What to know about upcoming changes to the U.S. passport

Image source: smartertravel.com

Americans who have upcoming international travel plans should be extra-aware that now might be the best time to apply or renew their passports, as huge changes are coming. In fact, the U.S. Department of State estimates that these new implementations would raise passport applications and requests to as much as 20 million come 2018.

There’s no reason to wait it out if you don’t want to ruin your planned vacation and trip overseas. These requests are actually already piling up as people start to take note of the urgency. This surge is mainly due to the imminent installation of a vicinity-read frequency identification (RFID) chip. Once fully implemented, this chip will make for a more efficient and convenient airport experience as well as deter fraud, as it will provide biometric data on all passengers.

Image source: theactivetimes.com

Complementing the installation of the new RFID chips is the passing of the Real I.D. Act, which is set to take effect in January 2018. This new law comes with a set of federal security guidelines that will govern state driver’s licenses, require more specific information from users, and introduce machine-readable technology for better traffic management.

The Real I.D. Act is crucial to air travel and for passport holders altogether as it’s a nationwide implementation. Meaning, if certain states have yet to comply with the act's requirements completely and have yet to issue actual or temporary new identification cards, passengers may find themselves prohibited from traveling abroad or even entering the airport.

Incorporated in 2008, Cox & Kings Global Services has been providing administrative support and managing non-judgmental tasks related to the entire lifecycle of a visa, passport, and consular application process. Learn more about the company’s services here.