The passport card - a smaller, cheaper, and more convenient alternative to the traditional passport book - is not for everyone. Who is it for? How do you obtain one? What does it look like? These and other frequently asked questions are answered below. Show
A passport card serves the same purpose as a passport book - it attests to your United States citizenship and your identity. The card is a fully valid passport just like the traditional passport book; however, it is similar in size to a credit card or driver's license. It contains a vicinity-read radio frequency identification (RFID) chip containing all of your pertinent information. Below are images of the front and back of the card before the applicant's photo and data are printed on them. The passport card was created to facilitate the frequent travel of Americans living in border communities. It can only be used for land and sea travel between the U.S. and Mexico, Canada, the Caribbean, and Bermuda. The passport card's smaller size makes it more convenient than the traditional U.S. passport book. It is also notably cheaper to get a passport card than a standard passport book. However, a passport card is only useful in limited situations. Conversely, a passport book is valid for all types of travel (land, sea or air) to any destination. You can apply for both the book and card with the same application but it is not required that you obtain both. Note that there is no significant difference in processing time for a passport card versus a passport book. Both can be expedited, but some passport agencies do not expedite passport cards. Authorizing a registered expediter such as RushMyPassport to submit your passport application can ensure the fastest processing times for your passport card and/or passport book application. Should you choose a passport card or a passport book?Simply put, applying for a passport card only makes sense if you meet the following criteria:
The passport card is a convenient option for those who live near U.S. borders and frequently cross for work or pleasure. In these cases, being able to keep a durable travel credential in your wallet or purse - just as you would your license - makes sense. If you will be using a passport card frequently enough that it should be on your person regularly, it is worth considering. The alternative is the traditional U.S. passport book. The book version comes in both a standard, 24-page version and a bigger, 52-page version for those who travel frequently. As long as your passport is not significantly damaged, you should be able to apply for a renewal by mail. Under normal circumstances, applications are processed in 4-6 weeks. You can request expedited service to get it done in 2-3 weeks. These processing times can be longer in certain circumstances. To get a passport more quickly, you need to make an appointment at a regional agency. Again, all agencies issue passport books but not all of them issue passport cards. How many passport cards have been issued?The passport card has only been around since July 14, 2008. Only 189,560 cards were issued that year. Just a few years later, the number of passport cards issued rose to over one million. Due to this growth, more and more questions are sent to us about this travel document. Where can a U.S. citizen apply for a passport card?If you are applying for a passport for the first time, you can do so at one of the 8,400 Passport Application Acceptance Facilities across the country. Most facilities require an appointment and many have limited spots available. If you already have a passport book and are eligible to use Form DS-82, you may apply for the passport card by mail. What documents will I need in order to apply for a passport card?The passport card is a fully valid passport that attests to the U.S. citizenship and identity of the bearer. As such, the passport card is adjudicated to the exact standards as the traditional passport book. Applicants must provide documents that attest to their U.S. citizenship such as birth and naturalization certificates or a previously issued passport. An identification document, copy of an ID, and a passport photo are also required. For specific instruction on how to apply for a new U.S. passport card, see how to apply for a passport. If you already have a traditional passport book and you are eligible to submit Form DS-82, you may apply for a passport card as a Renewal by Mail - even if it is your first passport card! How much does the passport card cost?The first passport card for an adult costs $65 and $50 for any minor under the age of 16. This includes the $35 execution fee. Adults who received their most recently issued traditional passport when they were age 16 or older can apply for the passport card at a cost of $30, as long as their traditional passport is still valid or has expired no more than 5 years ago. How long does it take to receive your passport card?It takes the same amount of time for the U.S. Department of State Passport Services to process and issue a passport card as it does for a traditional passport book. This process can take from 4 weeks to 3 months, depending on the demand at the time that you apply. Can a passport card application be expedited?Yes, you can request expedited passport service when you submit the application. There is an additional fee of $60 for this service. Expedited processing takes up to 3 weeks by mail. If you need to get one in less than 2 weeks, several, but not all, passport agencies expedite passport cards. Applicants who need to obtain the travel document this quickly, but are unable to visit a regional agency in person, can authorize a registered expediter - such as Rush My Passport - to submit the application for them. Additional FAQ About Passport CardsClick the links below to see the answers to questions that other visitors have submitted. Where can I look to see the status up-date for the processing of a Passport Card?
Will a passport card be sufficient for a child or adult traveling to Bahamas from the U.S.
Should I get a passport card for my children instead of a passport book when traveling on a cruise to Bahamas?
Passport Card in addition to Passport Book
My son lost his passport card--NOT his passport. What do we need to do?
Can I get a passport card for my honeymoon so I don't have to pay the extra cost of a passport book?
I have a passport card but need a passport book to travel to Barbados.
Can you use the passport card instead of the passport book when traveling to Bahamas? What's the difference between a passport book and a passport card?
Can I renew a passport book that is not expired for a passport card and change the name? Click for expedited passport courier service in 24 to 48 hours!. Top 5 Questions About Expedited Passport CouriersExpedite Your Passport Now! How long does it take to get a passport card in California?Under normal circumstances, applications are processed in 4-6 weeks. You can request expedited service to get it done in 2-3 weeks. These processing times can be longer in certain circumstances.
How much is a passport 2022 in California?New Passport (for adults age 16 and older): For a new adult passport book: Passport application cost is $130 and a $35 execution fee. The new total fee is $165.
Which is better a passport or a passport card?The passport card was designed for the specific needs of northern and southern U.S. border communities with residents that cross the border frequently by land. The passport book is the only document approved for international air travel.
What is the benefit of a passport card?The passport card was designed with the northern and southern U.S. border communities in mind. Residents near the border travel frequently by land into the nearby countries. The passport card allows them to travel easily to and from the nearby countries by land and by sea.
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