Passport Card FAQ - Get Answers to Your Passport Card Questions

The U.S. Passport Card is a convenient travel document for land and sea travel to specific regions. Below, you'll find answers to the most frequently asked questions about its eligibility, application process, costs, features, and usage. Use this guide to better understand how the passport card can benefit you.

Eligibility and Requirements

Who can apply for a passport card?
Any U.S. citizen, including first-time applicants, renewals, and minors, can apply for a passport card.

Can children get a passport card?
Yes, but applications for minors under 16 require parental consent.

How long is the passport card valid?
It is valid for 10 years for adults and 5 years for minors.

Can I have both a passport book and a passport card?
Yes, you can apply for both at the same time or separately.

Can I get a passport card if I owe child support?
If you owe $2,500 or more in child support, you cannot get a passport. Contact the child support agency in your state to arrange payments before applying.

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How and Where to Apply

How do I apply for a passport card?
Submit Form DS-11 with required documents, fees, and a passport photo at a passport acceptance facility.

Can I renew my passport card by mail?
Yes, if eligible for renewal using Form DS-82 and your previous passport card was issued when you were age 16 or older.

How do I update my name on my passport card?
Submit Form DS-5504 or DS-82 with proof of the name change (e.g., marriage certificate) and your current passport card.

Form and Documentation

What documents do I need to apply for a passport card?
Proof of U.S. citizenship (e.g., birth certificate) and photo ID (e.g., driver's license).

What happens if I lose my passport card?
Report the loss immediately and apply for a replacement by submitting Form DS-64 and Form DS-11.

How do I report a damaged passport card?
Apply for a replacement by submitting Form DS-11 along with the damaged card.

Fees and Payment

How much does the passport card cost?
For adults, it's $30 if applying with a passport book (in addition to other mandatory government fees) or $65 as a standalone application. Fees for minors and renewals vary.

Can I expedite my passport card application?
Yes, expedited service is available for an additional fee.

Mailing and Processing

Where to mail the passport card application
The application for a new card will be mailed by the agent at the acceptance facility. An application for a renewal should be sent to the address on the form. There is one address for routine processing and another for expedited service.

How long does it take to get a passport card?
Standard processing takes 4 to 6 weeks, while expedited processing takes 2 to 3 weeks.

What is the fastest way to get a passport card?
Request expedited service at a passport office (new) or by mail (renewal), which typically reduces processing to 2 to 3 weeks. For the fastest turnaround, schedule an appointment at a passport agency for in-person service, available for urgent travel within 14 days. Applications are usually processed the same day. Applicants who are unable to personally apply at a regional agency can authorize a registered courier to apply on their behalf.

After Applying

How do I track my passport card application?
Use the U.S. State Department's online tracking tool or call their customer service line.

What happens if I lose my passport card?
Report the loss immediately and apply for a replacement by submitting Form DS-64 and Form DS-11.

Does the passport card include my travel history?
No, the passport card does not contain travel stamps or record travel history.

Passport Card Usage

What is a U.S. passport card?
A wallet-sized travel document issued by the U.S. government for land and sea travel between the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean.

How is the passport card different from the passport book?
The passport card is limited to land and sea travel within certain regions and cannot be used for international air travel.

Where can I use the passport card?
For land and sea travel to/from Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean. It is not valid for air travel.

Can I use the passport card for domestic flights?
Yes, the passport card is Real ID-compliant and can be used for domestic air travel within the U.S.

Can I use the passport card to travel to Europe or Asia?
No, the passport card cannot be used for international air travel or travel outside its specified regions.

Can I use the passport card for cruises?
Yes, for cruises that begin and end at U.S. ports and travel to eligible regions.

Is the passport card accepted at border crossings?
Yes, it is designed specifically for U.S. land border crossings with Canada and Mexico.

Can I travel to Puerto Rico with a passport card?
Yes, Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory, and no passport is required for U.S. citizens but you can use your card as identification.

Can I use the passport card for employment verification?
Yes, it is an acceptable form of ID for Form I-9 (Employment Eligibility Verification).

Features

What does the passport card look like?
It's a credit card-sized document with the holder's photo, identifying details, and a machine-readable zone.

Does the passport card have a chip?
Yes, it includes a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) chip to facilitate border crossings.

Is the RFID chip secure?
Yes, the chip does not store personal information, only a reference number linking to government databases.

Limitations

Can I upgrade my passport card to a passport book?
No, you must apply separately for a passport book by submitting a new application.

Can I use the passport card to travel to Europe or Asia?
No, the passport card cannot be used for international air travel or travel outside its specified regions.

Does the passport card include my travel history?
No, the passport card does not contain travel stamps or record travel history.

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