How Do I Order a Passport Card Online: Your Complete, Step-by-Step Guide

How do I order a passport card online? This is one of the most common questions we hear from travelers and citizens looking for a convenient, wallet-sized proof of identity and citizenship. The process is designed by the U.S. Department of State to be secure and efficient, but knowing the correct steps is crucial to avoid delays. This comprehensive guide will demystify the entire procedure, answering all your questions about eligibility, required documents, fees, and processing times. We are here to empower you with the knowledge to navigate the application process with confidence and ease, ensuring your application is processed smoothly from start to finish.

Can You Order a Passport Card Online? Understanding Your Options

A frequent query is, “Can you order a passport card online?“ The answer is nuanced. While you cannot complete the entire process from your sofa with a single click, the U.S. government has integrated robust online tools to streamline the application. The critical first step is to use the official online Passport Application Wizard. This tool is your digital guide; it will ask you a series of questions about your situation (e.g., new application, renewal, age) and then generate the correct, pre-filled form (DS-11 or DS-82) for you to print and sign. You cannot submit the form itself online for a first-time application; a physical signature and in-person document review are required for security purposes. However, for eligible renewals, you may soon be able to submit photos and documents entirely digitally through new online pilot programs.

How Do You Order a Passport Online: The Two Primary Pathways

Understanding how do you order a passport online begins with identifying which application path is right for you. Your eligibility determines the forms you need and whether an in-person appointment is necessary.

Pathway 1: First-Time Applicants and Those Ineligible for Renewal (Form DS-11)

If you are applying for your first passport card, your previous card was lost/stolen, issued before you were 16, or issued over 15 years ago, you must apply using Form DS-11. This process requires an in-person appointment.

Step-by-Step Guide for DS-11 Applicants:

1. Complete the Online Form Wizard: Use the official State Department tool to fill out your DS-11 form online. Print it on single-sided paper. Do not sign it until instructed to do so by the acceptance agent.
2. Gather Your Documentation:
   • Proof of U.S. Citizenship: An original or certified copy of your U.S. birth certificate, Consular Report of Birth Abroad, Naturalization Certificate, or a previous, undamaged U.S. passport.
   • Proof of Identity: A valid driver’s license, government ID, or military ID.
   • Photocopies: Bring photocopies of both your citizenship and identity documents (front and back) to be submitted with your application.
3. Get Your Passport Photo Taken: Your photo must meet specific requirements (recent, plain white background, neutral expression). Many post offices, shipping centers, and pharmacies offer this service.
4. Calculate and Prepare Your Fees: You will need to pay both an application fee to the Department of State and an acceptance fee to the facility. Check the latest fees on the official website.
5. Find an Acceptance Facility and Schedule an Appointment: Locate a nearby passport acceptance facility, such as a post office, clerk of court, or public library. Schedule an appointment to present your documents, have your form sworn, and submit your application.

Pathway 2: Renewing Your Passport Card by Mail (Form DS-82)

If your previous passport card is undamaged, was issued to you after age 16, and is within the last 15 years, you can likely renew by mail without an appointment.

Step-by-Step Guide for DS-82 Renewals:

1. Complete the Online Form Wizard: Use the tool to fill out your DS-82 form. Print it and sign and date it.
2. Include Your Most Recent Passport Card: This will be submitted with your application and returned to you.
3. Get a New Passport Photo: Even if you look the same, you need a new photo that is less than six months old.
4. Calculate the Renewal Fee: Check the latest renewal fee on the official State Department website.
5. Mail Your Application Package: Place your completed DS-82 form, your most recent passport card, your new photo, and a check or money order for the fee into a secure mailing envelope. Use a trackable delivery method.

How to Get a US Passport Card Online: Required Documents and Fees

Knowing how to get a US passport card online means being prepared with the right paperwork and budget. The required documents are non-negotiable and must be original or certified copies. The current fees can change, so always verify on the official travel.state.gov website before applying. Generally, fees are broken down into application fees and execution (acceptance) fees. For adults renewing by mail, you only pay the application fee. For first-time applicants applying in person, you pay both.

How to Request a Passport Card Online: Processing Times and Tracking

After you request a passport card online by printing your form and submitting your application, the waiting begins. Routine processing can take several weeks, while expedited processing shortens this time for an additional fee. The key to peace of mind is tracking your application. Once your application is in the system, you can use the Online Passport Status System on the official website to see its real-time progress, from processing to printing to shipment.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I order a passport card online for a child? A: No, minors cannot renew by mail. All applications for children under 16 must use Form DS-11 and require both parents/guardians to appear in person at an acceptance facility with proof of relationship and parental consent.

Q: How to get a new passport card online if my old one is lost? A: You must follow the first-time applicant process (Form DS-11) in person. You will also need to fill out a DS-64 form, “Statement Regarding a Lost or Stolen Passport,” and submit it with your application.

Q: How long does it take to get a passport card? A: Processing times fluctuate based on demand. Always check the State Department’s website for the most current routine and expedited processing time estimates. Planning well ahead of any travel is essential.

Q: What is the difference between a passport book and a passport card? A: The passport card is only valid for land and sea border crossings between the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean. It is not valid for international air travel. The passport book is the only document valid for international flights.

Ready to Order Your Passport Card? Start Here!

Now that you know exactly how to order a passport card, you can begin your journey with confidence. The process is straightforward when you have the right information. The most important first step you can take is to use the official online form wizard. This ensures you have the correct, error-free documentation, setting you up for a successful and stress-free application experience.

Don’t let paperwork uncertainty delay your plans. Whether you’re renewing or applying for the first time, you are now equipped with the knowledge to navigate the system efficiently. Begin your application today and secure your proof of citizenship and identity for your next adventure.