I called Aunt Rose last week to wish her a ‘bon voyage' on her trip to France. My 84 year old aunt is always going somewhere. But this year she almost didn't make it past the ticket counter. Why? Her old U.S. Passport had expired and she was still waiting for it to be renewed and mailed to her. Like so many other people, my aunt waited until she had purchased her ticket before she even thought about her expired passport. Because of the charitable work she's done in her community, Aunt Rose was able to call on her local and state representatives to place phone calls and write letters to the U.S. Department of State on her behalf. And it worked; for her, that is.
Even if you are not contemplating an overseas trip in the near future, you should apply for a passport now. Why? First, you'll be prepared should unexpected business or personal reasons require you to venture past our borders. It could be a sales conference or a relative's wedding. Without much notice you may find yourself needing a passport. Secondly, in less than twelve months, every U.S. citizen will be required to have a passport to travel abroad. This year, both Canada and Mexico implemented new policies requiring a passport as photo id to cross their borders. (For more information on this requirement, see The Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004).
Finally, the cost of a U.S. Passport is going up, not down. Travelers who have not been abroad in the last 10-15 years may be shocked to learn that the average price for an adult passport is now $100 (2007).
As an Alabama notary public and loan signing agent, I am required to make positive identification each and every time I am asked to use my notary seal. I consider a U.S. Passport to be the best form of identification.
www.huntsvillemobilenotary.com
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