The US is getting a new passport design that's expected to be fully rolled out this summer
U.S. passports will look a little different starting this summer, when the U.S. Department of State expects all passport agencies and centers to begin issuing the new Next Generation Passport books, according to a State Department official.
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Since March 2021, more than 2 million Next Generation Passports have been issued to Americans across the country as part of ongoing agency modernization efforts.
"We continue to roll out the NGP -- redesigned to be smarter, safer and better -- at our passport agencies and centers," said a State Department official. "We are on track to offer the NGP nationwide by the end of 2022."
Excluding the aforementioned 2 million Americans, U.S. passport holders have the ePassport book, which is the standard passport book currently circulated in passport issuances and renewals.
"While the U.S. passport book currently in circulation ... is already an extremely secure travel document, our Next Generation Passport uses new technologies and has enhanced security features, such as a polycarbonate data page, laser engraved personalization and updated artwork," the spokesperson said.
Should you receive the NGP, the main differences you'll likely notice are the polycarbonate data page and the placement of the endorsement page on page three. Additionally, visa pages have updated art and ink colors to showcase imagery of U.S. architecture, history, culture, landscapes and traditions.
Although these changes may entice you to apply for the NGP, note that you cannot request a specific version of the passport book. Also, the State Department cannot guarantee receipt of the ePassport versus the NGP as they gradually replace existing ePassport printers with NGP printers at the 29 passport agencies and centers nationwide.
Because both ePassport books and cards will continue to "meet and exceed international passport security standards" suitable for international travel, there is really no benefit to having the NGP beyond its novelty.
"The rollout of the Next Generation Passport is a multiyear process," according to the State Department. "We will issue both the ePassport and Next Generation Passport until August 2022, when all passport agencies and centers will be printing the new Next Generation Passport books."
Related: Learn from my experience: How to avoid a 7-week passport renewal saga
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Build your loyalty to Delta by applying for the carrier's mid-tier card option, the Delta SkyMiles Platinum card. The annual fee is quickly recouped by the card's travel perks, such as an application credit to Global Entry or TSA Precheck, annual companion certificate and so much more. Plus you can fast-track to elite status simply through card spend.Pros
- Earn bonus Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) and an Medallion Qualifying Dollar (MQD) waiver when you hit specific spending thresholds with your card within a calendar year
- Receive a Domestic Main Cabin round-trip companion certificate each year
- Statement credit for TSA PreCheck/Global Entry fee (up to $100)
- First checked bag free
Cons
- Doesn't make sense if you don't fly Delta
- SkyMiles aren't the most valuable airline currency
- Earn 90,000 bonus miles after you spend $4,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months.
- Receive a Domestic Main Cabin round-trip companion certificate each year upon renewal of your Card. Payment of the government imposed taxes and fees of no more than $80 for roundtrip domestic flights (for itineraries with up to four flight segments) is required. Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. See terms and conditions for details.
- Enjoy your first checked bag free on Delta flights. Plus enjoy Main Cabin 1 Priority Boarding and settle into your seat sooner.
- New: Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
- Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels.
- Earn 2X Miles at restaurants worldwide including takeout and delivery in the U.S., and at U.S. supermarkets.
- Earn 1X Mile on all other eligible purchases.
- Enjoy a per-visit rate of $50 per person for Card Members and up to two guests to enter the Delta Sky Club when traveling on a Delta flight.
- Fee Credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® after you apply through any Authorized Enrollment Provider. If approved for Global Entry, at no additional charge, you will receive access to TSA PreCheck.
- Earn up to 20,000 Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) with Status Boost® per year. After you spend $25,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year, you can earn 10,000 MQMs up to two times per year, getting you closer to Medallion® Status. MQMs are used to determine Medallion® Status and are different than miles you earn toward flights.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- $250 Annual Fee.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees