Passports for kids?

[Anchors Away 2016]

I had to do the same for my state. I think this is ridiculous. I have a passport, I have already proven my citizenship and my license should prove my place of residence. Why does my local motor vehicle department need to do it all over again just so my Driver's License can be used to go through TSA when I fly?

I get what you are saying, and I hope we aren't too far off topic talking about this, but the thread is about IDs and such...

Since you have a passport, you may not have to provide this information for your licence. In the state I live in, there are still two types of driver's licenses. Ones that are "REAL ID" compliant, and those that aren't. So as long as I don't mind bringing my passport every time I fly, I wouldn't need to provide that documentation to get a driver's license. But since I want to use my drivers license, (for me and my teens), I needed to provide the extra documentation. For me, it is actually a positive, now that I have that kind of driver's license, I don't need my passport as often, sort of a passport lite.

 

[disneyfaninaz]

I get what you are saying, and I hope we aren't too far off topic talking about this, but the thread is about IDs and such...

Since you have a passport, you may not have to provide this information for your licence. In the state I live in, there are still two types of driver's licenses. Ones that are "REAL ID" compliant, and those that aren't. So as long as I don't mind bringing my passport every time I fly, I wouldn't need to provide that documentation to get a driver's license. But since I want to use my drivers license, (for me and my teens), I needed to provide the extra documentation. For me, it is actually a positive, now that I have that kind of driver's license, I don't need my passport as often, sort of a passport lite.

I hear you. I live in AZ and of course our standard licenses aren't compliant with the new rules. Our DLs are good for 25 years in AZ, so I had to get my photo retaken. While I was doing that, I went ahead and paid the $25 to get Travel Compliant. I understand why they're doing it and know I didn't have to do it (I have a passport card as well), but it just seems that they are just creating more paperwork in repeating what the federal government has already accomplished. Just my humble opinion, didn't mean to go too off topic.

 

[ryankski]

I had to do the same for my state. I think this is ridiculous. I have a passport, I have already proven my citizenship and my license should prove my place of residence. Why does my local motor vehicle department need to do it all over again just so my Driver's License can be used to go through TSA when I fly?

I guess they could require everyone to board domestic flights with a passport, but that would cause more people to be upset as I assume the vast majority of Americans never leave North American. I don't have a problem with them wanting extra verification for a driver's license so they better know who is boarding airplanes for domestic flights. When I go to get my compliant DL in a year or two I'll consider the extra work the cost of travel like I do with my passport. That might just be me.

 

[disneyfaninaz]

I guess they could require everyone to board domestic flights with a passport, but that would cause more people to be upset as I assume the vast majority of Americans never leave North American. I don't have a problem with them wanting extra verification for a driver's license so they better know who is boarding airplanes for domestic flights. When I go to get my compliant DL in a year or two I'll consider the extra work the cost of travel like I do with my passport. That might just be me.

I don't have a problem with having verification for the driver's license, I just wonder why they can't just use the passport, as the Federal government has already verified my nationality, etc. In addition, I had to come up with a utility bill, a credit card statement and a Social Security card along with my passport.

 

[Dug720]

I don't have a problem with having verification for the driver's license, I just wonder why they can't just use the passport, as the Federal government has already verified my nationality, etc. In addition, I had to come up with a utility bill, a credit card statement and a Social Security card along with my passport.

That is my biggest issue. I could see requiring all that other stuff (though all my utilities and credit cards are electronic documents, so I have no paper statements) if someone did not have a passport, but a passport should suffice as all of those if you have one.

 

[MonaMN]

That is my biggest issue. I could see requiring all that other stuff (though all my utilities and credit cards are electronic documents, so I have no paper statements) if someone did not have a passport, but a passport should suffice as all of those if you have one.

The utility bill is what establishes that you live at the address you are claiming, so that makes sense to me, but the other two seem ridiculous.

I haven't gone through this process yet, but DH did and I think our state requirements (MN) were similar.

 

[smiths02]

My DH and I had passports on our cruise in June. It was by far the least hassle.
My kids were all just birth certificate. We will probably not travel out of the country again for quite a few years, so it did not really seem worth it since children's passports expire more quickly. There was no problem whatsoever with this.

(Our only problem related to ILs not having passports because all their identification didn't match up exactly. Long story, but we made it. However, since the kids only need the birth certificate, there were no conflicting pieces of information to worry about).

 

[Anchors Away 2016]

That is my biggest issue. I could see requiring all that other stuff (though all my utilities and credit cards are electronic documents, so I have no paper statements) if someone did not have a passport, but a passport should suffice as all of those if you have one.

But the address proof is needed because it is a state document. Basically, you have to show that you truly live in that state. Passport doesn't have any of that info. I'd be surprised if they wouldn't take a printout of an electronic statement, but who knows. One of my sons didn't have any recent statements or letters, so went to our local post office and they gave us something that certified he lived in our town. Now why do you need an Social Security card if you have a passport? I'm clueless.

 

[Dug720]

The utility bill is what establishes that you live at the address you are claiming, so that makes sense to me, but the other two seem ridiculous.

I haven't gone through this process yet, but DH did and I think our state requirements (MN) were similar.

But the address proof is needed because it is a state document. Basically, you have to show that you truly live in that state. Passport doesn't have any of that info. I'd be surprised if they wouldn't take a printout of an electronic statement, but who knows. One of my sons didn't have any recent statements or letters, so went to our local post office and they gave us something that certified he lived in our town. Now why do you need an Social Security card if you have a passport? I'm clueless.

Just checked NY requirements. Since I have a license, that works for my residence. I can use my W2 for the SSN. And my passport works as other ID. So if it is a renewal or upgrade at least they are somewhat reasonable.

 

[disneyfaninaz]

But the address proof is needed because it is a state document. Basically, you have to show that you truly live in that state. Passport doesn't have any of that info. I'd be surprised if they wouldn't take a printout of an electronic statement, but who knows. One of my sons didn't have any recent statements or letters, so went to our local post office and they gave us something that certified he lived in our town. Now why do you need an Social Security card if you have a passport? I'm clueless.

I have a current AZ Drivers License, that should have been enough proof of residency since they verified it when I got my license.

 

[Dug720]

I have a current AZ Drivers License, that should have been enough proof of residency since they verified it when I got my license.

In NY that counts as verification of address.

 

[Hey it's Kris]

How about when you debarked? Didn't you need to show them to immigration?

We showed our birth certificates checking in at the terminal, and the 2 min with customs when leaving terminal after cruise. So you need to show them twice. And are you really screwed if you got left in A foreign port or had a medical emergency. I am sure there is a way to get home, you would not be required to live there .

Yes, what I meant is we didn’t need the birth certificates for any of the foreign ports.
Which I was very surprised by, I had a harder time getting back into the U.S. when we drove to Canada for a short 2hr visit to a casino!

 

[PrincessShmoo]

Yes, what I meant is we didn’t need the birth certificates for any of the foreign ports.

Generally, you aren't required to have passports (on the Caribbean cruises). We just returned and in all port stops, we only had to show our ship's card to get off the ship. And the ship's card plus a photo ID (driver's license) to re-enter the port area to reboard.

 

[GoBlue99]

Is the official Disney site giving misleading info? Their first line says:

• At check-in, all Guests must present valid passports or other acceptable proof of citizenship.

Sorry, unable to post a link since I'm new around here.

 

[lanejudy]

Is the official Disney site giving misleading info? Their first line says:

• At check-in, all Guests must present valid passports or other acceptable proof of citizenship.

Sorry, unable to post a link since I'm new around here.

What do you find misleading? All passengers must have proof of citizenship. That may be a passport or another acceptable document (such as a birth certificate).

Enjoy your cruise!

 

[GoBlue99]

What do you find misleading? All passengers must have proof of citizenship. That may be a passport or another acceptable document (such as a birth certificate).

Enjoy your cruise!

Ok thanks. My reading comp skills must be off. I was thinking passports required for all.

 

[Dug720]

Ok thanks. My reading comp skills must be off. I was thinking passports required for all.

Well, it depends on the cruise.

Closed-loop out of the US? Passports recommended but no the required.

Initiating outside of the US (Vancouver if you are flying in...but really recommended anyway, and would be required for the White Pass Rail excursion), one way cruises initiating from the US, Panama Canal crossing, or Transatlantic crossing? Passports required.