Passport Card

What is a Passport Card?

A Passport Card is a form of expressed permission granted by the United States Department of Consular Affairs – in concert with the Canadian and Mexican governments – that allow for citizens of the United States to legally travel back and forth from Canada, the United States, and Mexico upon the presentation of a Passport Card; prior to June of 2009, American citizens were not required to produce documentation to travel – as a result, the Passport Card is required by all individuals who wish to travel to Canada or Mexico. A valid Passport can also be used upon this type of travel.

Passport Card Application

The following requirements are necessary for the Passport Card application process:

1. Form DS-11 should be completed in the event that an individual is applying for a passport car for the first time, or does not meet the requirements expressed in the passport renewal form

2. Form DS-83 should be completed in the event that an individual wishes to renew a respective passport card by mail and has met the requirements expressed within the form

3. Form DS-64 should be completed in the event that an individual has lost their passport card and wishes to replace it

Passport Card Application Requirements

• The presentation of a valid birth certificate or a government-issued identification – only original copies are accepted

• A valid social security number

• A photograph that meets the requirements expressed by the Passport Office, which states that a photograph must be in color, 2 inches by 2 inches in measurement, and taken within 6 months prior the application

Passport Card Fees

Fees incurred include a $75 fee, as well as an additional processing fee of $25; in the event that an individual requires expedited service, they are given the opportunity to pay an additional $60 surcharge

Passport Card Validity

Passport Cards are valid over the course of 10 years for adult applicant and for 5 years with regard to minor applicants

Passport Card and Immigration Fraud

With regard to the Passport Card, travel and immigration fraud can take place through a variety of means; the United States’ Department of Consular Affairs, as well as the United States Citizenship and Immigration Bureau (USCIS) explain that fraudulent immigration documentation is one of the primary forms of immigration fraud taking place within the United States of America. In response to this, all federal bureaus that handle immigration and travel stipulations have imposed strict and stringent requirements that correlate to the fulfillment of immigration and travel documentation, such as Passport Card. With regard to Passport Card, the following procedures are encouraged:

• Upon filing travel and immigration documentation, individual applicants are required to submit truthful and accurate statements

• Individual applicants are required to adhere to all parameters and protocols expressed within the instructions of applicable forms and documentation with in Passport Card; all stipulations ranging from photograph dimensions to biographical information must be adhered

• In the event that fraudulent information is submitted, an individual may be immediately discounted from consideration with regard to the receipt of a Passport Card

Passport Card Resources

The following are a list of helpful and accredited resources that may provide assistance for those interested in apply for – or receiving a Passport Card:

• The United States Bureau of Consular Affairs is the federal department that mandates the oversight of the wellbeing, interest, safety, protection, and legality on American citizens who reside outside of the United States; residence can range from short term to long term stays – the Bureau of Consular Affairs can be contacted through their toll-free phone number: (877) 487-2778

NEXT: Laws and Fees