Last updated April 2026.
Passport Card: A Limited-Use Travel Document for North America
A passport card is a wallet-sized, limited-use version of the U.S. passport issued by the U.S. Department of State. Designed for frequent travelers to North America, the passport card provides a more compact alternative to the traditional passport book. However, it comes with significant travel restrictions that make it suitable only for specific types of international travel.
What Is a Passport Card Used For?
Permitted Travel
A passport card can be used to re-enter the United States by land or sea from the following destinations:
- Canada
- Mexico
- Caribbean nations and territories
- Bermuda
You can use your passport card for car travel across the Canadian or Mexican border, cruise ship travel departing from U.S. ports to Caribbean or Bermuda destinations, and land travel between the U.S. and these specific regions.
Travel Restrictions
The passport card cannot be used for:
- International air travel to any destination
- Travel to countries outside North America, the Caribbean, or Bermuda
- Entry into most foreign countries (except Canada, Mexico, Caribbean islands, and Bermuda)
- Travel to Europe, Asia, Africa, South America, or other distant destinations
If you plan any international air travel, a passport book is required, regardless of destination.
Passport Card Features and Design
Physical Characteristics
The passport card is:
- Wallet-sized (approximately 3.4 x 2.1 inches)
- Made of a durable plastic material
- Similar in appearance to a driver’s license or credit card
- Lightweight and portable for everyday carrying
- Contains an embedded microchip with biometric data
Card Information
A passport card displays:
- Your photograph and biographic information
- A unique passport card number (different from the passport book number)
- Issue and expiration dates
- A machine-readable zone
- An embedded microchip containing your biometric data
Obtaining a Passport Card
Application Requirements
To apply for a new passport card, you’ll need:
- Birth certificate or certificate of naturalization (original or certified copy)
- Government-issued photo identification (driver’s license, state ID, current passport book, etc.)
- A recent passport-style photo (2×2 inches for passport card applications)
- A completed application (Form DS-11 for new cards or Form DS-82 for renewals)
- Payment for the applicable fees
Application Methods
There are two ways to obtain a passport card:
- In Person: If you don’t have a valid passport book or if your previous passport was issued when you were under 16, you must apply in person at a passport acceptance facility.
- By Mail: If you have a current valid passport book issued within the past 15 years when you were 16 or older, you can apply for a passport card by mail using Form DS-82. Simply mail your current passport book, the completed form, a new photo, and payment to the State Department.
Passport Card Costs and Processing
Fees
- New passport card (adults): $65 (plus $35 execution fee if applying in person)
- Renewed passport card (by mail): $65
- Replaced passport card: $65 (plus $35 execution fee if applying in person)
- Minors under 16: $50 (plus $35 execution fee for in-person application)
Processing Timeframes
Both passport cards and passport books follow the same processing schedule:
- Routine Processing: 4-6 weeks
- Expedited Processing: 2-3 weeks (additional $60 fee)
- Expedited with 1-2 Day Shipping: Available for an additional shipping fee
Processing times are especially long during summer months (June-August) when applications peak.
Passport Card Validity Period
Both passport cards and passport books have the same validity periods:
- Adults (age 16+): Valid for 10 years
- Minors (under 16): Valid for 5 years
When your passport card expires, you can renew it by mail if you meet the eligibility requirements or apply in person at a passport acceptance facility.
Comparing Passport Cards and Passport Books
Many travelers choose to have both a passport card and a passport book for different travel purposes:
- Passport Card: Best for frequent land/sea travelers to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda; convenient for carrying in a wallet
- Passport Book: Required for any international air travel; suitable for travel to all countries worldwide; traditional format with more visa pages
Applying for both at the same time is cost-effective and provides flexibility for different travel scenarios.
Safety and Care of Your Passport Card
Protecting Your Card
To protect your passport card:
- Keep it in a secure location, not carelessly in a wallet
- Protect it from bending, water damage, or extreme temperatures
- Avoid exposing the card to direct sunlight for extended periods
- Keep it away from magnetic fields
- Store a record of your passport card number in a safe place separately from the card
If Your Card Is Lost or Stolen
Report it immediately to the U.S. Department of State and apply for a replacement in person at a passport acceptance facility. If you’re traveling internationally soon, request expedited processing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I travel by air with a passport card?
No. Passport cards are not accepted for international air travel. If you plan to fly internationally, you must have a passport book.
Can I apply for both a passport card and passport book at the same time?
Yes. You can apply for both simultaneously by submitting a single application. This is often more economical than applying separately and provides flexibility for different travel needs.
What if I have a passport book? Can I use it to apply for a passport card by mail?
Yes. If you have a valid passport book issued within the past 15 years when you were 16 or older, you can apply for a passport card by mail. You’ll submit Form DS-82 with your current passport book and the applicable fees.
Can children get passport cards?
Yes. Children of any age can have a passport card. Minors under 16 require parental/guardian consent and must apply in person with at least one parent or guardian present.
Is a passport card valid for cruises to the Caribbean?
Yes. A passport card can be used for cruise ship travel departing from and returning to U.S. ports that visit Caribbean or Bermuda destinations. However, if your cruise involves any air travel to get to the port or any international air flights, you’ll need a passport book.
Related Terms
Passport Book | Certified Copy of a Birth Certificate | Government-Issued ID