that the office closest to the border in San Ysidro is very slow, so another choice would be preferred.)

Thanks in advance.

willardguy - 1-5-2012 at 06:11 PM

good question. I too wanted the card without giving up my book. ended up costing me 70 bucks at the post office. gotta be a better way!

KASHEYDOG - 1-5-2012 at 06:45 PM

Hello, Nicole !!! Where have you been ?? Hope you had a nice holiday season. Check out this link to a previous Nomad thread about the Passport card and the ready lane. I just sent off for mine and got it all back in 11 days. The appilcation has to go to the National Passport center. So there's no instant card on the spot. You really need to get the Sentri pass. I now have both "just in case" .... Call me if you have any questions.

http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=56982#pid6798...

http://apps.cbp.gov/bwt/

[Edited on 1-6-12 by KASHEYDOG]

bajadock - 1-5-2012 at 06:48 PM

Did mine in Imperial Beach. 10 day turnaround. $50 is what I think I paid. Had to make appointment. Filled out same form that I filled out for my passport book. Love bureaucrats.

Imperial Beach Post Office/1 mile west on Palm Ave
946 Donax Avenue Imperial Beach, CA 91932
(619) 423-1677

KASHEYDOG - 1-5-2012 at 06:57 PM

The fee is $30. I sent it in express mail for another $18... Cheap to not have to sit in that line for the next 5 years or however long your passport is good for.......I piinted it out on the computer and filled it out and mailed it in....EASY....No appointment necessary...

BTW the wait at this hour in the Ready Lane is shorter then Sentri. Seems to be working so far... :yes:

http://apps.cbp.gov/bwt/

[Edited on 1-6-12 by KASHEYDOG]

Dave - 1-5-2012 at 07:09 PM

A couple of years ago I went to the consulate in TJ to get a passport card. I was prepared to surrender my passport as the turnaround was only three working days. As it turns out they simply copied the info and let me keep the passport. Cost was 25 dollars, I think. Don't know if this still works. I remember they did want to see proof that I lived in Mexico and notified me via email at my telnor acct when the card was ready. I also made the apt. online.

[Edited on 1-6-2012 by Dave]

KASHEYDOG - 1-5-2012 at 07:12 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by willardguy
good question. I too wanted the card without giving up my book. ended up costing me 70 bucks at the post office. gotta be a better way!

I don't understand why so much $ 70 ........ .. Is there an extra charge for not sending your passport in with the app. ?? I sent it all in " as instructed " and got it all back in 11 days. During the holidays too...( Dec 21 to Dec 31 ).... Get it now......
http://travel.state.gov/passport/ppt_card/ppt_card_3926.html

[Edited on 1-6-12 by KASHEYDOG]

Passport Card Appliction at Tijuna Consulate

Gypsy Jan - 1-5-2012 at 07:34 PM

Last April we applied for Passport Cards at the Tijuana consulate.

We did not have to surrender our U.S. passports.

I am fuzzy about how much it cost - I think $30 per application, but that info is on the U.S. .gov website.

The consulate notified us by email in about five days that our cards were ready to be picked up.

DENNIS - 1-5-2012 at 09:51 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by willardguy
am I stuck in some kind of time warp here in rosarito?? am I a day behind?

You're offline which changes the time on the posts. Go online and it goes to the correct time. You can just stay online so you don't have to mess around with it anymore.

KASHEYDOG - 1-5-2012 at 11:46 PM

once again here's what you need....

http://travel.state.gov/passport/ppt_card/ppt_card_3926.html

The U.S. Passport Card can be used to enter the United States from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda at land border crossings or sea ports-of-entry and is more convenient and less expensive than a passport book. The passport card cannot be used for international travel by air.

VALIDITY AND COST

Adults (Age 16 and Older)

Validity: 10 years

First-Time Applicant Cost: $55

Previous Passport Holder Cost: $30

Minors (Under Age 16)

Validity: 5 years

Cost for All Minors: $40

HOW TO APPLY

All U.S. citizens may apply for a passport card.

If you have a U.S. passport book and are eligible to use Form DS-82, you may apply for the card by mail. You can use Form DS-82 to renew your passport book at the same time that your apply for your passport card.

If you have never had a U.S. passport book or are not eligible to use Form DS-82, you must apply in person using Form DS-11.

All passport cards will be returned using First Class Mail. Passport cards cannot be shipped to you using overnight delivery.

MsTerieus - 1-6-2012 at 03:46 PM

Dear All,

Thank you for your replies. Amazingly, the Consulate in TJ answered my emailed question w/in 24 hours. (One question I had was "how do I make an appt. online, when you have no option to make an appt. in order to obtain a passport card?") Here is what they said:

"Dear Ms.[Terieus]

"Thank you for your e-mail.

"You should make an appointment using the option “apply for a second passport.” The passport card is a passport just like your passport book, but it may only be used to make entry by land in to the US. Therefore, you should bring your photos, current passport, and any other documentation you think you will need to prove your citizenship and identity. Additionally, you may want to fill out form DS-82 in advance of your arrival to save time.

"Unfortunately, because the passport card is a passport that has security features, the passport cards are not made here at the consulate, and you would need to return in approximately 2 weeks to pick it up from the Consulate.

"Generally, the cost for an applicant who has a current passport book is $30.

"Sincerely,
"American Citizen Services,
"US Consulate General - Tijuana"

So, my next option would have been to apply in the San Diego area, IF I could obtain the card at the same time. But per one of you who applied in Imperial Beach, it sounds like the card will NOT be issued at the time of the application?

I do NOT understand all the discrepancies in prices quoted for this little card, even on the State Department's web site. However, I LIKE the $30 quote from the Consulate. :yes:

bajalou - 1-6-2012 at 03:56 PM

No existing passport - $55 plus expedited handling? $18

Have Passport - $30 plus expedited handling? $18

toneart - 1-6-2012 at 04:09 PM

Maybe I am just slow to comprehend, but:

Why do you want a passport card when you already have a passport? Is your passport expired or about to expire?

If this is the case, then I understand: it costs less than a renewal of the passport book. Be aware that the card is restrictive in that it cannot be used when traveling by air.

Oso - 1-6-2012 at 04:12 PM

Got mine by mail, no hassle, surprisingly quick turnaround. Really good to have because it's always with me in my wallet, whereas I was always forgetting the book.

DON"T throw away the envelope! It protects the magnetic stripe.

MsTerieus - 1-6-2012 at 04:28 PM

Toneart: I live in Ensenada and like to cross the border, periodically. With a passport card (or a newer passport than I have), I can cross using special lanes that are supposed to move faster due to the fact that there are computer-readable chips in the card (and in newer passports).

Nope

bajaguy - 1-6-2012 at 04:32 PM

Can't use the Passport book in the Ready Lane, only the Passport Card.

toneart - 1-6-2012 at 04:35 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by MsTerieus
Toneart: I live in Ensenada and like to cross the border, periodically. With a passport card (or a newer passport than I have), I can cross using special lanes that are supposed to move faster due to the fact that there are computer-readable chips in the card (and in newer passports).

Got it! Thank you for your reply. :yes:

Yep.

MsTerieus - 1-6-2012 at 04:40 PM

I don't think that is right, BajaGuy. If your passport book has a readable chip, I believe you CAN use it in the Ready Lane.

Not that this is the best authority (and God forbid that U.S. Customs or the State Department would post the rules), but see, e.g.,

http://www.sandiegored.com/noticias/17011/U-S-expands-to-five-Ready-Lanes-at-Otay-Mesa/

"Confusion about program

"The only requirement be able to use the Ready Lane is for motorists to have one of four U.S. documents enabled with radio frequency technology, such as a NEWER U.S. PASSPORT, a visa laser issued after 2008, a permanent resident card (also referred to as “green card) and the SENTRI pass." (Emphasis added.)

[Edited on 1-6-2012 by MsTerieus]

Nope, Part II

bajaguy - 1-6-2012 at 04:50 PM

What documents can I use to enter the Ready Lane?

WHTI-compliant, RFID-enabled cards approved by the Department of Homeland Security include: the U.S. Passport Card; the Enhanced Driver's License (EDL); the Enhanced Tribal Card (ETC); Trusted Traveler Cards (NEXUS, SENTRI and FAST cards); the new Enhanced Permanent Resident Card (PRC) or new Border Crossing Card (BCC).

SENTRI and NEXUS lanes are reserved strictly for the use of SENTRI and NEXUS card holders.

All travelers in the vehicle over the age of 16 must have an RFID-enabled card to use the Ready Lane. Children 15 years old and younger may travel in the Ready Lane with adult travelers if all adults in the vehicle have an RFID-enabled travel card.

Reference:

https://help.cbp.gov/app/answers/detail/a_id/1211/~/ready-la...

willardguy - 1-6-2012 at 05:08 PM

No existing passport - $55 plus expedited handling? $18

Have Passport - $30 plus expedited handling? $18

kasheydog was wondering why my card 70 bucks. I needed mycard asap and it was my understanding that if you were not willing to surrender your book(I had immediate travel plans) that you had to go the "no existing passport route"(73 bucks).
in reality of course there was no reason I really needed the card, the ready lane at san ysidro wasnt open yet. sometimes I just get on a mission then everything turns to crap

Last Week in the Ready Lane Going to the U.S.

Gypsy Jan - 1-6-2012 at 05:21 PM

At the Otay border crossing, the car ahead of us was detained for approximately twenty minutes.

The officer raw-jawed the driver, opened up the doors and trunk and ducked down to inspect the undercarriage.

Then he passed the car and driver through.

Why? The driver had a passport book that did not have the RFID feature.

The officer told us that he could have chosen to turn the car back.

It is my understanding that if you have the newer Passport books that have the RFID embedded, you can use the Ready Lanes, no problem and no Passport Card needed.

willardguy - 1-6-2012 at 05:40 PM

my first attempt with the ready lane was christmas day(sy)and it took forever to get thru. the problem was folks in the wrong lane. I dont know how they go about sending someone back into mexico but would'nt it be great if they just went to secondary(for a learning session) and let everyone else pass? of course these agents working on christmas day could give a ratzass. I get that!

Yep. Part II.

MsTerieus - 1-6-2012 at 05:51 PM

Your quote says acceptable passes "INCLUDE" the list. It does not exclude newer passports with a chip. I am willing to bet that the newer passport book w/chip IS acceptable. Bet you a drink, Terry ...

MsTerieus - 1-6-2012 at 05:56 PM

Willardguy: Here is ONE way that dummies going through wrong lanes learn. It happened to me, at the Otay Mesa crossing: I could not find the regular lanes and landed in the SENTRI lane w/out a SENTRI pass. I could not get out so had to wait 20-30 minutes to get to the front. There, I apologized profusely, promised it would never happen again, kissed ass, etc., etc.

They made me go to secondary. I waited and waited. Eventually, my car was searched and sniffed thoroughly. I waited and waited some more, watching many, many folks who had been sent to secondary after me leave for the U.S. About 2 hours after I arrived at secondary, they finally waved me on.

Obviously, they made me wait so long to ensure that I never tried to use the wrong lane again. (I certainly won't do it again, at least not on purpose. Then again, I did not do it on purpose the first time!)

willardguy - 1-6-2012 at 06:08 PM

now that makes sense. Ive been told second offenders face huge fines. any truth to that? anyone?

bajaguy - 1-6-2012 at 08:30 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by MsTerieus
Your quote says acceptable passes "INCLUDE" the list. It does not exclude newer passports with a chip. I am willing to bet that the newer passport book w/chip IS acceptable. Bet you a drink, Terry ...

Go ahead and try it..........that's why I have SENTRI

KASHEYDOG - 1-6-2012 at 08:54 PM

Please click on the links below and read............::...: :no:

...

....

...

http://travel.state.gov/passport/ppt_card/ppt_card_3926.html

http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=56982#pid6798...

Quote:
Originally posted by mtgoat666
the passport book with rfid can be used in ready lane, but text is not clear as mud

Quote:

What documents can I use to enter the Ready Lane?

WHTI-compliant, RFID-enabled cards approved by the Department of Homeland Security include: the U.S. Passport Book and Card; the Enhanced Driver's License (EDL); the Enhanced Tribal Card (ETC); Trusted Traveler Cards (NEXUS, SENTRI and FAST cards); the new Enhanced Permanent Resident Card (PRC) or new Border Crossing Card (BCC).

SENTRI and NEXUS lanes are reserved strictly for the use of SENTRI and NEXUS card holders.

All travelers in the vehicle over the age of 16 must have an RFID-enabled card to use the Ready Lane. Children 15 years old and younger may travel in the Ready Lane with adult travelers if all adults in the vehicle have an RFID-enabled travel card.

U.S. Passport Cards can be obtained through the Department of State.

NEXUS/SENTRI/FAST cards can be obtained through CBP at www.CBP.gov.

Enhanced Driver's Licenses (EDL) can be obtained from a local DMV or government office in the states of New York, Washington, Vermont, and Michigan, as well as in the Canadian provinces of Ontario, British Columbia, Quebec, and Manitoba. Note: If you applied and are waiting for the EDL, the receipt or temporary notice you may have received is NOT a valid travel document.

need a guinea pig to try it out at san ysidro xing

[Edited on 12-20-2011 by mtgoat666]

Thanks goat..... That clears some stuff up. I had a feeling the passport RFID book would be accepted. Well I just got back from the post office and express mailing my app. for the card. So now I'll be covered with both Sentri and passport card..........

[Edited on 1-7-12 by KASHEYDOG]

KASHEYDOG - 1-6-2012 at 09:37 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by KASHEYDOG

I sent it all in " as instructed " and got it all back in 11 days. During the holidays too...( Dec 21 to Dec 31 ).... Get it now......
http://travel.state.gov/passport/ppt_card/ppt_card_3926.html

[Edited on 1-6-12 by KASHEYDOG]

I guess the key words here are "as instructed. "
This really isn't rocket science.........

Here is the link to the necessary form....
http://www.state.gov/documents/organization/79960.pdf

Follow instructions, use black ink only to fill out the form, include your passport get your card and passport back in less then 2 weeks;.... :yawn:

...

BTW... Don't forget your check for the appropriate fees and your passport size pictures. Make sure your return address is enclosed. Put the correct amount of postage on the envelope. Mail it in the USA. .....

[Edited on 1-7-12 by KASHEYDOG]

DENNIS - 1-6-2012 at 09:44 PM

Does the passport agency send your documents back with protected mailing? Certified....registered?
Last time I renewed my passport, I never received it in the mail and that really opened up a can of worms for me. They were sending them through the mail like they were post cards. Has that changed?

KASHEYDOG - 1-6-2012 at 09:48 PM

Hi, Dennis......
Got mine back in a plain brown envelope. Padded and unmarked. ....

KASHEYDOG - 1-7-2012 at 04:00 AM

One more little tid bit........... Even though my passport expires in 2016 the pass card came back with an expiration date of Dec. 2021 So they made it good for ten years.............Works for me......

MsTerieus - 1-7-2012 at 04:52 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by bajaguy

Quote:

Go ahead and try it..........that's why I have SENTRI

(1) I CAN'T "go ahead and try it, Terry: I do not have a "newer passport book."

(2) BS: That is NOT "why [you] have SENTRI," and you know it.

(3) What's wrong, chicken to accept my offer to bet? (I'll prove my point by pointing you to a Government source that specifies it, if and when the source is published.) :bounce:

SENTRI

bajaguy - 1-7-2012 at 05:44 PM

I have SENTRI so I don't have to screw around in line with everybody else and waste 2 hours of my time crossing the border.

I also tried the Ready Lane, one time it was about 18 minutes when it first opened in Otay, then the it got to be an hour, and the Ready Lane access is a mess........

The money spent on SENTRI is worth it to me, and that's why I have it............

Roberto - 1-7-2012 at 07:26 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by bajaguy
Can't use the Passport book in the Ready Lane, only the Passport Card.

I don't care one way or the other, as I have SENTRI, for the same reasons you do. I cross 2-3 times a week for business and it would not be possible for me to conduct same without one.

That said, we used the RFID Passport in the ready lane. Not once, but twice. Once at San Ysidro, once at Otay. Once with my wife, once with my son. Guard told me it was ok. Maybe they were both wrong, but there it is.

MsTerieus - 1-7-2012 at 08:04 PM

Thanks, Roberto!

nbacc - 1-7-2012 at 09:30 PM

Used our card in Ready Lane for the first time on Thurs. Hard to tell if it was faster as there was not much of a wait. At the East crossing (El Centro) it is clearly marked which lane to go to although knowing to get in the far lef thand lane before entering made it much easier to be in the right place. the only problem is the the "lane" for ready pass does not start until you are into the line a ways............go left if you are using El Cento East gate!!!!!!!!! nancy

BORDER WAIT TIMES @ 10 AM DEC. 8th Sunday

KASHEYDOG - 1-8-2012 at 11:58 AM

Wait times ........10 AM

http://apps.cbp.gov/bwt/

San Ysidro: Standard lane... 50 min ../.. Ready ...20 min min.../..Sentri....2 min.

Otay Mesa: Standard............20 min..../...Ready...5 min....../.... Sentri.....5 min

http://apps.cbp.gov/bwt/