Want a U.S. passport? Were you circumcised?

msnbc.com

updated 4/26/2011 12:59:14 PM ET

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Were you baptized or circumcised? Who was present when you were born? Where did your mother work? These are sample questions that applicants may be asked to answer on the proposed biographical questionnaire for a U.S. passport.

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The questionnaire, boingboing reports, is intended for people seeking a U.S. passport but who cannot supply a birth certificate.

The U.S. State Department — the federal agency that processes passports — anticipates more than 74,000 respondents. It also estimates the form will take 45 minutes to complete.

Some see that figure as far-fetched.

"The State Department estimated that the average respondent would be able to compile all this information in just 45 minutes, which is obviously absurd given the amount of research that is likely to be required to even attempt to complete the form," wrote Consumer Travel's Edward Hasbrouck.

The State Department is seeking approval from the Office of Management and Budget for information collection. A 60-day public comment period ended Monday.

The agency has not yet responded to a phone call and e-mail from msnbc.com.

Explainer: Passport rules

Heading outside the country and don't know if you need a passport? Taking a cross-border driving trip? Here's what you need to know about the passport rules.

Source: State Department, msnbc.com research
Goal

The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) aims to strengthen border security and facilitate entry into the United States for citizens and legitimate foreign visitors by providing standardized, secure and reliable documentation that allows the Department of Homeland Security to quickly, reliably and accurately identify a traveler.
Timeline
July 13, 2010

Applying for a U.S. passport got more expensive, jumping $35 for adults and $20 for minors (age 16 and below). A new passport now costs $135 and $105, respectively. Passport renewals for adults jumped $35 to $110. Fees for passport cards jumped to $55, up $10, for adults, and to $40, up $5, for children.
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June 1, 2009

As of this date, U.S. citizens traveling between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean and Bermuda by land or sea (including ferries), will are required to present a valid U.S. passport or other documents as determined by the DHS.
Jan. 23, 2007

As of this date, U.S. citizens traveling by air between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean and Bermuda are required to present a valid U.S. passport, Air NEXUS card or U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Document.
Travel documents

Under WHTI, the following documents will be acceptable to fulfill document requirements:
U.S. passport

U.S. citizens may present a valid U.S. passport when traveling via air between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean and Bermuda, and may also use a U.S. passport when traveling via sea and land borders (including ferry crossings).
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Passport card

The State Department started producing the U.S. Passport Card in July 2008. Also known as the PASS card, this limited-use passport in card format is available for use for travel only via land and sea between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda. The Passport Card is about the size of a credit card and easily fits into a wallet.
Others

WHTI-compliant travel documents for U.S. citizen travel via land or sea, as of Jan. 31, 2008:

Trusted Traveler Cards (NEXUS, SENTRI or FAST)

State-issued Enhanced Driver's License (when available)

Enhanced Tribal Cards

U.S. Military Identification with Military Travel Orders

U.S. Merchang Mariner Document when traveling in conjunction with official maritime business

Native American Tribal Photo Identification Card

Form I-872 American Indian Card
More information
Travel between territories

WHTI will not affect travel between the United States and its territories. Citizens traveling directly between the U.S., Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Island, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands and American Samoa will continue to be able to use established forms of identification to board flights and for entry.
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How to apply

U.S. citizens can visit the State Department’s travel website (travelstate.gov.) or call the National Passport Information Center at 1-877-487-2778 for information about applying for a passport.