DANE COUNTY RESIDENTS URGED TO GET PASSPORTS NOW IN ADVANCE OF HOMELAND SECURITY LAW CHANGES

June 15, 2006
Joanne Haas, Office of the County Executive (608) 267-8823 or cell (608) 669-5606

Changes looming in the nation's Homeland Security law will require passports for travelers to and from all North America countries -- including Canada -- in the coming six to 18 months, so Dane County residents should apply for their passports now. That today from Dane County Executive Kathleen Falk and Register of Deeds Jane Licht. "Even if you may not plan on traveling outside the country at this point, you may need it for a future trip or even an emergency situation," Falk said, noting the number of weeks it can take to get the document after application. "This is not something you should delay. It is best to be prepared." Licht agreed and said citizens may not realize a certified copy of a birth certificate is one of the requirements to obtain a passport. It may take longer to get this documentation for those born outside of Wisconsin. "Obtaining a birth certified copy of your birth certificate and your marriage certificate -- if married -- are only the first two steps in a lengthy process," she said. "I would recommend everyone who has not done so, apply for their passport this month so they can be confident they will have it by the end of the year." As of Dec. 31, 2006, passports will be required for all air and sea travel to or from Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, Caribbean and Bermuda. As of Dec. 31, 2007, passports will be required for all land border crossings in addition to the air and sea travel to all countries outside the United States. For information on how to get a passport, visit: http://travel.state.gov or call the U.S. Post Office at 608-246-1360. # # #