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U.S. Passports
How to Apply for a U.S. Passport Card
A passport card also allows you to re-enter the United States by air or sea after visiting these countries. When flying back into the United States, it’s not required but recommended that you also bring your passport book along with your passport card in case they need further proof of identification during customs processing at airports.
NOTE: Please check with your airline before booking.
What is the U.S. Passport Card?
A U.S. passport card is a wallet-size travel document.
You can use a passport card for land and sea travel between the United States and Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda. It is not valid for international air travel.
It costs less than a passport book but requires you to have an existing/valid U.S. passport.
How to Apply for a U.S. Passport Card
To apply for a U.S. passport card, you’ll do so in person at a passport office.
You’ll need to submit the following documents with your passport card application:
- A completed U.S. Passport Renewal Application For Eligible Individuals (Form DS-82).
- You can download this form from the State Department’s website too.
- Proof of U.S. citizenship in one of the following forms:
- A certified copy of your U.S. birth certificate.
- An unexpired Consular Report of Birth Abroad (Form FS-240).
- Payment for your passport card fee of $30 (or $15 for a minor passport card).
- You can use a credit card or debit card.
- There is no execution fee if you already have a passport.
- If you apply at an acceptance facility for your first-time passport card, there is a $35 execution fee.
Print off two copies of your application: one copy for your records and another to submit.
Fees for the U.S. Passport Card
The passport card fees are $30 for adults, $15 for children under 16 years old. Passport book fees are $130 for an adult and $100 for a child, plus any other required fees.
The same rules apply to both first-time applicants and renewals.
Passport cards are valid for 10 years from date of issue (the same as passports).
If you’re looking for an alternative to the passport book and don’t plan on traveling outside of North America, then a U.S. passport card may be a good option for you.