# US Passport Questions **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [September 9, 2009, 4:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/us-passport-questions/509435 "2009-09-09T16:17:10Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 4
**Author:** ![md-2000](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/9d8465/32.png) [@md-2000](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/md-2000)\ **Post date:** [October 31, 2023, 6:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/us-passport-questions/509435/61 "2023-10-31T18:58:41Z")
> [@wolfpup](#): > > Unless they changed the rules, you shouldn’t need a passport if you have a Nexus card. But it’s a good idea to carry it anyway if only because local officials have the power to cancel your Nexus card on the spot for even a minor rule infraction. This happened recently to guy who mistakenly thought his Nexus card gave his entire family expedited access. Not only were they turned away from the Nexus lane, but he suddenly no longer had a Nexus card. Their policy is that Nexus cards are for those who know all the rules and strictly follow them. I read somewhere once that even travelling with a non-NEXUS passenger, and dropping him off to walk across the border while you drive through the NEXUS lane, is against the rules and will lose you your card. Kind of makes sense, they want to be sure you’re not trying to pull a fast one or carrying stuff through for him. ---
**Author:** ![JRDelirious](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jrdelirious/32/9531_2.png) [@JRDelirious](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JRDelirious)\ **Post date:** [October 31, 2023, 7:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/us-passport-questions/509435/62 "2023-10-31T19:29:05Z")
Yes when I resumed international travel I adopted the “bring both” approach, it only made sense to me to be prepared for the contingency. ---
**Author:** ![susan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/susan/32/17537_2.png) [@susan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/susan)\ **Post date:** [October 31, 2023, 10:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/us-passport-questions/509435/63 "2023-10-31T22:25:49Z")
> **[NEXUS Cards](https://www.cbp.gov/travel/trusted-traveler-programs/nexus/card)** > > Securing America's Borders > Remember to **always travel with your passport and/or proof of permanent residence** in case you are required to prove your citizenship or permanent residence status. > All NEXUS members can enjoy the benefits of Global Entry at no additional cost through using the Global Entry kiosks/portals for entry at participating airports. > When using the Global Entry kiosks/portals in Canada Preclearance locations you can use your passport, U.S. Lawful Permanent Resident card, or NEXUS card. **You cannot use your NEXUS card at Global Entry kiosks/portals outside of Canadian Preclearance locations.** At all other ports, you will need to use your passport or U.S. Lawful Permanent Resident card. Bolding mine. ---
**Author:** ![FinsToTheLeft](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/finstotheleft/32/2930_2.png) [@FinsToTheLeft](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FinsToTheLeft)\ **Post date:** [November 1, 2023, 12:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/us-passport-questions/509435/64 "2023-11-01T00:28:05Z")
> [@FinsToTheLeft](#): > > We are waiting on our 4th renewal. My kids both received no interview renewals for their last 2 cards which sounds good but they were 5 and 8 ten years ago. They don’t really look like that anymore. Apparently someone at the Trusted Traveller Program was listening, I just received the emails that my youngest, my wife, and I have all been renewed without an interview so my 15 yo will be 21 (at least!) before she gets an updated picture. I submitted the applications in May, so about 5 months which is far ahead of the 14 month turn around they are advising. Still waiting on my oldest daughter as hers didn’t go in until August. ---
**Author:** ![Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/qadgop_the_mercotan/32/83_2.png) [@Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Qadgop_the_Mercotan)\ **Post date:** [November 1, 2023, 1:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/us-passport-questions/509435/65 "2023-11-01T01:05:01Z")
> [@susan](#): > > Bolding mine. Good to know. Thanks. ---
**Author:** ![Sunspace](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sunspace/32/1250_2.png) [@Sunspace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sunspace)\ **Post date:** [November 2, 2023, 5:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/us-passport-questions/509435/66 "2023-11-02T05:58:33Z")
> [@FinsToTheLeft](#): > > Passport Canada was a mess during Covid, but I just sent my daughter’s first adult passport application - it’s treated as a new passport, not a renewal - in by courier and the new one took under 3 weeks without an expedited request. That’s hopeful. I submitted my renewal application in person at a Service Canada office three weeks ago this coming Friday (that is, submitted on the 13th of October), and the receipt estimated a mail out date of the 10th of November. Though the agent said it might be quicker. ---
**Author:** ![Sunspace](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sunspace/32/1250_2.png) [@Sunspace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sunspace)\ **Post date:** [November 3, 2023, 8:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/us-passport-questions/509435/67 "2023-11-03T08:18:59Z")
> [@Sunspace](#): > > That’s hopeful. I submitted my renewal application in person at a Service Canada office three weeks ago this coming Friday (that is, submitted on the 13th of October), and the receipt estimated a mail out date of the 10th of November. Though the agent said it might be quicker. And I’m awake at 04:17 (wouldn’t you be?) checking the status of my passport application—and it has been printed and mailed! 3rd of November. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Spoons](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spoons/32/3141_2.png) [@Spoons](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spoons)\ **Post date:** [November 3, 2023, 8:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/us-passport-questions/509435/68 "2023-11-03T08:27:48Z")
Well, only 2:17 here (actually, now, 2:24), but yes. I have found better passport service at Service Canada than I have at Canadian passport offices. Last time I renewed mine through Service Canada, I was in and out in fifteen minutes, and my new passport arrived two to three weeks later. Better than waiting an hour at the passport office in North York, or (egads!) two-and-a-half hours at the passport office in Calgary. ---
**Author:** ![Sunspace](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sunspace/32/1250_2.png) [@Sunspace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sunspace)\ **Post date:** [November 3, 2023, 5:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/us-passport-questions/509435/69 "2023-11-03T17:52:45Z")
> [@Sunspace](#): > > > [@Sunspace](#): > > > > That’s hopeful. I submitted my renewal application in person at a Service Canada office three weeks ago this coming Friday (that is, submitted on the 13th of October), and the receipt estimated a mail out date of the 10th of November. Though the agent said it might be quicker. > > And I’m awake at 04:17 (wouldn’t you be?) checking the status of my passport application—and it has been printed and mailed! 3rd of November. 🙂 …and it came! Three weeks to the day. ---
**Author:** ![PatrickLondon](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/patricklondon/32/4422_2.png) [@PatrickLondon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PatrickLondon)\ **Post date:** [November 8, 2023, 10:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/us-passport-questions/509435/70 "2023-11-08T22:03:02Z")
As it happens, at this very moment, I’m watching a documentary about making passports and how the different security measures were developed - and how production is speeded up. There’s even a segment on a facial recognition system could be used to do away with gates and manual inspection. Sorry you can’t view video on the BBC website, but I believe Apple TV may have the series, and who knows, it might have been bought by other networks > **[BBC Two - The Secret Genius of Modern Life, Series 2, Passport](https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m001s8qd)** > > Hannah gains access to a site where staff work to make the British passport secure. ---
**Author:** ![Sunspace](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sunspace/32/1250_2.png) [@Sunspace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sunspace)\ **Post date:** [November 9, 2023, 7:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/us-passport-questions/509435/71 "2023-11-09T07:25:23Z")
That looks interesting, and, wretchedly, you have to be a UK resident and BBC subscriber to see it. On the other hand, I just diescovered thermochromic printing on my passport. It’s a red leaf that turns white when you heat it with your finger. ---
**Author:** ![scudsucker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/scudsucker/32/14101_2.png) [@scudsucker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/scudsucker)\ **Post date:** [November 9, 2023, 8:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/us-passport-questions/509435/72 "2023-11-09T08:55:00Z")
> [@Anne\_Neville](#): > > Immigration and Customs officials don’t appear to have a sense of humor The second last time I passed through the UK, the representative of Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs at Heathrow was dressed as a clown, for [Red Nose](https://rednoseday.org/what-is-red-nose-day) day. So not all customs officers have no sense of humour. ---
**Author:** ![PatrickLondon](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/patricklondon/32/4422_2.png) [@PatrickLondon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PatrickLondon)\ **Post date:** [November 9, 2023, 9:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/us-passport-questions/509435/73 "2023-11-09T09:37:36Z")
Awkward if they had to get serious. ---
**Author:** ![Omar\_Little](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/omar_little/32/269_2.png) [@Omar\_Little](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Omar_Little)\ **Post date:** [November 9, 2023, 5:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/us-passport-questions/509435/74 "2023-11-09T17:52:30Z")
> [@Dewey\_Finn](#): > > I’ve been waiting a couple of months for my Global Entry renewal to be approved so the delays are probably for all of these programs. I jest renewed mine last week. Approval came the following day. ---
**Author:** ![susan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/susan/32/17537_2.png) [@susan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/susan)\ **Post date:** [November 9, 2023, 6:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/us-passport-questions/509435/75 "2023-11-09T18:14:11Z")
I’m trapped because until my NEXUS application goes to conditional status, I can’t apply for Global Entry again. Into my 10th month of waiting. ---
**Author:** ![Telemark](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/telemark/32/372_2.png) [@Telemark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Telemark)\ **Post date:** [November 9, 2023, 7:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/us-passport-questions/509435/76 "2023-11-09T19:47:29Z")
We’ll have to renew our Global Entry in the next 2 years, we’ll have to be strategic about when so it doesn’t interfere with any international trips. ---
**Author:** ![Schnitte](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/schnitte/32/9033_2.png) [@Schnitte](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Schnitte)\ **Post date:** [November 9, 2023, 8:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/us-passport-questions/509435/77 "2023-11-09T20:02:23Z")
> [@PatrickLondon](#): > > There’s even a segment on a facial recognition system could be used to do away with gates and manual inspection. Could? I’ve used self-service inspection points where a machine checks your face against the biometric data on your passport for years now, in various countries. ---
**Author:** ![PatrickLondon](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/patricklondon/32/4422_2.png) [@PatrickLondon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PatrickLondon)\ **Post date:** [November 10, 2023, 6:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/us-passport-questions/509435/78 "2023-11-10T06:46:25Z")
But this was checking people against a database as they walked along, rather than against their passport at a gate. ---
**Author:** ![doreen](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/858c86/32.png) [@doreen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/doreen)\ **Post date:** [November 10, 2023, 12:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/us-passport-questions/509435/79 "2023-11-10T12:17:04Z")
That’s what I’ve done the last few times I returned to the US from a cruise - [walked](https://www.nytimes.com/2022/10/05/travel/customs-kiosks-facial-recognition.html) past a machine that recognized my face from the database of passport photos. I don’t think I even stop walking. Don’t need to take my passport out at all. ---
**Author:** ![LurkMeister](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/3da27b/32.png) [@LurkMeister](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LurkMeister)\ **Post date:** [November 11, 2023, 7:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/us-passport-questions/509435/80 "2023-11-11T19:41:07Z")
I’m thinking of attending the Glasgow SF WorldCon next August, so last month I went to see what I would have to do to get a passport. According to the official website it could take up to six months, so I’m planning on applying soon. I do have a RealID and a TSA trusted traveller (or whatever it’s called) that gets me into the PreCheck line. One thing I know I’m going to have to provide is both my birth certificate and the court order for my legal name change. I did check my files to insure that I have certified copies of both. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/us-passport-questions/509435.md?page=3) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/us-passport-questions/509435.md?page=5)