North American border ID

Beginning in June 2009, any traveler entering the U.S. by land or sea from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean or Bermuda will be required to show a document proving both citizenship and identity. A U.S. passport will suffice, but many travelers living in border communities who frequently cross the land borders are signing up for “passport cards.”

Issued by the State Department after application and verification, the credit-card-sized card has a photo and ID information printed on it and encoded in a chip.

The card is good for 10 years and costs $45 ($35 for children under 16). It can be applied for at any passport-processing site. 

If you have a current passport and want a card just for convenience at North American border crossings, the cost is $20 and it can be ordered by mail. Call 877/487-2778 or visit www.travel.state.gov. The card is not valid for international travel by air.