Request a Passport Card: Your Fast, Affordable Travel Solution

Request a passport card today and unlock a simpler, more convenient way to travel across North American borders. Whether you’re planning a weekend trip to Canada, a cruise to the Caribbean, or a quick cross-border visit to Mexico, the U.S. passport card is the perfect travel companion. Compact, wallet-friendly, and government-issued, this card is ideal for land and sea travel within North America. In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn how to request a passport card, the benefits of choosing a card over a traditional passport book, eligibility requirements, application steps, processing times, and how to get a passport card fast when time is of the essence.

Why You Should Request a Passport Card Online Today

More travelers than ever are choosing to request a passport card online due to its ease of access and faster processing options. While the traditional passport book remains necessary for international air travel, the passport card is specifically designed for frequent travelers who cross land borders or take closed-loop cruises. It’s also significantly more affordable than the passport book, making it an excellent value for budget-conscious adventurers.

By choosing to apply for a passport card online, you streamline the process, reduce the risk of errors, and often receive your card faster. However, not all applicants are eligible to submit their application digitally—minors and first-time applicants may need to apply in person. We’ll cover all the details to help you determine the best path for your needs.

How to Request a Passport Card: Step-by-Step Guide

Understanding how to request a new passport card is simple when you follow these clear steps:

1. Determine Your Eligibility
   You can apply for a passport card if you are a U.S. citizen, already have a government-issued photo ID, and meet one of the following criteria:
   • Renewing an expired or soon-to-expire passport card
   • Previously held a U.S. passport issued when you were 16 or older, and it was issued within the last 15 years

   First-time applicants and minors under 16 must apply in person at an authorized acceptance facility, such as a post office.

2. Gather Required Documents
   To request a passport card, you’ll need:
   • Proof of U.S. citizenship (e.g., birth certificate, naturalization certificate)
   • A valid government-issued photo ID (e.g., driver’s license)
   • A recent passport photo (2×2 inches, white background)
   • Completed Form DS-11 (in-person) or Form DS-82 (renewal by mail)
3. Submit Your Application
   If you qualify to order a passport card online, you can upload your documents through the official government portal. Otherwise, visit a participating post office to apply for a passport card at the post office. Be sure to double-check location hours and appointment availability—some offices require scheduling in advance.
4. Pay the Fee
   The card passport cost is $30 for adults (renewal) and $45 for first-time adult applicants. Minors under 16 pay $45. Expedited service is available for an additional fee, allowing you to get a passport card fast.
5. Track Your Application
   After you request a passport card, use the official tracking tool to monitor its status. Standard processing takes 8–11 weeks, but expedited service reduces this to 5–7 weeks. For urgent needs, you can also request a passport card same day through regional passport agencies by appointment.

Request a Passport Card vs. Passport Book: Which Is Right for You?

One of the most common questions travelers ask is: “Card vs. book passport—which one should I choose?” The answer depends on your travel plans:

• Passport Card Benefits:
  • Fits in your wallet—ideal for driving and short trips
  • Lower cost ($30 vs. $130 for a passport book renewal)
  • Accepted for land and sea border crossings to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda
  • Fast processing and easy renewal
• Passport Book Benefits:
  • Required for international air travel
  • Valid for all global destinations
  • Longer validity (10 years for adults vs. 10 years for the card—same duration)
  • More pages for visas and stamps

You don’t have to choose one or the other—many savvy travelers obtain a passport card and a passport book for maximum flexibility.

How to Use a Passport Card: Practical Travel Tips

Once you get a passport card, you can use it at U.S. land ports of entry and seaports when returning from neighboring countries. It’s also accepted on many cruise lines that operate closed-loop itineraries (departing and returning to the same U.S. port). Always check with your carrier and the destination country’s requirements before departure.

The purpose of the passport card is to offer a secure, convenient, and cost-effective alternative for frequent border crossers. It contains the same biometric data and security features as the passport book, ensuring you meet Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) requirements.

Can I Request a Passport Card Online? Understanding the Options

Many people ask, “Can I request a passport card online?“ The answer is yes—if you’re renewing. The U.S. Department of State allows eligible citizens to request a passport card online through their secure portal. This method eliminates mailing delays and reduces human error.

However, first-time applicants, those replacing a lost or stolen card, or applicants under 16 must apply in person. You can get a passport card near me by locating the nearest passport acceptance facility using the official government locator tool.

How to Request a Passport Card Fast: Expedited and Emergency Services

If you need to get a passport card fast, expedited processing is available for an additional $60 fee. This reduces processing time to 5–7 weeks. For true emergencies (e.g., urgent medical travel, family emergencies), you can schedule an appointment at a regional passport agency and potentially get a passport card the same day.

To qualify for emergency services, you must provide proof of imminent international travel (within 72 hours) or a life-or-death situation. Appointments are limited and must be requested in advance.

What to Do If You Find a Passport Card

If you ever find a passport card, treat it as sensitive government property. Do not attempt to use it or open sealed envelopes. Instead, mail it immediately to:

U.S. Department of State
CA/PPT/S/N
44132 Mercure Circle
Sterling, VA 20166-0003

Reporting lost or found passports helps prevent identity theft and ensures rightful owners can request a new passport card safely.

Frequently Asked Questions About Requesting a Passport Card

Q: How long does it take to request a passport card?

A: Standard processing is 8–11 weeks. Expedited is 5–7 weeks. In-person at an agency can result in same-day issuance.

Q: Can I apply for a passport card at the post office?

A: Yes. Most post offices serve as passport acceptance facilities. Make sure to verify they offer photo and application services.

Q: Is the passport card valid for air travel?

A: No. You must request a U.S. passport book for flights outside the U.S.

Q: How much does a passport card cost?

A: Renewals cost $30; first-time applicants pay $45. Minors are $45 regardless.