# Travel >> Travel Preparation >> Passports

How to Get a Passport Card After Getting a Passport

U. S. passport cards, introduced in July 2008, are wallet-sized identification cards that are cheaper and more convenient than traditional passport books. However, passport cards cannot be used for international travel; these travel documents are only valid for Mexico, Canada, Bermuda and the Caribbean. If you already have a passport book, you can apply for a passport card by mail at a discounted cost.

Printer with black ink
Padded envelope
Passport
Two passport photos

Instructions

- 1
  Access Form DS-82 on the U.S. Department of State travel website. Click on "Passports" then on the "U.S. Passport Card" tab. Under "How To Apply" there is a link to the form you need. You can complete this online.
- 2
  Fill out the required information according to the instructions on the form.
- 3
  Print the completed form. Use black ink and single-sided pages.
- 4
  Sign and date the first page of the application.
- 5
  Put the signed form, your passport, two passport photos and payment into a padded envelope. As of April 2010, the cost of a passport card by mail is $20. The passport card has the same period of validity as the passport book: 10 years for an adult and five years for minors under age 16.
- 6
  Mail this envelope to the address listed on Form DS-82. You should get your card in four to six weeks, according to the State Department website. Expedited service is available.