Passports and the NEW Passport Card

A passport allows you to leave the United States and verify your citizenship.  This is good if you want to return home without a lot of hassle.  The deadlines for mandatory implementation has changed frequently since that tragic September. 

Updated Timelines

Passport Card - A more economic option to a passport! 
The passport card will facilitate entry and expedite document processing at U.S. land and sea ports-of-entry when arriving from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda.  The card may not be used to travel by air.  It will otherwise carry the rights and privileges of the U.S. passport book and will be adjudicated to the exact same standards.   First-time applicants will pay $45 for adult cards and $35 for children

The government prefers that you type your passport applicaton in their online form and then print it.  You can view the online "Passport Wizard" form here. 

Downloadable Passport Application