The USA Passport card takes the place of the PASS card, previously known as the People-Access-Security-Service Card. The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, in search of more suitable forms of identification, called for a change in requirements. Applications were first offered in February, 2008.

The first US passport card became available for issue in July, 2008. The United States Department of State has not given an updated number of cards issued as of May, 2009.  The US State Department estimates, however, that more than 1,000,000 cards have been issued.

Since the Civil Aviation Organization does not recognize the new card it is not valid for any type of international travel. Presently, the us passport is issued only to citizens and nationals in the United States of America.

The United States Department of State decided to issue this card in response to border community residents’ needs for a more portable alternative to the traditional booklet form. The card also includes a vicinity-read radio frequency identification chip with a one of a kind identifying number tied to government databases. The chip is designed to be readable at a further distance.

Also, the card is being issued in a sleeve that prevents the chip being read when it’s not being used. This card will be valid for entering the US from Mexico, Canada, the Caribbean and also Bermuda. This will be valid at land or border crossings and sea ports. It won’t be valid for air travel. The TSA has announced that it will honor the card, as identity, at security checkpoints at airports. It can also be used within the United States for air travel and to enter federal buildings. This could be an option for people who are settled in the United States possessing driver’s licenses that aren’t compliant.

The new and handy ‘passport’ card will be legal for entering the United States from Mexico, Canada, Bermuda and the Caribbean. The card-passport will be only valid at land, seaport or border crossings. It will not be valid for other air travel. Another feature is that the passport ‘card’ can be used for the form required for employment eligibility (I-9). This has been authorized by the US Citizen-Immigration Services. This means the card qualifies as a List A document for new hires’ employment eligibility. So now this convenient card can prove eligibility for any prospective employee seeking work in the United States.

The renewed card will be valid for a period of ten years for adults 16 and over and five years for children under 16 years of age. The renewal fee is . The initial first-time applicant fee will include an additional processing fee. First time applicants as adults need to pay 0.00. First time applicants as minors will pay .00.

Any adult who has a valid passport book can pay a fee of in order to apply for the card. A citizen or national is allowed to possess both the passport card and the booklet. In either form, it entitles the holder to apply for the other form (or both forms) as a ‘renewal’ by mail at the end of the period. Soon passport identification will be practical and at hand in a card! This will make traveling internationally much easier and this means less worry when traveling.

The old days are gone when you brought your child on a plane and they took your word that it was your child. Now with security levels being raised it is necessary for all passengers to have a passport. Even with an infant you will need passport identification for their ability to board a plane. You also need to know what to bring with you for a children passport application.

It is not that difficult to get a child passport. You just need to be prepared ahead of time before you go in and apply for one. You will only need to renew a children’s passport every five years and the photo can be added every six months to update, as your child will change in their look as they grow.

Your children’s legal birth certificate will be needed. It needs to be the actual certificate with the seal and not a copy or the little card that you may have. They will submit it with the application so know this in advance. You will get it back but you might want more than one copy so you have one on hand while they keep it.

You need your proof as well that you are the parent. This is good with the birth certificate or adoption papers if you do not have your name on the birth certificate. If you are a legal guardian bring the court documents with you for the application process. Check to see the entire proper identification accepted from their website.

Also will be needed is your child’s social security number. It is put on the DS-11 application you can get from the post office or print from an online source. Bring the card with you when you go to apply just in case.

You have to prove your identification as well. You can use your US passport or driver’s license. You can also use a military ID if you have one. There are also other documents you can use. Just check with their website before you go if you have other types of identification.

You can bring your own photos to the application process but they need to be certain specs to be acceptable. They are very stringent on this so do not bring a class photo or baby picture. Go to a professional photographer and have them take a passport photo and they will know what to do. You will need two pictures. Some places will also take your photo for you so check in advance where you are applying.

Know that a USA passport cost around eighty dollars. Be prepared to pay this fee and extra fees of photos if you need those as well. Check the acceptable modes of payment before you arrive to submit the application. Being prepared can make the application process go smoothly for you, the person who works there, and everyone else in line. You can get a child passport easily when you are prepared and have all the necessary pieces of legal material needed to submit an application smoothly that will be approved.

One day I was informed by my hygienist that I needed a Scaling and Root Planing (SRP) treatment. Since that fateful day when I declined treatment and looked for my own solution, I have written a book and have learned a great deal about stopping the progression of gum disease and preventing it from coming back. 

The unfortunate reality is that many people have this problem and do not realize it. One day, a tooth or multiple teeth may become loose and that is how many people discover the disease. Often the dentist will want to pull teeth and install implants or dentures. 

As a patient and consumer I was left very dissatisfied with two important factors. One, the dentist let this problem progress without giving me any viable way of stopping it. Two, she waited until things got out of hand to tell me I needed this ’special’ treatment. 

I certainly do NOT suggest that you reject your dentist’s treatment plan. I am merely stating that was a personal choice that I made – and it paid off. However, everyone’s situation is different and you need to seriously consider your doctor’s plan and if you are not happy, go get a second or even third opinion.

A little known fact (with consumers that is) is that you can go to three different dentists and get three very different opinions about what needs to be done. This is a fact that practicing dentists are aware of. However, I have never had a dentist tell me this – I found out for myself. Since then, I discovered that this phenomenon has actually been studied and documented. 

The use of the hydrofloss may be helpful for those who do not respond to brushing and flossing (which is the majority of people). These simple techniques are what we have always been taught about prevention since we were children. However, if they really worked, up to 80% of the population would not be suffering from this dental disease, would they? 

Oxygenated, pH balanced, Therabreath mouthwash may be helpful as well. 

Finally, essential oils, like oramd oramd can help. However, you must still focus on the daily disruption of plaque. 

 Therefore, do not fall in to the trap of believing that you are a victim of poor dental hygiene. That could be the case for some people. But, again, brushing and flossing are not enough to prevent problems in the majority of people. Do not blame yourself too terribly, you are not alone. 

All of this means that you should take the time to educate yourself about dental health and what works beyond the basics that everyone already knows about stopping gum disease and other dental problems. 

What You Should Know about Gum Disease. ISBN: 978-0981485508 – Available online at most book retailer sites. It can also be ordered by most book stores. 

Disclaimer: This article is for information and entertainment purposes only. It does not intend to render advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you have or think you might have gum disease or any other health problem, visit your periodontist or physician for advice, diagnosis and treatment. The US FDA has not evaluated statements about products mentioned in this article.