Government introducing new e-passports

Are you one of the 70 million Americans holding a passport? Will it be expiring in the next year?

If you're among the 230 million citizens who don't have a passport, realize that under new regulations, as of next Jan 1, you'll need one if you want to travel anywhere out of the country by air or sea, including Canada, Mexico and the islands of the Caribbean. People driving across northern or southern borders will have until Jan 1, 2008, to get a passport, although the governments involved are still exploring other identification possibilities.

Adult passports are good for 10 years, but if you're planning a foreign trip, know that many countries require a passport to have at least six months validity left before they'll let you in.

If yours doesn't have that long, it's best to renew it sooner rather than later, since regular processing can take six weeks or more and expedited processing, which adds $60 to the cost of each application, takes two weeks.

But if you're not going anywhere soon, you might want to hold off for a few months. Otherwise, you'll be stuck with the old model.

The U.S. State Department recently announced that it has begun issuing new cyber smart passports, which incorporate chip technology. The electronic chip embedded in the cover will contain all of the same personal information now printed on the front page of the passport, name, date and place of birth, along with the same digital photo of the bearer. When scanned by electronic readers, this biometric identifier will facilitate the use of face recognition technology at ports-of-entry and help prevent fraud.

To address privacy concerns, the chips incorporate technology to prevent electronic skimming and "eavesdropping." Each chip's electronic identification number and digital signature will help protect the stored data from alteration.

The new passports are being phased in, with the first being issued to holders of diplomatic passports and other officials. The plan is to start them in general issue by mid-summer, although that is only a target date.

There will be no changes in issuing fees ($97 for a first-time adult passport and $82 for anyone under 16; $67 for a renewal) nor the application process. If you're getting your first passport, you'll have to apply in person at one of the passport centers or designated post offices around the country. Renewals can be processed via the mail, if you have an undamaged passport issued within the past 15 years. In either case, you'll need two identical passport photographs and the completed application. Forms can be downloaded at travel.state.gov, and that's where you can also find a list of local places to apply.

It's important to note, however, that your old passport will continue to be valid until it expires, so unless there's a particular need to rush to get a new one, you might want to wait until the e-passports come into general distribution. Of course, if the thought of biometric identifiers and electronic tracking makes you nervous, you might want to renew your passport sooner than later. That way, you can get another decade of carefree wandering.

A final tip: If you travel overseas extensively, you may request a larger, 48-page passport. There's no additional cost, and all you have to do is include a signed request with your application.