Passport Card

[sddinnh]

Anyone have any experience with the passport card being any faster or less of a hassle than using the regular passport at border crossings. I had to renew this year and got both. It looked like the card would be easier and more waterproof to carry on the bike.

[32232]

Smaller and waterproof are the only difference. Functionally it works exactly the same as a passport, except it can't be used outside of North America. If you want faster and less hassle you have to get a NEXUS or similar card. The screening process for those is much more rigorous than for a passport as it includes a criminal background check, etc.

[pjsank]

I got one last year after mildewing my passport on a trip to Canada.
I have used it twice, no problems going into Canada. Still takes the same amount of time. Crossing back into the US, the USBP could not sense the RFID chip and I had to provide my driver's license. So slightly longer. :dunno

Long - short. Waterproof and fits in your wallet. Easy to carry.

[iRene]

BlackFly has a Nexus card, I don't.

The biggest thing we've noticed at various Maine border crossings is that the NEXUS dedicated lane
has not been open in several attempts-- he STILL has to go through the attended lane with me.
In theory, a great time saver-- in practice so far, no difference.

Also, the requirement that you present yourself and your new card for validation at a border station
within 30 days of receipt can be somewhat inconvenient. YMMV

[TomBarnhart]

Not worth the money or effort unless your only travel is to Canada. Go for the regular version, it is good for everywhere.

[Acejones]

I believe it is also good for Caribbean destinations. However, you'll probably get your bike wet.

[Tim Hecht]

BlackFly has a Nexus card, I don't.

The biggest thing we've noticed at various Maine border crossings is that the NEXUS dedicated lane
has not been open in several attempts-- he STILL has to go through the attended lane with me.
In theory, a great time saver-- in practice so far, no difference.

Also, the requirement that you present yourself and your new card for validation at a border station
within 30 days of receipt can be somewhat inconvenient. YMMV

Two summers ago, recovering from knee surgery and on restricted duty I worked in our NEXUS Enrollment Center at the Blue Water Bridge Crossing between Pt. Edward (Sarnia, ON, CA) and Port Huron, MI. Several comments: 1. There were so many applicants that sooner or later the benefit of having the card would cease: sometimes there are so many cars with NEXUS crossing the border that the non-NEXUS lanes are actually faster; 2. iRene: it may be a local requirement to bring the new card to the border; the applicants here are provided (with their card) a web address or telephone number so they can activate their card.

WRT the passport card - good only for land travel from/to Canada-USA-Mexico; and yes - the RFID Chips/Readers don't always work. It could have also been like my IDs - a beard on my passport, clean shaved on my Credentials so they wanted a closer look.

I am a Customs and Border Protection Officer; but please don't innundate me with "what if" or "what can I" questions; I will usually point you in the right direction, give you a link to our website, but I'm here like all of you; because I enjoy my Beemers and riding them!

[GlobalRider]

It looked like the card would be easier and more waterproof to carry on the bike.

Which is why I use a heavy duty zip-lock bag for my passport.

The passport...good everywhere. That card would be of no use to me when I tour Europe.