US Passport Card: Who Qualifies and What You Get
Learn if the US Passport Card is the right travel document for your next trip and understand its specific limitations.
The US Passport Card is a government-issued travel document designed for specific types of border crossings.
Who it's for
This document is available specifically to US citizens. It serves as a valid form of identification for those traveling within certain geographic limits.
What you get
When you obtain this card, you receive a valid travel document that allows you to cross certain borders. It is specifically intended for land and sea border crossings. This applies to travel between the United States and its neighbors, Canada and Mexico.
What it costs you
To obtain the card, there is a $30 application fee. In addition to this monetary cost, you must invest time into gathering the necessary requirements. This includes providing official documentation to prove your identity and citizenship, as well as providing specific passport-style photos required for the application process.
The catch to know
The most important limitation to understand is that this is not a replacement for a full passport if you plan to fly. You cannot use this card for international air travel. It is strictly meant for those traveling by land or by sea.
How to apply
- Prepare your required identification documentation to prove your citizenship.
- Obtain recent passport-style photos as required by the issuing body.
- Complete the official application paperwork.
- Pay the $30 application fee.
- Submit everything through the official portal: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/need-passport/card.html