Is it true that 70% of Americans don't have passports?
Jan 12th 2020, 7:38 pm
#16
Joined: Apr 2005
Location: Milwaukie, Oregon
Posts: 9,965
Re: Is it true that 70% of Americans don't have passports?
In Oregon the number of passports will increase this year. The powers that be have completely messed up issue of enhanced driving licenses, and will not start until three months before the deadline to use them for travel. They would need to issue about 1 million in that time, and the DMV can't do it. People are getting a passport to use for domestic air travel.
Jan 12th 2020, 8:04 pm
#17
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Nov 2007
Location: Bay Area, CA
Posts: 13,111
Re: Is it true that 70% of Americans don't have passports?
It is just passports.
In Oregon the number of passports will increase this year. The powers that be have completely messed up issue of enhanced driving licenses, and will not start until three months before the deadline to use them for travel. They would need to issue about 1 million in that time, and the DMV can't do it. People are getting a passport to use for domestic air travel.
In Oregon the number of passports will increase this year. The powers that be have completely messed up issue of enhanced driving licenses, and will not start until three months before the deadline to use them for travel. They would need to issue about 1 million in that time, and the DMV can't do it. People are getting a passport to use for domestic air travel.
I don't like jumping on the bandwagon where people suggest the government isn't capable of doing things efficiently, but situations like this do sound pretty scary. This transition has been in the works for ... a very long time!
Jan 12th 2020, 8:24 pm
#18
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Joined: Feb 2013
Location: BC, Canada
Posts: 3,874
Re: Is it true that 70% of Americans don't have passports?
I had an interesting experience in 2002 when visiting San Diego and taking an organised coach tour to Tijuana in Mexico.
When returning to the US we had to get off the coach with all our belongings outside the US entry point, and walk with them through Customs and Security. We were given very strict instructions not to speak to, or smile at, any of the officials.
I always carry my Canadian passport, have no other acceptable photo ID. I think I was the only Canadian on the tour.
I handed my passport over, and the official looked all through it, while muttering ....
"I do wish that ALL Americans had passports. Americans are dumb, aren't they?"
I gulped, and said "Maybe some of them".
"No, we all are. We should have passports". The he gave me a big smile.
Meanwhile the guide was standing on the other side watching me with horror on his face
When returning to the US we had to get off the coach with all our belongings outside the US entry point, and walk with them through Customs and Security. We were given very strict instructions not to speak to, or smile at, any of the officials.
I always carry my Canadian passport, have no other acceptable photo ID. I think I was the only Canadian on the tour.
I handed my passport over, and the official looked all through it, while muttering ....
"I do wish that ALL Americans had passports. Americans are dumb, aren't they?"
I gulped, and said "Maybe some of them".
"No, we all are. We should have passports". The he gave me a big smile.
Meanwhile the guide was standing on the other side watching me with horror on his face
Jan 12th 2020, 8:29 pm
#19
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,157
Re: Is it true that 70% of Americans don't have passports?
Jan 12th 2020, 8:35 pm
#20
Joined: Apr 2005
Location: Milwaukie, Oregon
Posts: 9,965
Re: Is it true that 70% of Americans don't have passports?
How on earth could they mess that up so badly?
I don't like jumping on the bandwagon where people suggest the government isn't capable of doing things efficiently, but situations like this do sound pretty scary. This transition has been in the works for ... a very long time!
I don't like jumping on the bandwagon where people suggest the government isn't capable of doing things efficiently, but situations like this do sound pretty scary. This transition has been in the works for ... a very long time!
That assumes the new computer system at the DMV, installed for enhanced ID, works. Oregon and computer system upgrades is a whole other ball game.
Last edited by lansbury; Jan 12th 2020 at 8:40 pm.
Jan 12th 2020, 9:03 pm
#21
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Joined: Oct 2011
Location: "LA LA Land"
Posts: 2,448
Re: Is it true that 70% of Americans don't have passports?
It's hardly been well publicised
I wonder whether California is in that much better shape than Oregon:
1) This State has NEVER (at least to my knowledge) issued EDLs. In fact, I had to Google to see what that was
2) CA. will start to issue Real ID Compliant Driver Licenses / IDs beginning in about 2 weeks but.....
3) How many travellers here, completely unaware of the impending regulation, will find themselves stopped in their tracks at airports in October, unable to board their flights ?
The DMV does warn about it in the stuff they sent re: my license renewal. Even the envelope containing what they mailed says "STOP ! " in BOLD, super-size typeface on the back and then goes on to warn of the upcoming changes
But...If not for the fact that my current Driver License expires this year - I wouldn't have known of the new regulation.
I hope the media takes this up and SOON !
Jan 12th 2020, 9:38 pm
#22
Account Closed
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 0
Re: Is it true that 70% of Americans don't have passports?
Well, they are good for travel to Canada, and, I believe, for boarding cruises that call at various destinations in the Caribbean. I believe it’s an important part of the answer to the question of why many Americans don’t have full passports - people earlier in the thread mentioned how large and varied the US is. Well, add in Canada, and that’s a huge area accessible without a full passport.
I have a passport and an enhanced DL, just a small convenience, I travel to Canada dozens of times a year, and don’t need to get out my passport. But I know loads of people who only have an enhanced DL (folks go over to Canada for shopping, visiting family etc. where I live.)
I have a passport and an enhanced DL, just a small convenience, I travel to Canada dozens of times a year, and don’t need to get out my passport. But I know loads of people who only have an enhanced DL (folks go over to Canada for shopping, visiting family etc. where I live.)
Enhanced license for WA and BC are sufficient for crossing by land or by sea, but need a passport for air.
If I were eligible for an enhanced license I would get one, one less ID to renew and pay fees for the better, but I would be stuck with only using US airports, so I guess I still need a passport.
Jan 12th 2020, 10:02 pm
#24
Account Closed
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 0
Re: Is it true that 70% of Americans don't have passports?
ONE identity document that shows your date of birth and true full name, such as a valid U.S. passport, certified copy of U.S. birth certificate, valid Permanent Resident Card, etc.
ONE document showing your name and full SSN, such as a Social Security card, W-2, pay stub showing full SSN.
TWO different documents proving California residency that include the first and last name and mailing address that will be shown on your REAL ID driver license or identification card. Examples include a mortgage bill, home utility or cell phone bill, vehicle registration card, and bank statement.
Doesn't seem a passport is required, just that one can be used to meet the identity requirement, but so can a Certified US Birth Certificate which anyone born in the US should either have or can obtain.
https://realid.dmv.ca.gov/what-is-re...is-faq-heading
ONE document showing your name and full SSN, such as a Social Security card, W-2, pay stub showing full SSN.
TWO different documents proving California residency that include the first and last name and mailing address that will be shown on your REAL ID driver license or identification card. Examples include a mortgage bill, home utility or cell phone bill, vehicle registration card, and bank statement.
Doesn't seem a passport is required, just that one can be used to meet the identity requirement, but so can a Certified US Birth Certificate which anyone born in the US should either have or can obtain.
https://realid.dmv.ca.gov/what-is-re...is-faq-heading
That's about to change however for Americans who don't have passports because...
Beginning on the first of October 2020 NO ONE (Americans included) will be able to board any flight (domestic or otherwise) or enter any secure Federal building without what is being labelled a
REAL ID Compliant Driver License or ID card. This differs from driver licenses/ID cards issued previously.
A valid passport however is deemed to be a REAL ID Compliant document.
I learned about this when I received notification from the DMV that my driver license would be due for renewal in Feb.
Thought adding this would be helpful in case my post confuses anyone: https://www.tsa.gov/real-id
Beginning on the first of October 2020 NO ONE (Americans included) will be able to board any flight (domestic or otherwise) or enter any secure Federal building without what is being labelled a
REAL ID Compliant Driver License or ID card. This differs from driver licenses/ID cards issued previously.
A valid passport however is deemed to be a REAL ID Compliant document.
I learned about this when I received notification from the DMV that my driver license would be due for renewal in Feb.
Thought adding this would be helpful in case my post confuses anyone: https://www.tsa.gov/real-id
Jan 12th 2020, 10:05 pm
#25
Account Closed
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 0
Re: Is it true that 70% of Americans don't have passports?
How on earth could they mess that up so badly?
I don't like jumping on the bandwagon where people suggest the government isn't capable of doing things efficiently, but situations like this do sound pretty scary. This transition has been in the works for ... a very long time!
I don't like jumping on the bandwagon where people suggest the government isn't capable of doing things efficiently, but situations like this do sound pretty scary. This transition has been in the works for ... a very long time!
https://www.dhs.gov/real-id
Jan 12th 2020, 11:41 pm
#26
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Joined: Feb 2015
Location: New Jersey, USA
Posts: 566
Re: Is it true that 70% of Americans don't have passports?
NJ is issuing REAL ID licenses as part of a staged rollout but at the moment you have to book an appointment, there are only a limited number and they book up immediately.
I've got one for next month to upgrade my license which I booked in November...!
The previous (Christie) administration didn't take it seriously at all so when the new governor and cabinet came in to power in 2018 they had to basically start from scratch.
I've got one for next month to upgrade my license which I booked in November...!
The previous (Christie) administration didn't take it seriously at all so when the new governor and cabinet came in to power in 2018 they had to basically start from scratch.
Jan 13th 2020, 12:28 am
#27
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Nov 2007
Location: Bay Area, CA
Posts: 13,111
Jan 13th 2020, 1:02 am
#28
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Nov 2007
Location: Bay Area, CA
Posts: 13,111
Re: Is it true that 70% of Americans don't have passports?
So what is 'enhanced' if not the 'real-id' aspect ... ?
Jan 13th 2020, 1:04 am
#29
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Joined: Feb 2015
Location: New Jersey, USA
Posts: 566
Re: Is it true that 70% of Americans don't have passports?
Enhanced DL proves US citizenship so can be used to cross land borders and is considered REAL ID compliant.
Non citizens can get REAL ID but not an Enhanced DL.
Non citizens can get REAL ID but not an Enhanced DL.
Jan 13th 2020, 2:32 am
#30
Turning into a PA gal!
Joined: Feb 2013
Location: State College PA, finally!
Posts: 3,563
Re: Is it true that 70% of Americans don't have passports?
As I have both a UK passport and a US green card I'm not bothering with the Real ID PA driver license. So long as the non-real ID one works to buy alcohol I'll be OK although, my passport is also accepted for booze, but in PA the green card is not!