There is a new alternative to the traditional passport book for those who choose to cross our international borders by land or sea/lake. It's the Passport Card and does not require the oddly-sized passport book. It's also about half the cost of a traditional passport and is issued for 10 years.

For those of us who occasionally cross the Mexican or Canadian borders, it's a wonderful alternative.

Check it out:
http://travel.state.gov/passport/for.../ds11_842.html