The Passport Card is only for U.S citizens that want to travel by land or sea to Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean. It was introduced on July 18th, 2008 and over 7 million passport cards have been issued since then. The Passport Card is designed to be a less expensive and more portable alternative to the passport book. However, if you get a passport card, it cannot be used for travel by air.

In other words: Passport Card = land and sea travel only. Passport Book = land, sea, and air travel.

How to Apply for a Passport Card

If you already have a passport book, you do not need a passport card to travel internationally. However, if you’d like to get a passport card still, you can apply by completing the DS-82 Passport Renewal form. If you have a passport book and a passport card, make sure you know what to do if you lose one of them. You will need to apply for a lost replacement, not a renewal.

If you have never had a passport book, you can apply for a passport card by completing the DS-11 New Passport form. You will be completing the process as a New Passport Application.

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Passport Card Cost and Fees:

  • Passport Card for Adults: Valid 10 years
  • First-time applicant: $55
  • Previous Passport holder applicant: $30
  • Passport Card for Minors (children): Valid 5 years
  • Cost for all minors: $40

To expedite a passport card, the U.S. State Department charges an additional $60 for their expediting fee. First time adult applicants will pay $115. Previous passport holders will pay $90. Minors will pay $100. Please review the Fees Explained Page.

If you need a passport card, you can apply at a local passport acceptance agent. Processing will be 4-6 weeks. If you need passport services in two weeks or less, complete the form below. We can get your passport for you in 24 hours if necessary.

Additional Passport Card Security Features

The Passport Card has built-in security features via an RFID chip. This RFID chip has no personal information written on it., but rather is used by the Customs and Border Protection inspectors. They scan the chip and it allows them to verify certain bits of important information on your card. This process helps speed up the time spent crossing the border.  This is similar to the Enhanced Drivers License.