U.S. Passport Card

The new wallet-size U.S. Passport Card is a travel document that can be used to enter the United States from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda at land border crossings or sea ports-of-entry. Note that it cannot be used for international air travel. The passport card is more convenient and less expensive than a passport book.

The U.S. Passport Card has the same period of validity as the U.S. Passport Book: 10 years for an adult and 5 years for minors under age 16. The card costs $45 for a first-time adult passport applicant and $35 for all minor applicants under age 16, regardless of whether they are previous passport book or card holders. Adults who already have a fully valid passport book may apply for the card as a passport renewal by mail for a cost of only $20.

U.S. citizens, whether or not they have a passport book, may apply for a passport card. Note that passport cards cannot be shipped using overnight delivery.All passport cards will be returned using First Class Mail.

If you currently have or previously had a U.S. passport book, you might be able to apply for a passport card by mail. Note that in this scenario you will use a passport renewal form (DS-82) even if you're applying for your first passport card.

If you have never had a passport book, or you do not meet the requirements to apply by mail using Form DS-82, you may apply for a passport card in person using Form DS-11.

To increase speed, efficiency, and security at U.S. land and sea border crossings, the passport card contains a vicinity-read radio frequency identification (RFID) chip. This chip points to a stored record in secure government databases. There is no personal information written to the RFID chip itself.

With RFID technology, Customs and Border Protection inspectors will be able to access photographs and other biographical information stored in secure government databases as the traveler approaches an inspection station.

The passport card uses state-of-the-art security features to prevent against the possibility of counterfeiting and forgery. In addition, a protective, RFID-blocking sleeve is provided with each passport card to protect against unauthorized reading or tracking of the card when it is not in use.

We began production of the U.S. Passport Card on July 14, 2008, and to date have issued over 1 million cards. Processing times are similar to those of a passport book.

www.travel.state.gov

To apply for as Passport or Passport Card

First, go to www.travel.state.gov and click Passport or Passport Card, depending on which you would like to apply for. Each page will explain the purpose of the Passport and Passport card, the validity and cost, and how to apply for each either online or in person.

· If you currently have or previously had a U.S. passport book, you might be able to apply for a passport card by mail. Note that in this scenario you will use a passport renewal form (DS-82) even if you're applying for your first passport card.

· If you have never had a passport book or passport card, or you do not meet the requirements to apply by mail using Form DS-82, you may apply for a passport card in person using Form DS-11.

Each listing above will provide step by step instructions on how to apply for your Passport or Passport card. You have the choice to apply online or in person, depending on your filing status. If you are applying for the first, you will need to apply in person, but you do have the option to begin the paperwork online and print it out to take with you for final process in person. If you are simply renewing your Passport or Passport card, you can re-apply online.

To begin preparation for your application, you want to locate the facility closest to you that accept Passport/Passport card applications by clicking here. Make sure to CALL the facility you choose. I found that many of the facilities listed have since dropped the service in 2010 until further notice. You will save time with one simple phone call. Once you locate the facility, you will need these items:

#1. Passport photo (1)
#2. Your original birth certificate or reissued birth certificate (copies are not accepted)
#3. Money order and/or cash (depending on the facility you choose to apply at)

Next, you want fill out the application online and print it out so it is ready to hand to the clerk or postal employee, along with your photo, birth certificate and payment.

Once you have submitted your application, you can begin to track the progress online here after 5 to 7 days. It normally take 4 to 6 weeks to receive your new Passport or Passport card, and then you will receive your birth certificate a few days later.