Introduction
If you’re planning to travel outside of the United States, having a passport card can be a useful document to possess. A passport card allows you to travel to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda without a full passport book. In this article, we’ll explain how to get a passport card and give you all the information to make the process as straightforward as possible.
Step-by-Step Guide for Getting a Passport Card
To get a passport card, there are certain eligibility requirements and documents you need to have in order.
Firstly, you must be a U.S. citizen. Secondly, you must be able to provide evidence that you’ve already had a passport book or that you’re applying for both the passport book and the passport card at the same time. If you meet these requirements, you’re eligible to apply for a passport card.
You’ll need the following documents to apply for a passport card:
- The DS-11 application form
- The most recent U.S. passport (or your birth certificate if you’re applying for your first passport)
- One passport photo meeting the required specifications
- The required fees (check the latest fees on the U.S. Department of State website).
Next, let’s explore how to apply for a passport card:
- Fill out the DS-11 application form. You can fill the form out online and print it, or you can print out a blank form and complete it by hand. Make sure you do not sign the application until instructed to do so by an acceptance agent.
- Gather all the necessary documents and go to a U.S. passport acceptance facility or a U.S. passport agency. You can locate the nearest acceptance office or agency on the Department of State website. Make sure to get a considerable amount of cash for your payment in case the facility does not accept credit cards.
- Submit your application, required documents, and fees to the acceptance agent. They will verify your identity, witness your signature, and collect the materials before sending them off for processing.
- You may either ask for routine or expedited service at the acceptance office/agency. Routine service takes four to six weeks while expedited takes two to three weeks, subject to an extra fee. Please verify with the facility or agency first before setting your expectations for your passport’s delivery.
- Contact the National Passport Information Center to check the status of your application. You can do this as early as 24 hours after your application’s submission to the acceptance office or agency. This service is available seven days a week.
How to Take a Passport Photo
You must submit one passport photo with your application. The photo must meet strict requirements to avoid the application’s rejection at the acceptance office/agency. Here’s how to take a passport photo:
- Find a photo facility that provides passport photo services.
- Inform the facility that you need a passport photo and ask if they understand the State Department’s requirements. The photo studio should also be able to provide sufficient details and confidence that the photo will meet those requirements.
- If you wish, you can use online services like MyPassportPhotos or TripSavvy to take passport photos from the convenience of your own home.
Keep in mind that there are strict specifications for taking passport photos, such as the required lighting, size, and positioning. To avoid any inconvenience, we advise you choose an experienced photovoltaic facility with a history of making quality passport photos, rather than relying on convenience alone.
Comparison of Passport Card vs. Passport Book
While a passport card shares some similarities with a passport book, they’re not identical. Below are the main differences:
- The passport card is wallet-sized and cannot be used for international air travel, while the passport book is larger and contains more pages for visas and travel stamps.
- The passport card is also less expensive than the passport book but has more limited international travel options.
If you’re traveling to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and the Caribbean by land or sea, then the passport card may be an excellent option for you because it’s cheaper and more convenient. But if you’re taking a flight or traveling anywhere outside of North America, Central America, and the Caribbean, you must have a passport book.
Common Questions About Passport Cards
Here are some frequently asked questions regarding passport cards:
- How can I tell if I already have a passport book? – You can verify this by looking at the passport’s front cover. A passport book will have the word “passport” written above the US emblem.
- What is the cost of a passport card? – The fee is subject to determinant factors such as age and urgency. Latest fees can be viewed on the Department of State website.
- What’s the expected processing time for a passport card? – Routine service takes four to six weeks while expedited service can range from two to three weeks, subject to an expedited fee.
Stories from Passport Holders
Here are some stories/tips based on a few passport holders’ experiences:
- A traveler from Texas says that getting a passport card was a quick and seamless process, even though the nearest passport acceptance center was an hour’s drive from where he lived. He said that he received his passport card one week after his application’s submission, which was faster than he expected.
- A California-based traveler said that she decided to get a passport card for her young daughter who wasn’t traveling internationally yet. She revealed that it saved her lots of money because the passport book’s cost was unnecessary and that she could use the passport card when traveling to Mexico with her mail.
Tips for Traveling with a Passport Card
If you’re traveling with a passport card, then here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Remember that you can only use a passport card for land and sea travel. If traveling by air, you’ll need a passport book.
- Make sure to bring identification documents such as your driver’s license because border officials can require them. They may also request a supplemental document capturing your intent of travel or documentation to support the purpose of your trip.
- If it’s your first time traveling outside of the U.S., do your research on the country and culture you’re visiting and the legal requirements for entry.
Conclusion
Obtaining a passport card is a useful and convenient option for anyone traveling to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean by land and sea. In this article, we’ve provided a step-by-step guide to getting a passport card, compared it to a passport book, answered common questions, shared stories from passport holders, and provided tips on traveling internationally.
