Today's the day...

[Buxom Wench]

You have to have some kind of proof of US citizenship to get back INTO the US from Canada.

You don't necessarily have to have a passport but, you do need a birth certificate, passport, SOMETHING, in order to reenter the US from Canada.

This PSA has been brought to you by a near-border Wench.
I now return you to your regularly scheduled fun.

[Just a visiting rogue]

Hmm...why do I suspect they don't mention this on your way out...and that there is some stories of mayhem caused by folks forgetting a way to prove who they are...

[Buxom Wench]

What the US government is afraid of is, losing billions of dollars in trade and commerce due to tie ups at the border.

[KissMeKate]

I know that many of my friends are opposed to the new driver's licenses that will be required for air travel. I know that Illinois is delaying pushing theirs out, but what will happen when you can't get home (at least by flying) from WITHIN the country?

[Buxom Wench]

I know that many of my friends are opposed to the new driver's licenses that will be required for air travel. I know that Illinois is delaying pushing theirs out, but what will happen when you can't get home (at least by flying) from WITHIN the country?

New drivers licenses? I haven't heard about these.
What will be different about them?

[Torra]

I know that many of my friends are opposed to the new driver's licenses that will be required for air travel. I know that Illinois is delaying pushing theirs out, but what will happen when you can't get home (at least by flying) from WITHIN the country?

Are you referring to the RealIDs? I'm really nervous about those, even though I like the idea of just one central database (it should, of course, be in several locations and backups).

[Alluring Alora]

How long until they're just outright micro-chipping us like Golden Retrievers?

Big Brother will never rest....

[KissMeKate]

How long until they're just outright micro-chipping us like Golden Retrievers?

Big Brother will never rest....

I nearly left for the airport on Sunday without my driver's license or my cell phone. I was able to get those and still make my flight ontime, but forgot my business AmEx card. If I had a microchip that gave my ID and access to my CCs, I wouldn't have to worry about it. Other than something like that, yeah, not so much. :roll:

[Tink]

I just renewed my passport yesterday. NOT that I have any plans to leave the US anytime soon due to financial constraints.

However, should I win the lottery, I want to be prepared to fly to Italy, just to give an example, on a moment's notice. ;-):-D

[Buxom Wench]

Barry just forwarded me an email that passport fees are going up February 1st. Only by $3.00 but, who knows what the next increase could be since eventually, we will all have to have them.

[WenchLadyKate]

Got my passport in Ocotbler of last year for a cruise. I didn't really need it, but it did help.

Wish it had some stamps in it though...

[Tink]

Barry just forwarded me an email that passport fees are going up February 1st. Only by $3.00 but, who knows what the next increase could be since eventually, we will all have to have them.

I got in under the wire then. :lol: Mine was only $67 because it was a renewal. It's $97 for new ones, but I guess as of tomorrow it'll be $100. What sucks is, in 2 years after I get married, if I decide to change my name I will have to apply and pay for a new one (although I may opt to not change it since I really like my name).

[Phoenix McHeit]

since eventually, we will all have to have them.

Why? I've never been overseas, and not to Canada or Mexico either. Not that I'm proud of that fact, I'm just asking... why would we have to have one?

[Mistress Morigianna]

how often do yu renew?

[RaevynCait]

passports are good for 10 years, usually

[Buxom Wench]

Why? I've never been overseas, and not to Canada or Mexico either. Not that I'm proud of that fact, I'm just asking... why would we have to have one?

Oops! Sorry Phee. I meant for those that travel out of country.

[Gemdrite]

Personally, I like the idea of a national ID. I would rather that it was uniform across the country instead of each state deciding the rules. It makes relocating easier. I was so annoyed when I moved and then realized I had to go and take the driver's test again and get a new license when I just renewed mine last year and it was good for 8 years. It may not be a lot of money now, but I could move out of state several times in my life, and it would add up. It's not like it's information they don't already have; it just puts it all in one spot.

[Isabelle Warwicke]

I carry my passport as a form of ID. Mine expires in two years. I know I'll need it right around then when I travel to Norway.

[Phoenix McHeit]

It is a good idea to have one in the outside chance that you get a sudden opportunity to go somewhere *snarf* Yeah, like that's gonna happen... :wink:

They are also perfect for those "two forms of picture identification" situations as I only have my driver's license.

Ok now that one makes sense. But $100 right off the bat? Yikes. Thanks for the input!

[KissMeKate]

*snarf* Yeah, like that's gonna happen... :wink:


Ok now that one makes sense. But $100 right off the bat? Yikes. Thanks for the input!

Not only that, but there is still a huge delay in getting your passport, either new or renewed. When I sent in my paperwork last April, NPR was interviewing people standing in line at the Chicago state passport office, with proof of paid travel arrangements and signed letters from state representatives to try to get their passport in time for their trip (it didn't do much good). I received my passport in 16 weeks, after they told me it would be 8-10 weeks.

[Buxom Wench]

I think it also depends on the time of year.
I don't know when all the "seasonal" travel is done but, I'm thinking that could make a difference.

[RaevynCait]

The other issue of late, I think, has been the whole "OMG, I'm going to have to get a passport before January 31st" so they've been flooded with applications.

I did find this information about a passport card (http://travel.state.gov/passport/ppt_card/ppt_card_3926.html) on the State Department's website... it's a more economical option as long as you are traveling by land or by sea (it's not valid for air travel) to Canada, Mexico, The Caribbean or Bermuda.