What is FAST Card Pass Program?

The FAST Program is a program for authorized commercial carriers that travel between Canada and Mexico and the United States. It is necessary to provide valid documentation proving your citizenship, residency in the United States or Canada, and current residence to submit an application for a FAST card.

When your FAST program application is approved, you will be sent a FAST membership card with a validity of five years.

The Advantages of The FAST Card/Pass

• Quicker transportation of goods into the U.S. via special FAST Lanes.;
• Simpler customs processing for Commercial Truck Drivers ;
• The program U.S. and Canada (FAST) provides full benefits, for both borders. Candidates who are already authorized for US-Canada FAST may not be required to apply for US-Mexico FAST. However, if the applicant has applied for a U.S. and Mexico (FAST) and has been approved, they will be obliged to send an application for FAST US-Canada for processing.

Eligibility Requirements for FAST Card

U.S. citizens, U.S. lawful permanent residents, Canadian citizens, Canadian lawful permanent residents and Mexican nationals are eligible for Free and Secure Trade (FAST) membership.

Applicants must be 18+ years old. Holding a valid driver's license is also a must.

Ineligibility for reasons:

Applicants will not be qualified for the FAST program if:

1. They complete their application with inaccurate or insufficient data;
2. They've been sentenced any type of criminal offense, or have pending criminal offenses or outstanding warrants. Driving under the influence is included in the list of criminal offenses too;
3. They have been pardoned for a criminal conviction;
4. They have been found in violation regardless of which country the violation has been in. This includes violations of any customs of immigration, agriculture, or other laws;
5. They are not to be permitted into the United States under immigration rules. This includes individuals with authorized waivers of inadmissibility or parole documentation;
6. They are unable to meet other conditions of the FAST Commercial Driver Program.

FAST Program FAQs

Which document do commercial truck drivers have to present to pass the Canada border quicker?

All drivers are required to have a speed pass called FAST card - “Free And Secure Trade”. By passing through special FAST lanes, all low risk truckers who have successfully applied to the FAST program are permitted to pass from the USA to Canada and into Mexico. Drivers who have become part of the program have a reduced amount of customs and immigration paperwork and best of all, they won't need to wait in line at the border.

Who is permitted to use the FAST lane immigration from the US to Canada and Mexico?

This lane is designed to be used solely by commercial truck drivers who possess a FAST card/pass. This document enables them to pass the border a lot faster, without numerous questions at customs and immigration. There are separate lanes for passenger vehicles based on the area. They are as follows - NEXUS lane in the North and the SENTRI lane in the South.

Can individuals use a FAST card rather than a passport when driving into the United States?

Yes. FAST card can be used as a substitute for a passport when driving between the US, Canada, and Mexico. Since June 1, 2009, under the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, the FAST card together with the enhanced driver’s license, NEXUS card, SENTRI pass, and US passport are considered acceptable equivalent documents to a valid passport.

Can a commercial truck driver with a criminal history pass the US border?

You will not be authorized for a FAST pass if you have a criminal history or breached immigration laws. You will not be approved as a low-risk driver and you will not be permitted to pass the border, regardless of how much time has passed since your last criminal record. The only exception is if you have a US waiver of inadmissibility and/or a Canadian pardon. Parking violations will not be held against you on the FAST program.

Do you require a B1 visa if you are a trucker?

Canadian and US citizens who wish to pass the US-Canada border or the US-Mexican border don't require a B1 visa if their stay is no longer than 90 days. US or Canadian permanent residents may require a visa to pass the border, but it solely depends on their nationality and if their home country has a visa waiver agreement with the US and/or Canada. Truck drivers and permanent residents have the ability to apply for the FAST pass program, which will allow them to pass the border without extra documentation.

What questions will you be asked at the driver’s FAST card interview?

Once you have provided answers to the questions on your application form you can expect to be asked comparable questions during your FAST interview. All of questions you will be asked on the interview are simple and you are expected to answer the questions courteously and honestly.

Where are the FAST card interviews held?

The interviews are carried out in one of the FAST enrollment centers. The applicant may select the location which is in closer proximity to him.

When should I renew my FAST card?

Passes are valid for 60 months (5 years) from the date of issue. After the 5 years have passed, they must be renewed. You can submit an application online for FAST pass renewal via the TTP government enrollment system. The renewal procedure is identical to the first-time application. You can use our website if you prefer a simplified alternative to the government FAST application form.

How long will it take to get a FAST card?

It can take up to 6 months from the application submission date for your application to be analyzed by US and Canada border control and law enforcement authorities. Conditionally authorized applicants may schedule their interview at a location that they prefer. Note that at some FAST enrollment centers you will experience longer waiting times. On average, it takes 7 to 10 days to receive your FAST card in the mail.

For how long is the FAST card available for truck drivers?

After 9/11, FAST pass is a part of the US government's attempts to protect the United States borders, and over 100,000 truckers are part of the program.

What do I need to do to apply for a FAST card?

You can apply for FAST card online on the Trusted Traveler Program website or alternatively, you can download a simplified version of the FAST application form on our website and we will send it for you.

Can I apply again for a rejected FAST pass?

Yes, but applicants are required to wait for 90 days to pass from the date on your denial letter, then you may apply again to FAST several times. Also, you must explain the reasons why you were not approved or if you have a criminal record you should get either a US waiver of admissibility or a Canadian pardon. Sometimes, you will need both before you apply again for FAST.

I want to print the FAST application form. Where can I find it?

You can print our simplified form here. Then you can record all of the information by hand. We created this printable form to offer an easier solution for people with busy lifestyles and not enough free time to look for forms online.

How can I arrange a FAST interview?

We can help you arrange your interview after your application for FAST pass on our website. If you applied for FAST using the TTP online application form, you have to schedule an interview yourself. Conditionally authorized applicants will need to keep checking their TTP account to see if there has been a change in their status.