Passport cards are similar to passports and may be obtained in the same manner. A passport card is small, about the size of your driver's license. The benefit of a passport card is that it is less expensive than a traditional passport and fits easily into your wallet.
Passport cards may also be used by minors. Minors must apply in person at a Passport Acceptance Facility in the presence of their parents or legal guardians to obtain a passport card. Differences between a passport card for an adult and a minor are the cost and the length of time the passport card is valid. Minor passport cards are only valid for five years rather than the 10 years for an adult passport card. Minors are considered anyone age 15 and younger.
To apply for a U.S. passport card, residents must apply in person at a Passport Acceptance Facility. Passport Acceptance Facilities can be located by using the Department of State's Passport Acceptance Facility search page on their website (See Resources). The same application form that is used to apply for a passport book, Form DS-11, is required to file for a passport card as well.
Applying for a passport card uses the same process as applying for a passport book. Applicants will need to prove citizenship with a birth certificate, Naturalization Certificate, Consular Report of Birth Abroad or Certificate of Citizenship. Identity must be proven with a valid driver's license, Naturalization Certificate, Military or Government ID. Two color passport photos that are identical, of your full face, 1 to 1-3/8 of an inch from bottom to top, against a white background and without any headgear or non-prescription glasses must be provided as well.
The cost for a passport card for people 16 years old or older is $45. For anyone under the age of 16, the cost is $35. Passport cards will be mailed to you once your application has been processed and cannot be expedited to arrive faster. Expect your passport card four to six weeks after submitting your application.
