That's pretty much what they're saying here. Something about how the underlying documents are not as strict, making it easier for illegals to get a WA ID. I haven't had to get a first ID in a long time, so don't know which underlying documents they're talking about. Certified birth certificates, or surrendering a license from another state seemed to do the trick. So I don't really understand it all.
Today's news on TV says a "big decision" from TSA(?) is forthcoming about it - but the teaser says "It may make you want to get your passport." So it sounds like they're going to finally pull the plug on licenses as ID from here. Only 22 states have complied with the stricter rules thing, I believe.
I'm going with my passport renewal anyway, so there are no restrictions on where I may want to travel.
Edited to add: I just heard they're granting Washington State an additional two years to get into compliance. I'm still going to renew my passport.
Dave
Dave, don't know if you're checking back on this, but we heard that New Mexico is also being granted an extension, but it sounds like it's just for flying. Our state driver's licenses still may not be good for access into some federal sites.
I don't understand how it can be good for some things, and not for others. How much ID does one truly need? I decided not to hedge my bets, and I renewed my passport anyway. Better to be safe than turned away at the airport.
Dave
Second that you should go ahead and renew it. The reason is that most country's visas are valid for 6 months. They won't stamp a visa in a passport that would expire before the visa.
Jim
I will have to renew our passport this summer as it expires next February 2017. I checked out the online process and wasn't liking it and decided I will make an appt. at our post office when the time comes. Much less of a hassle.
Exactly and the airline didn't know so we had to delay our trip or pay to expeedite it and it was quite a bit more but I forgot how much. This was for Mexico.I wonder the rule requires passport must be valid for at least 6 months before expired date. Is it counting on the date of departure or the date of return or both
Our passport will expired on 4/1/2017, we plan to travel on 10/15/2016 and come back on 11/5/2016. Will we be O.K with our current passport or we must have it renew.
Does anyone know how long it normally takes to get a new passport. I am asking because we will have an oversea family trip on August 2016 ( 2 weeks long). If our passport will not good for an October 2016 trip, I plan to have it renew (normal process) right after our August trip.
Thank you
I wonder the rule requires passport must be valid for at least 6 months before expired date. Is it counting on the date of departure or the date of return or both
Our passport will expired on 4/1/2017, we plan to travel on 10/15/2016 and come back on 11/5/2016. Will we be O.K with our current passport or we must have it renew.
Does anyone know how long it normally takes to get a new passport. I am asking because we will have an oversea family trip on August 2016 ( 2 weeks long). If our passport will not good for an October 2016 trip, I plan to have it renew (normal process) right after our August trip.
Thank you
Just renewed our US Passports. The process took 2 1/2 weeks from mailing the old ones to receiving the new ones.
What do you pay for passport renewals in the US? In Canada passport renewals went up about 40% a couple of years ago to $120 for 5 years and $160 for a 10 year renewal. The renewal process wasn't sped up that I can recall...and that's progress for you!
I sent in my passport renewal application on Feb. 25 (regular snail mail) after returning from a cruise, and check cleared on March 8. Haven't received passport yet but expect shortly.