Passport Card Application

You can apply for a passport card by filling out and mailing in Form DS-82 as long as you submit it with your application, it is undamaged other than normal wear and tear, was issued when you were 16 years or older, was issued within the past 15 years, was issued in your current name (or you can provide documentation that your name changed with an original or certified copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). If none of these apply to you, then you must apply for a passport in person. All passport cards will be mailed using First Class Mail only. You can use Form DS-82 to renew your passport book at the same time you apply for your first passport card.

Reasons to get a passport book or card

A passport card and book are both considered US passports. If they are issued for full validity, they both can be used as proof of your US citizenship and identification. See the table below to determine which one is best for you.

US Passport Book
For international travel by air, land or sea
Validity is 16 years and older: 10 years under 16: 5 years
Size is 5" x 3.5" (When closed)
  • $135 for applicants 16 and older
  • $105 for applicants under 16
  • $110 when renewing by mail
US Passport Card
Used for entering the US at land borders and sea ports of entry from places like Canada, Mexico, The Caribbean, Bermuda
A passport card cannot be used for any international air travel
Validity is 16 and older: 10 years under 16: 5 years
The passport card is wallet size
  • $55 for applicants 16 and older
  • $40 for applicants under 16
  • $30 if you renew by mail

Passport Card Security

An RFID (Radio Frequency Identification Chip) chip has been installed in passport cards to improve the security, speed and efficiency at the US land borders. No personal data is stored in these chips, it is only used to quickly access records in highly secured government databases.

With a swipe of the card this chip technology allows the Customs and Border Protection inspectors to quickly and easily view photographs and other biographical information stored in these government databases as passport card holders approach any inspection station. Along with being fast and efficient, this new technology makes it impossible to counterfeit and forge. Each card issued comes with a protective sleeve that you can store the card when not in use. This will prevent anyone from unauthorized access and tracking.