Santa Cruz County Clerk

Passports

New Travel Requirements Beginning June 1, 2009

On June 1, 2009, U.S. citizens must present a passport book, passport card, or other travel documents approved by the United States government to enter the United States from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda at all land borders and sea ports of entry.

Currently U.S. citizens traveling by land or sea only need to show proof of identify and citizenship, such as a driver’s license and a certified copy of a birth certificate or naturalization certificate, to enter the United States from the countries listed above.

However, beginning in June, travelers must have a passport or passport card. Therefore, persons who have travel plans to these countries this summer and don’t have the documents required for travel are encouraged to apply for a passport book or passport card now to ensure that the documents will be received on time. The Santa Cruz County Clerk’s Office serves as a passport acceptance facility and is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday thru Friday for persons applying for passports.

Passport books cost $75 for applicants age 16 and over and $60 for applicants under the age of 16. Passport cards are $20 for applicants age 16 and over and $10 for applicants under the age of 16. In addition, there is a $25 application processing fee paid separately to the acceptance facility. First-time applicants applying for both a passport book and a card at the same time, will save $25. For persons who need their passports quicker than the routine service of 4 to 6 weeks, there is an expedited service available for a fee.

The travel requirements are part of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), which was the result of the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 (IRTPA), requiring all travelers to present a passport or other document that denotes identity and citizenship when entering the U.S.

Beginning June 1, 2009, the U.S. government will implement the full requirements of the land and sea phase of WHTI. The proposed rules require U.S. citizens entering the United States at sea or land ports of entry to have a passport, passport card, or other travel document approved by the Department of Homeland Security.

U.S. citizen children under the age of 16 will be able to present the original or copy of their birth certificate, or other proof of U.S. citizenship such as a naturalization certificate or citizenship card.

Groups of U.S. citizen children ages 16 through 18, when traveling with a school or religious group, social organization, or sports team, will be able to enter under adult supervision with originals or copies of their birth certificates or other proof of citizenship. See the Department of Homeland Security's www.GetYouHome.gov for more information on the changing travel requirements.

For more information on travel requirements refer to the U.S. Department of State’s website at www.travel.state.gov. For information about applying for a passport, please call 831-454-2060 or go online to www.sccoclerk.com

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