How to Get a Passport Card Online

A passport card can be convenient when you want a compact document for certain nearby international trips. It is not a passport book and cannot be used to fly internationally. Before starting, decide whether you need a card, a book, or both, and use only the U.S. Department of State’s official passport website for online services and forms.

What You’ll Need

Proof of eligibility: To renew online, you must meet the Department of State’s current eligibility rules. These include having an eligible passport book or card in your possession, being at least 25, and meeting requirements for where you live, travel plans, and the condition of your current document. Check the official eligibility questions first; if you do not qualify, use the paper application route.
Account and internet access: Online renewal is completed through the State Department’s online passport renewal system. You will need an email address and a way to access the account and receive status messages.
Application information: Have your current passport details, personal information, and contact information available. The online system will tell you what supporting information or images it requires.
Digital passport photo: If requested, provide a compliant digital photo. Follow the official photo instructions for image size, background, lighting, and framing. Do not assume a casual selfie will pass.
Payment method: The online service displays the applicable payment amount and accepted methods before you submit. Fees can change, so rely on the official checkout rather than third-party sites.
For a first-time application: Use Form DS-11 and bring evidence of U.S. citizenship, identification, a photocopy of each required document, a photo, and payment to an authorized acceptance facility. Do not sign DS-11 until instructed by the acceptance agent.

Step-by-Step

Choose the right document. A passport card is valid for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean, but not for international air travel. If you may fly abroad, apply for a passport book; you can request a book and card together when the available application process allows.
Check whether online renewal is open to you. Go to the U.S. Department of State’s official passport website and follow its online renewal eligibility check. The online service is for eligible renewals, not a general way for every applicant to apply. Requirements and service availability can change, so confirm them on the government site before preparing an application.
Use the official online system. Follow the State Department link to its online renewal portal and create or sign in to the required account. Avoid search advertisements and private services that imitate government pages. A third party cannot make you eligible for online renewal if you do not meet the official rules.
Start a renewal and select the card. Enter your information as requested and choose a passport card as the document you want. Review whether you are renewing a card, a book, or both; selecting the wrong document can delay processing or leave you without the document you need.
Enter details exactly. Match your name and other identifying details to your current records and answer each eligibility question honestly. If your name has changed or your current passport is lost, damaged, or otherwise outside the online rules, stop and use the State Department’s instructions for that situation instead.
Upload the required photo. Use a recent, compliant image and the portal’s photo check if provided. Make sure your face is clearly visible and the image meets the official specifications. If the system rejects the photo, correct it rather than repeatedly uploading a file that does not meet the rules.
Review and submit. Check the document choice, spelling, answers, photo, and contact information before submitting. Pay through the official system using an accepted method, then save the confirmation and any reference details. Do not treat an application as submitted until the portal confirms receipt.
Track the application. Use the status instructions in your account or the State Department’s official tracking service. Check email, including junk folders, for requests or notices. Respond through the channel specified in the message, and do not send extra documents unless asked.
If you cannot renew online, apply by the correct route. First-time applicants generally complete Form DS-11 and apply in person at an authorized acceptance facility. People renewing by mail or applying because of a name change, damaged document, or other special circumstance should use the State Department’s current forms and instructions for that case.

Common Mistakes

Assuming every application can be done online: The online service is limited to eligible renewals. A first passport generally requires an in-person application, and some renewals must also use another route.
Choosing a card for air travel: A passport card is not valid for international flights. Apply for a passport book if your trip involves flying between countries.
Using a nonofficial website: Private websites may charge for help or present outdated instructions. Start at the U.S. Department of State website and follow its official links.
Submitting an unsuitable photo: Poor lighting, shadows, incorrect framing, or an altered image can lead to rejection. Follow the exact current photo requirements.
Entering mismatched information: Typos or inconsistent names can slow processing. Review every field against your documents before sending the application.
Booking travel before checking timing: Processing times vary and can change. Consult the official processing-time page and make plans with enough flexibility; paying for faster service does not guarantee delivery by a particular date.

Tips

Check the card’s travel limits before choosing it. It is designed for qualifying land and sea crossings, not general international travel by air.
Use a passport book and card together if you want a card for convenient nearby crossings as well as a book for flights and other international trips.
Take screenshots or save confirmation details after online submission, and keep your account login information secure.
Apply well before travel when possible. Use the State Department’s current processing guidance rather than relying on estimates from travel forums or private expeditors.
If your circumstances do not fit the online questions, do not guess or force the application through. Use the official instructions or contact the National Passport Information Center for guidance.

Troubleshooting

The renewal portal says I am not eligible: Read the reason and follow the stated alternative. You may need to renew by mail or apply in person, depending on your age, current document, location, travel plans, or application history. Use the official passport forms page to identify the right process.

The website will not accept my photo: Check the image against the State Department’s digital-photo instructions, including file requirements, background, lighting, and framing. Retake or replace the image using a plain background and even light. If the portal continues to fail, try again later or follow the official support instructions rather than submitting an altered photo.

I cannot sign in or the portal is unavailable: Use the account recovery option shown on the official site and confirm that you are on a State Department page. If there is a service interruption, wait and retry; do not create duplicate applications unless the system or agency directs you to.

My application is delayed or I need to correct something: Check the official status tool and any messages in your account. Follow the agency’s instructions for corrections or additional evidence. If travel is approaching, contact the National Passport Information Center for current options; do not rely on an unverified phone number or promise from a third party.

My passport card is lost or damaged: Do not use the online renewal route unless the current eligibility check explicitly allows your situation. Report or replace the document using the State Department’s instructions for lost, stolen, or damaged passports.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get my first passport card online?

Generally, no. First-time applicants use Form DS-11 and apply in person at an authorized acceptance facility. Check the State Department’s current instructions before making an appointment.

Can I use a passport card to fly internationally?

No. A passport card is not valid for international air travel. You need a passport book for international flights.

Can I apply for a card and a passport book at the same time?

Yes, the State Department allows applicants to request both documents through the applicable application process. Check the current instructions to choose the correct form or renewal route.

How long does an online passport card renewal take?

Processing times change and depend on the service option and workload. Check the State Department’s current processing-time information before applying, and allow extra time for mailing and any requests for more information.

Can I renew online if my name has changed?

Not necessarily. Online eligibility rules may exclude some name changes or require additional documentation. Review the official instructions for name changes and use the route they specify.

Where should I check my application status?

Use your online account or the passport status tool linked from the U.S. Department of State website. Keep your confirmation details available and follow any instructions sent by the agency.

Further reading: U.S. Department of State. Details can change, so check the official page for anything that matters to you. Spotted a mistake? Tell us. How we write an answer.