YourPassport

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 legal ID. 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.	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.

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