Originally Posted by weblet
Don't have back-up, but read somewhere recently that only about 10% of US citizens have passports (I think that is a little low, but probably not far off the mark!).
I don't have back-up either, but I think I heard it is 15-20%.
Originally Posted by weblet
That said, a passport is the best form of ID you can have and highly recommend everyone get one as pretty soon you will not be able to re-enter the US without one (you may get out, but they won't let you back in!). See
www.travel.state.gov. Currently a US citizen only needs "proof of citizenship" to re-enter the US from Canada, Mexico and much of the Caribbean. "Proof of citizenship" is NOT a drivers license or your social security card. Proof is a birth certificate (state issued, with the raised seal), citizenship papers, naturalization papers....
For a US citizen, it is
much easier (and safer!) to cary a passport to show the Border Patrol than to carry your
original birth certificate! Because most US citizens were born in the US, they do not even have citizenship or naturalization papers. Thus, the only options to prove their US citizenship would be to carry a passport or an
original birth certificate with you to Canada, Mexico or the Carribean!
If you are in the 80-85%, it's better to get your passport now to beat the rush!
Welcome to FT
DKN , and enjoy your travels!