The e-passports are here

For those who have followed our coverage of the joy of having a passport, and somehow don't have one, you might want to know the latest on e-passports.

The U.S. State Department will start issuing smart chip-embedded passports as of today. The new e-passports include a chip that contains all the data in the paper version -- name, birthdate, gender, etc. It can be read by electronic scanners at equipped airports. The State Department says the new e-passports will speed the customs process and help enhance border security.

However, good luck to you those using one since any potential hitches in technology (likely to happen) will make your delay much longer than those with the regular versions.

There is also legitimate concerns over privacy. Privacy groups have objected for some time over the security of the electronic information. Also, a major concern is that hackers, who could pick up the electronic signal when the passport is being scanned.

The new passports will cost more. New ones under this program are $97, which includes a $12 security surcharge added last year. (Not all new passports contain the technology as it's fully rolled out, which is expected to take a year.)

For those of us who have a passport, the good news is hopefully the bugs willbe worked out by the time your passport needs to be renewed. You do not need to renew your passport until their normal expiration date.