What To Know
- The passport card is a smaller, wallet-sized alternative to the traditional passport book, designed for land and sea travel within the Western Hemisphere.
- You may apply for both a passport book and a passport card at the same time.
- Yes, you can use a passport card for domestic flights within the United States if you are a U.
Yes, you can apply for a U.S. passport card online through the official U.S. Department of State website. The passport card is a smaller, wallet-sized alternative to the traditional passport book, designed for land and sea travel within the Western Hemisphere.
Benefits of Getting a Passport Card Online
- Convenience: Apply from the comfort of your home, without having to visit a passport acceptance facility.
- Time-saving: Avoid waiting in lines and complete the application at your own pace.
- Accuracy: The online system guides you through the application process, reducing the risk of errors.
- Secure: The website is protected by advanced security measures to safeguard your personal information.
Eligibility for a Passport Card
To be eligible for a passport card online, you must:
- Be a U.S. citizen
- Be at least 16 years old
- Have a valid Social Security number
- Have a physical address in the United States
How to Apply for a Passport Card Online
1. Visit the official U.S. Department of State website: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/passport-cards.html
2. Click on “Apply for a Passport Card”
3. Create an account or log in if you already have one.
4. Follow the online instructions and provide the required information.
5. Upload a digital photo that meets the passport photo requirements.
6. Pay the application fee using a credit card or debit card.
Processing Time
The processing time for a passport card online typically takes 4-6 weeks. However, expedited processing is available for an additional fee, which reduces the processing time to 2-3 weeks.
Fees
The fees for a passport card online are as follows:
- Application fee: $65
- Expedited processing fee: $60 (optional)
Using a Passport Card
A passport card can be used for:
- Land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda
- Domestic flights within the United States, if you are a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident
Other Important Information
- A passport card is not a valid form of identification for air travel outside the Western Hemisphere.
- You may apply for both a passport book and a passport card at the same time.
- A passport card is valid for 10 years.
Answers to Your Questions
Q: Can I apply for a passport card if I am under 16 years old?
A: No, you must be at least 16 years old to apply for a passport card online.
Q: What are the photo requirements for a passport card?
A: The photo must be a recent, color photo taken within the last 6 months. It must be 2×2 inches in size and meet other specific requirements.
Q: Can I use my passport card to travel to Europe?
A: No, a passport card is not valid for air travel outside the Western Hemisphere. You will need a passport book for international air travel.
Q: How long will it take to receive my passport card?
A: The processing time is typically 4-6 weeks. Expedited processing takes 2-3 weeks.
Q: Can I use my passport card to fly within the United States?
A: Yes, you can use a passport card for domestic flights within the United States if you are a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident.
