Driver Lifestyles

The Border, Passports & You

Truck traffic between the US and its northern and southern neighbors is significant. Some 11.5 million trucks crossed US borders in 2003 according to the US Bureau of Customs and Border Protection. That number will only continue to grow as trade between the three countries continues to increase.

Currently, Americans only need a driver’s license (or other government issued photo ID), or birth certificate to get back into the country after a visit to Canada or Mexico.

Since many commercial truck drivers already carry other federally issued security credentials, the trucking industry is working closely with Congress and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to see which of these might be accepted in addition to passports.

The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, WHTI, is part of the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act that was signed into law on Dec. 17th, 2004. It is a joint effort of the US State Department and the Department of Homeland Security designed to increase border security and prevent potential terrorists from crossing into the country from either Canada or Mexico.

The current plan calls for the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative to be implemented in two phases. By December 31, 2006 a passport or other document deemed acceptable by the US government will be required for all air and sea travel to or from Mexico, Canada, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda.

By December 31, 2007 a passport or other document deemed acceptable by the US government will be required for all land border crossings into the US.

In 2004, the US processed 8.8 million passports. Over 10.5 million were processed in 2005 and the government expects to provide 12 million in 2006, 14 million in 2007 and up to 17 million in 2008.  With the new identification requirements coming into effect there will obviously be an impact on waiting times for passports.

A provision of a bill signed into law last year will require all US citizens, including truckers, to have a passport or other government specified ID, in order to re-enter the United States from Mexico and Canada beginning in 2008.

The Free and Secure Trade card, or FAST, is currently under favorable consideration according to DHS. According to the agency, since the FAST program already includes background checks, biometric identifiers, and document verification of drivers, it should be sufficient to satisfy the new border crossing identification requirements.

In addition to the identification provided by the FAST program, industry and driver’s groups are urging the government to also consider including programs such as the Transportation Worker Identification Credential, TWIC, and the SENTRI program as acceptable forms of identification that could be used in place of a passport.

Earlier this year, the DHS announced the creation of yet another new document, the PASS card, (People Access Security Service), that would meet the identification requirements of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, WHTI.

The creation of the PASS card came about as the result of months of lobbying and discussion with trucking industry representatives in both the U.S. and Canada.

It will contain biometric and other identifying information required by the WHTI, but will be a smaller and less expensive alternative to a passport.

The PASS card will be issued to registered American travelers beginning late this year, 2006. It is expected that Canada will also begin working on its own version of the PASS card later this year.

Until then
Until the implementation of that document however, commercial drivers would probably be well-advised to obtain a passport.  It has a long history and is well-recognized as identification and it is relatively easy to obtain.

To obtain your first passport, simply go to the nearest passport office or an authorized post office or courthouse and complete form DSP-11 

NOTE: Do not sign the DS-11 application form until the Passport Acceptance Agent instructs you to do so.

You will need:
*Two passport-size photographs
*An original or a certified birth certificate,
*A picture ID, such as your driver's license.
The cost is $65.

You should also apply for a passport in person if:
*Your previous U.S. passport was lost, stolen, or damaged.
*Your previous U.S. passport has expired & was issued more than 15 years ago.
*Your previous passport has expired and it was issued when you were under 16.
*Your name has changed since your passport was issued and you do not have a legal document formally changing your name.

Note regarding passport photos:

Your photographs must be:
*2x2 inches in size
*Identical
*Taken within the past 6 months, showing current appearance
*Color
*Full face, front view with a plain white or off-white background
*Between 1 inch and 1 3/8 inches from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head
*Taken in normal street attire
*Uniforms should not be worn in photographs except religious attire that is worn daily.
*Do not wear a hat or headgear that obscures the hair or hairline.
*If you normally wear prescription glasses, a hearing device, wig or similar articles, they should be worn for your picture.
*Dark glasses or nonprescription glasses with tinted lenses are not acceptable unless you need them for medical reasons. A medical certificate may be required.
Note: Vending machine photos are not generally acceptable
 
Renewal
In most circumstances, you should renew your passport by mail. Use form DSP-82, available from passport agencies, authorized post offices and courthouses, some travel agencies, and the National Passport Center (603) 334-0500.

Enclose your old passport and a check for $55. Only if you need your passport within two weeks should you renew in person at the post office or courthouse; fill out form DSP-11, and pay $92 plus $26.75 for express mail. The passport will take 5-7 days to arrive.

If your passport is lost or stolen, follow the procedure for getting your first passport, and explain what happened using form DSP-64.

The State Department strongly advises that you make copies of your identification—especially the photo page of your passport and your driver's license—and that you carry the copies separate from the originals.

As one might expect from a governmental agency, if there are deviations from the norm, i.e., if you were born in a foreign country, if you have no birth certificate, etc., you will be required to take extra pains to secure your passport (along with extra documentation). 

Many questions can be answered by visiting the US Department of State.