According to the Department of State Web site, the passport card can be used for entry at U.S. land and sea ports of entry when arriving from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda. It can't be used for travel by air or international travel to countries other than those.

Applications are being accepted, with the new cards expected to be mailed out starting this spring. Cards are valid for 10 years for adults and five years for children 15 or younger.

The cost is $20 for adults who already have a passport. First-time applicants will pay $45 for adult cards and $35 for children.

The cards will contain a vicinity-read radio-frequency identification chip, which will link them to records stored in secure government databases.

CHILDREN

Children 16 and under will only need to provide proof of citizenship, such as a copy of a birth certificate.

Also, schools or other organized groups of children 18 or younger who are U.S. or Canadian citizens can enter with proof of citizenship alone.

Canadian citizens will need a passport, trusted-traveler card or enhanced driver's license.

"Now we need two things," Douglas said. "We need for our North Country residents and Quebec neighbors to use the next 15 months to obtain one of the approved documents, and we need to see Homeland Security and State back up this plan with adequate resources, technology and personnel. This won't work if they fail to put enough behind it.

"I know our congressional partners will watch this closely and be fully prepared to step in again if necessary."

LOCAL LOBBY

Douglas said the chamber has been a leading voice in response to the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative. That includes efforts as a major chamber of commerce on the border and as co-chair of the Can/Am Corridors Council and the Quebec-New York Corridor Coalition.

The chamber has also been part of two task forces that met with Homeland Security officials and worked to help secure a New York state commitment to develop enhanced driver's licenses.

dheath@pressrepublican.com

TO LEARN MORE
More information about passports and passport cards, including where to apply, is available at www.travel.state.gov/passport.

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