How to Order a US Passport Card – A Step-by-Step Guide

If you’re wondering how to order a US passport card, you’ve come to the right place. Whether you need it for land or sea travel to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, or Bermuda, or simply as a federally recognized ID, this guide will walk you through the process. Applying for a US passport card is simple, and this comprehensive guide covers everything from the required documents to processing times—both standard and expedited.

Why Get a US Passport Card?

Before diving into how to apply for a US passport card, let’s look at why it’s a valuable travel document:

✅ Compact & Convenient – Smaller than a traditional passport book, it fits easily in your wallet.
✅ Valid ID – Recognized as a government-issued identification within the US.
✅ Travel-Ready – Accepted for land and sea crossings between the US, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda.

How to Apply for a US Passport Card (Step-by-Step Process)

1. Determine Your Eligibility

Before you order a US passport card, ensure you’re eligible:

• US Citizen (by birth or naturalization)
• Not Restricted (no outstanding legal issues preventing passport issuance)

2. Gather the Required Documents

To successfully get a US passport card, you’ll need:

• Proof of US Citizenship (birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or previous passport)
• Government-Issued Photo ID (driver’s license, state ID, or military ID)
• Passport Application Form (DS-11 or DS-82)
• Passport Photo (2×2 inches, white background, no glasses or headwear unless for religious/medical reasons)
• Payment for Fees (check or money order for government processing fees)

3. Choose the Right Application Method

You can order a US passport card online in some cases, but most first-time applicants must apply in person. Here’s how:

Option 1: Apply in Person (First-Time Applicants & Minors)

• Fill out Form DS-11 (never sign it until instructed by an acceptance agent).
• Visit an authorized passport acceptance facility (post office, courthouse, or library).
• Submit your documents, pay fees, and take an oath (if required).

Option 2: Renew by Mail (If Eligible)

If your previous passport card was issued less than 15 years ago and you were 16 or older at the time, you can order a passport card online (or by mail) using Form DS-82.

4. Pay the Required Fees

Fees vary based on age, type of service, and whether you need expedited processing:

Service	Adult (16+)	Minor (Under 16)
First-Time Passport Card	$30 + $35 acceptance fee	$15 + $35 acceptance fee
Passport Card Renewal	$30	N/A
Expedited Processing (3-5 weeks)	+$60	+$60
Overnight Delivery (Optional)	+$19.53	+$19.53

💡 Tip: If you need to get a US passport card fast, expedited processing is available.

5. Submit Your Application & Track Status

After submitting:

• If applying in person, you’ll get a tracking number to monitor progress.
• If renewing by mail, wait 4-6 weeks (or 2-3 weeks for expedited).

💡 How long to get a US passport card? Standard processing takes 6-8 weeks, while expedited takes 3-5 weeks.

How to Get a US Passport Card Fast (Expedited Services)

Need your passport card urgently? Here’s how to get a US passport card fast:
✔ Expedited Processing (3-5 weeks) – Pay the extra $60 fee.
✔ Emergency Travel Appointment – If traveling within 14 days, call the National Passport Information Center at 1-877-487-2778.
✔ Private Passport Expeditors – Authorized third-party services can speed up delivery (for an additional cost).

How to Apply for a US Passport Card Online (Partial Process)

While you can’t fully order a US passport card online for first-time applications, you can:
✅ Complete Form DS-11 online & print it.
✅ Upload a digital passport photo (using the State Department’s photo tool).
✅ Schedule an appointment at a passport acceptance facility.

For renewals (Form DS-82), you can submit digitally if eligible.

How to Get a Replacement US Passport Card

Lost or damaged your card? Here’s how to get a new US passport card:

1. Report a lost/stolen passport (if applicable).
2. Follow the same steps as a first-time application (Form DS-11).
3. Include an additional Statement Regarding Lost/Stolen Passport (DS-64) if needed.

How to Apply for a US Passport ID Card Only

If you don’t need a full passport book and only want a US passport ID card, follow the same process but request only the card. It costs less and is processed the same way.

Final Tips & FAQs

❓ Can I order a passport card without a book?
✅ Yes! You can apply for a passport card only by specifying your choice on the application form.

❓ Do I need a passport card if I already have a book?
🔄 Not required, but it’s handy for quick land/sea travel.

❓ Can I use a passport card for international flights?
✈ No—only valid for land/sea travel to specific regions.

Order Your US Passport Card Today!

Now that you know how to order a US passport card, take the next step and apply today! Whether you need it for travel or as a secure ID, the process is straightforward.

🔹 Need it fast? Choose expedited processing.
🔹 Renewing? Check if you qualify for mail-in renewal.
🔹 First-time applicant? Find your nearest acceptance facility.

Don’t wait—apply now and get your US passport card with ease!