Ordering a Passport Card: Your Fast, Affordable Travel Companion

Ordering a passport card has never been easier—whether you’re applying for the first time, replacing an expired card, or seeking a compact travel alternative to the traditional passport book. Designed specifically for frequent travelers crossing land and sea borders to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda, the U.S. passport card is a wallet-sized, convenient, and cost-effective identification solution trusted by millions. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about ordering a passport card, including benefits, eligibility, processing times, costs, and how to order a passport card online securely.

Ordering a Passport Card Online: A Step-by-Step Guide

Many Americans are now discovering the ease and efficiency of ordering a passport card online. While the U.S. Department of State currently requires first-time applicants and certain renewals to apply in person, many replacement applicants can renew by mail—making ordering passport card renewals faster than ever.

Here’s how to begin ordering a passport card:

1. Determine Your Eligibility
   You can renew your passport card by mail if:
   • Your current card is undamaged and can be submitted with your application.
   • It was issued when you were 16 or older.
   • It was issued within the last 15 years.
   • It was issued in your current name (or you can document a legal name change).
2. Gather Required Documents
   To complete ordering a passport card, you’ll need:
   • Your most recent U.S. passport card (for renewals).
   • A completed Form DS-82 (available online).
   • One recent passport photo that meets government specifications.
   • Payment for applicable fees (check or money order).
3. Submit Your Application by Mail
   Mail your completed form, photo, current card, and payment to the National Passport Processing Center. Processing typically takes 6–8 weeks for routine service and 2–3 weeks for expedited processing (additional fee applies).

For first-time applicants or those who don’t meet renewal criteria, an in-person visit to an official passport acceptance facility is required.

Is Ordering a Passport ID Card Right for You?

The ordering a passport id card option is ideal for Americans who travel frequently to nearby countries by land or sea. Unlike the traditional passport book, which is essential for international air travel, the passport card is a compact, credit-card-sized alternative accepted for:

• Entering the U.S. from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda at land border crossings and sea ports-of-entry.
• Domestic air travel within the U.S. (as a REAL ID-compliant form of identification).
• Every day use as a secure government-issued ID.

But is it worth it? If you often drive to Canada for weekend shopping or take cruise excursions in the Caribbean, is getting a passport card worth it? The answer is often yes—especially when you consider its convenience, lower cost, and reduced risk of losing a bulky passport book.

Ordering a Replacement Passport Card: What You Need to Know

Losing your passport card or having it stolen can be stressful, but ordering a replacement passport card is an option. If your card is lost, stolen, or damaged, you’ll need to apply in person using Form DS-11, just like a first-time applicant.

You’ll also need to submit:

• Proof of U.S. citizenship (e.g., birth certificate, naturalization certificate).
• Proof of identity (e.g., driver’s license).
• One passport photo.
• Application fee and execution fee.

While you cannot currently order a passport card replacement fully online due to security requirements, processing times remain efficient—especially if you opt for expedited service.

Can I Order a Passport Card? Understanding Eligibility

A common question is: Can I order a passport card? The answer is yes—if you’re a U.S. citizen and meet the application requirements. However, it’s important to understand that the passport card is not a substitute for the passport book when flying internationally. If you plan to travel by air, even to destinations covered by the card, you’ll still need a traditional passport book.

So, do I need a passport card if I have the book? Not necessarily, but having both offers flexibility. Think of the passport card as a travel accessory: lighter, easier to store, and perfect for spontaneous border crossings.

How to Order a Passport: Comparing Card vs. Book Passport

When how to ordering a passport, many travelers face the choice between the card vs book passport. Here’s how they compare:

Feature	Passport Card	Passport Book
Size	Wallet-sized	Booklet (32 or 52 pages)
Cost (Adult)	$70 (by mail) / $85 (in-person first-time)	$140 (booklet only)
Accepted For	Land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda	All international travel, including air
Air Travel	Not valid for international flights	Valid for all international flights
Renewal Process	Often by mail (DS-82)	By mail or in-person, depending on status

Ordering a U.S. passport as a card is clearly the more affordable and convenient option for regional travelers. But if your plans include flying to Europe, Asia, or South America, the passport book remains essential.

Order a Passport Card US: Why Choose This Option?

Choosing to order a passport card can bring several advantages:

• Affordability: At less than half the price of a passport book, the card is a budget-friendly option.
• Convenience: Fits in your wallet—no bulky booklet required.
• Security: Contains RFID-blocking material to protect your data.
• Domestic Use: Can be used for TSA security checkpoints instead of a driver’s license.

Plus, once you’ve ordered a new passport card, you can use it for decades (renewable every 10 years for adults, 5 years for minors).

How to Order a Passport Online: Understanding the Process

While you can’t currently order passport card online with digital submission of documents, the process has gone digital in many ways. You can:

• Download Form DS-82 or DS-11 from the U.S. Department of State website.
• Use online tools to check application status.
• Pay fees with a credit card (via third-party payment processors).
• Schedule appointments at passport acceptance facilities online.

These digital enhancements make ordering a passport online simpler than ever—even if final submission requires mail or in-person visits.

Getting a Passport Card After Book: Smart Travel Strategy

Many travelers ask: getting a passport card after booking—is it worth the effort? Absolutely. Once you’ve ordered a U.S. passport book, adding a passport card offers real benefits:

• Avoid fumbling with your passport book at border crossings.
• Reduce wear and tear on your primary travel document.
• Enjoy faster processing at land ports with Ready Lanes (requires a passport card or other trusted traveler card).
• Use it as a backup ID if your driver’s license is lost.

Think of it as creating a travel toolkit—each document serves a purpose.

How to Purchase a Passport Card: Fees and Processing

Understanding the cost is essential when purchasing a passport card. As of 2024:

• First-time adult applicants: $85 (includes $35 execution fee).
• Renewal by mail: $70.
• Under 16: $50 (must apply in person).
• Expedited service: +$60.
• Overnight delivery: ~$19–$25 (recommended for both sending and return).

While you can’t order a new passport card with instant digital delivery, the U.S. Department of State continues to improve processing efficiency, especially for renewals.

Should I Carry My Passport Card With Me? Safety and Practicality

Many wonder: Should I carry my passport card with me? Yes—and no. While it’s safe to carry your passport card like any government ID, be cautious:

• Only carry it when needed (e.g., near borders or for air travel).
• Never store it with your passport book.
• Keep digital copies stored securely.

The passport card is a valuable ID—but treat it with the same care as a passport or credit card.

Conclusion: Ordering a Passport Card Is a Smart Move

From ordering a passport card online to renewals to understanding how to reorder passport card documents, the process is straightforward and accessible. Whether you’re a frequent cruiser, border commuter, or simply want a reliable backup ID, ordering a passport card offers unmatched value.

Don’t wait until your next trip—start the process today. Visit the official U.S. Department of State website to download forms, check status, and learn more about how to order a passport card online. With lower costs, faster processing, and everyday utility, the U.S. passport card is more than just a travel document—it’s a smart investment in your mobility and identity.

Order a passport card US citizens can trust—and enjoy the freedom of seamless border crossings, hassle-free renewals, and peace of mind knowing you’re always ready to go.