The passport card is specially formatted and contains two types of information, as well as the card holder's photo. Some of the information is readable by humans while other details cannot be read with the human eye. Machine-readable information is displayed in a number of formats. This includes the complex yet creative looking multi-layer hologram on the front of the card. A vicinity-read radio frequency identification (RFID) chip is also embedded in the card. The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative explains how the RFID accesses information contained in a wireless device or "tag" that can be read from a distance.
The cardholder photo appears prominently on the front of the card, to the left. A holographic image of an American bald eagle stretches across the card. "United States of America Department of State" surrounds the eagle in a small yet discernible font. Although harder to recognize, the same words repeatedly surround the eagle but in micro-print. Slightly overlapping the photo is an embossed seal. The words "U.S.A." are also displayed in a vertical pattern. A close inspection on the right of the card reveals what appears to be a small ghost-like image of the cardholder's photo.
A type of raised print displays most of the information on the card. The colorful micro-print and holographic design of the card are for more than just appearance. Both the easy-to-read face of the card and the embedded RFID chip help identify cardholders effectively. According to the United States Department of State, the passport card "can be used to enter the United States from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda at land border crossings or sea ports-of-entry." Passport cards help authorities obtain needed information and expedite border crossings.
The back of the card displays a "PASSsystem" mark in color-shifting ink. The entire holographic design of the card and embedded RFID chip help to prevent counterfeiting. The cards are only issued to U.S. citizens and nationals. Although they are not acceptable for international air travel, the wallet-size documents can be used on domestic flights. In most cases they can be used in place of a passport book, including for employment eligibility verification purposes. Passport cards are less expensive than passport books.
