A passport card is structured similarly to official state or government-issued ID card. It features the passport holder's photo, as well as relevant personally identifiable information including, but not limited to, legal name, date and place of birth, and gender.
While it can be used as a form of identification, the primary purpose is for use with specific international travel to and from the U.S.
What is a Passport Card?
A passport card provides an alternate way to travel across the land borders between the U.S. and Mexico or Canada, as well as sea ports-of-entry between the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean. Current passport book holders, or those who prefer the flexibility offered with a traditional passport book, are not required to have a passport card. However, the use of a passport card may be more convenient for use at the aforementioned land crossings or ports-of-entry.
The use of a passport card is not permitted for use with international air travel. Only a passport book can be used for the purpose of air travel, even to countries that allow the use of a passport card for land or sea travel.
Where to Get Passport Card Application Forms?
All required U.S. passport forms need to get a passport card can be completed online through the U.S. Passport and International Travel Office, a division of the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs, through a Passport Agency location, or through an approved Passport Acceptance Facility. Whether your application must be completed in person is dependent on your exact situation.
Where to Apply for a Passport Card?
Any time a person is considered a new applicant, they will need to present their information in person at the Passport Agency or a Passport Acceptance Facility. Additionally, passport cards for minor children must always be applied for in person regardless if it is new or a renewal. Any situation where the current passport has been lost, stolen, or damaged to the point where certain distinguishing information is no longer legible, an in person application is also necessary. In cases where a passport card is being renewed within five years of the expiration, or a current passport book holder is looking to add a passport card, a mail in process is also available.
Difference Between Passport Books and Passport Cards
The primary difference between a passport card and book is that a passport card can only be used for certain international travel while a passport book can be used for all forms of international travel. Otherwise, the passport card is valid for the same duration as a traditional passport book, with 10 years available for those age 16 and older and five years for minors under the age of 16. The size of the passport card may also be more convenient, as it is designed to fit into most wallets.
The passport card is also available at a lower cost than the traditional passport book. First time adult applicants will owe payment in the amount of $55, while eligible previous passport holders will be charged $30. Passport cards for minor children cost $40 regardless if it is a new or renewal application.
First Time Adult Passport Card Application
The application standards for a passport card are similar to those required for a passport book. First time applicants must apply in person using Form DS-11: Application for a U.S. Passport. You will be required to provide proof of U.S. Citizenship, such as a Birth Certificate, information regarding the birth dates and place of your parents, a photocopy of a current state-issued ID, an approved passport card photo, and the associated fee or fees.Additional information regarding your current contact information will be required for shipping your new passport card, along with information for an emergency contact person. If you are having your passport card expedited, copies of your travel plans will also be required.
It is important that you do not sign your DS-11 until instructed to do so by the Passport Acceptance Agent.
Adult Passport Card Renewal Application
If you are renewing your passport card, or are a current passport book holder without a passport card, you will need to complete Form DS-82: U.S. Passport Renewal. Generally, the same information is required for the DS-82 as are required for the DS-11, including supporting documentation, but you will also need to supply information regarding your current passport book or card.
The primary benefit is that a renewal may not need to be done in person unless you current passport or passport card are significantly damaged, lost or stolen, or have been expired for over five years.
Replacing Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Passport Cards
When replacing a lost, stolen, or significantly damaged passport card, you will be required to complete a DS-11 as though you were a new applicant along with all supporting documentation. Additionally, the application must be submitted in person. Along with the DS-11, a Form DS-64: Statement Regarding a Lost or Stolen Passport must be completed to the best of your ability.
First Time or Renewal Children's Passport Card Application
When acquiring a passport card for a minor child under the age of 16, a DS-11 must be completed, with necessary supporting documentation, and is required to be submitted in person. Generally, both parents and/or legal guardians must be present for the process to begin. In cases where one parent or legal guardian cannot attend, they may complete a Form DS-3053: Statement of Consent in lieu of being physically present. If it is not possible to obtain a DS-3053, a Form DS-5525: Statement of Exigent/Special Family Circumstances will be required to clarify the issue.
In cases where one parent or legal guardian refuse to provide approval for the acquisition of the minor's passport card, the application may be denied.
Change Name/Correct Errors on Passport Card
If you require a name change, as supported by a legal name change document, or an error correction on your U.S. passport card is required within the first, you will need to complete Form DS-5504 and will not be required to submit any additional payments. If the passport card has been issued for over one year, then the standard passport card renewal process applies.
Ineligibility For a US Passport Card
Certain conditions exist that may prevent you from being able to obtain a U.S. passport card. First, you are generally required to be a U.S. citizen in order to have a passport card issued. Failure to be able to produce portions of your supporting documents may lead to a denial of your application, along with certain criminal history items.