Passport card definition

The passport card is a wallet-sized U.S. passport, which is the main travel document. It can only be used to re-enter the United States at land border-crossings or ports of entry by sea from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda.

Passport card vs Passport book

A passport card is a smaller and cheaper alternative to a passport book, although it cannot be used for international air travel. The passport card has a validity of 10 years for adults and 5 years for children under 16.

A U.S. passport card can only be used at certain crossings, while passport books can be used for international air travel. U.S. passport books are more expensive than passport cards. Passports are valid for 10 years for adults, and 5 years for children under 16 years of age.

Regarding prices, U.S. passport books cost 135 USD for adults and 105 USD for minors, while passport cards are 55 USD for adults and 40 USD for minors. For renewals, passport books have a 110 USD fee and passport cards a cost of 30 USD.

How to get a passport card

To obtain a passport card, you must apply by mail using Form DS-82 if you have a passport book or card that is undamaged and was issued in the last 15 years, in your current name and when you were older than 16 years old.

How long does it take to get a passport card

It really takes the same time U.S. Department of State Passport Services to process and issue a passport card or a passport book. Times vary from 4 to 12 weeks, depending on the demand at the time of your application.