Commentary: Travelers Missing Best Deal When Renewing Passport

Millions of people are in the process of renewing their passports right now, but amidst all the havoc and chronic processing delays they’re missing the best deal available to them while doing it – getting a Real-ID compliant passport card. ItsEasy.com, a leading provider of passport and visa expediting services since 1976, wants to remind everyone to add the optional passport card when renewing their passport for a mere $30.

By May 2023, every traveler flying domestically will need to have a newly-enhanced Real ID. Rather than waiting at the DMV to prematurely renew for an “enhanced” driver’s license, travelers can easily add the passport card to their passport renewal application for just $30 by simply checking a box on the renewal form. The card is valid for 10 years for adults and 5 years for children under 16, making it a great option for everyone renewing their passports right now.

Getting a Real-ID compliant passport card is arguably the best investment travelers can make, but after being introduced in the United States 13 years ago, it’s clear that the public hasn’t received anywhere near enough education on the value or availability of such an important card. First, a passport card provides a secure, affordable form of ID. It does not have a person’s home address on it like a driver’s license would, so it affords travelers more privacy from strangers. In addition to being Real-ID compliant, the passport card is also a great investment because it provides another form of identification in the event that a passport book or driver’s license is lost or stolen. For parents, the passport card is helpful for their kids, because travelers under 16 years of age can use the card as a valid form of identification, even before they’re old enough to have their own driver’s license.

Even those who have already started the renewal process by mailing in their application should be able to add the passport card by calling the Department of State Customer Service hotline (877-487-2778), as they have been able to do in the past, to have their order updated with the inclusion of the passport card. This costs $30 and ensures the passport card and passport book expire at the same time.

When purchasing a passport card, ItsEasy Passport & Visa also alert people that some online merchants are charging an extra $35 or more service fee, for doing nothing, in addition to the $30 for the card. Unsuspecting travelers should beware and avoid these merchants, particularly since they can easily purchase the card themselves for an additional $30 as part of their regular passport renewal process by merely checking off the Passport Card box on the government passport application.

For passport renewals, the five-star rated ItsEasy Passport Renewal and Photo App provides photos, trackable shipping, complementary full review of all documents and passport renewal reminders for just $34.95. The all-inclusive app is the safest, most convenient and most affordable way to renew your passport and prepare for upcoming travel all from the comfort of your home. This is especially important with the Delta variant being transmitted, because the app allows travelers to get their passport renewed and get a Real-ID compliant passport card without ever stepping foot into a DMV or post office.

In addition to providing an at-home option for passport renewals and visa applications for individuals, corporations should consider using the ItsEasy Passport Renewal and Photo App to save thousands of dollars on renewing their staffs’ passports. This includes complimentary passport photos, which is an attractive deal for companies, especially when other competitors are charging hundreds of dollars for no added value. Those who have signed on to ItsEasy’s Passport Management Program have found the use of the app to be an extraordinary money saver based on the huge fees other services have been gouging them with.

Download the free app on iOS or Android to get started with a passport renewal today.

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