Why You Should Definitely Have a Passport

Even if you don’t have immediate plans to travel abroad, an up-to-date passport is a valuable document for reasons that go beyond gaining entry to far-off lands. The State Department reports it takes a minimum of six weeks to get a passport. And if there are any problems with your application, the process will take longer
 It's formal  U.S. Government ID. If you lose your driver’s license, your passport serves as a legal photo ID for any situation that might require one. 
Going to Canada or Mexico - bordering countries. If you want to travel between the United States - Mexico or Canada, you need a passport. The exception: if you reside in a state that issues enhanced driver’s licenses (EDL). Your EDL license is accepted.
Traveling for Work.  You may not be planning a leisure trip out of the United States, if you are up for a job promotion that includes travel, a valid passport in your possession is a point in your favor.
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Adoptions. If you plan to adopt a child from another country, you cannot visit or pick up the child from their country without a valid passport.
Resting Easier. Knowing you have a valid passport can provide peace of mind. For example, if there’s an emergency and a family member or friend needs your help, you know that you already have the documentation you need to board a plane to wherever they are. (not counting the need for VISA)
​Child Protection. If you have children and are engaged in a custody battle or worried your ex-partner might try to kidnap them, obtaining passports for your kids offers some protection. Once a passport has been issued, no one can legally obtain another passport for that same child—and he/she can’t be taken out of the country without the passport you legally obtained.
New Job Paperwork.  If you are hired for a new job, you need to complete employment verification forms & produce documentation. A passport is one of the best documents for establishing your identity and employment eligibility.
Domestic Flights May Require Them. If you plan to travel by plane, even if it’s a domestic flight within the United States, you will need a passport to board if your state driver’s license doesn’t meet federal requirements. Wait times for passport application processing will likely increase.

Traveler TIPS:

.  Check your Passport Expiration Date. It must be valid for 6-months or more after the last day of your  upcoming trip. Airlines will refuse your boarding in most cases. Check with your destination, it could be more than 6-months validity.

. Make at least two copies of your passport.  1) for in your suitcase and 2) one for someone at home you can call should you lose your passport to send a copy to you. 

​Call PJ, our Expert Travel Planner, Adults, Families, Romance, Adventure and Groups
503-260-0557 
 [email protected] 

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