How to Get a Passport Card: Steps and Requirements

A U.S. passport card is a wallet-sized passport document. It can be useful if you travel by land or sea to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, or certain Caribbean countries, but it is not a substitute for a passport book on international flights. Before applying, check the U.S. Department of State’s current instructions, forms, processing guidance, and destination requirements.

What You’ll Need

Proof of U.S. citizenship: Usually an original or certified birth certificate, a previous undamaged U.S. passport, or another document accepted by the State Department. A photocopy alone is not proof.
Proof of identity: Such as a valid driver’s license or another government-issued photo ID. Follow the form instructions if your ID was issued by a different state or does not meet the listed requirements.
Photocopies: Prepare copies of citizenship evidence and identification as directed. The acceptance facility may have specific requirements for copy size and which sides to copy.
Passport photo: One recent color photo that meets official size, background, and appearance rules. Many application facilities offer photo services, but confirm before relying on that.
Completed application: Use Form DS-11 for a first-time application or when you are not eligible to renew by mail. Use Form DS-82 only if you meet its renewal requirements.
Payment and appointment: Check the State Department’s official fee instructions and the facility’s accepted payment methods. Some locations require an appointment.
Parental participation, if applicable: Applicants under 16 generally must apply in person with both parents or guardians, or provide the required consent documentation. Check the instructions for the child’s circumstances.

Step-by-Step

Confirm the card fits your travel. A passport card is valid for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and Caribbean countries authorized for its use. It is not valid for international air travel. If you may fly internationally, apply for a passport book as well, or instead.
Choose the correct application route. First-time applicants generally use Form DS-11 and apply in person at a passport acceptance facility. You cannot mail a DS-11 application yourself. If you already have a passport, review Form DS-82: you may renew by mail only when you meet all of its eligibility conditions. If not, use DS-11.
Complete the form without signing too soon. Fill in the appropriate application using the State Department’s official form and instructions. For DS-11, wait to sign until the acceptance agent tells you to do so. Select the passport card option; if you want both a book and card, follow the form’s instructions for requesting both.
Gather citizenship and identity documents. Bring acceptable evidence of citizenship, your identification, and the required photocopies. Review the instructions carefully: document rules can depend on your situation, including a name change, a previous passport, or a child applicant. Keep originals protected because they may be submitted with the application and returned later.
Get a compliant photo. Use a photo that follows the official passport photo specifications. Avoid submitting a casual snapshot, a digitally altered image, or a photo that is too old. If you use a photo service, tell the provider it is for a U.S. passport and check that the final image meets the current requirements.
Find a facility and make an appointment. Use the State Department’s acceptance-facility search to locate a participating post office, library, or local government office. Confirm its hours, appointment rules, photo services, and payment methods directly with the facility before you go.
Submit the application and payment. For a DS-11 application, attend in person with your documents and photo. The acceptance agent reviews the application, administers the oath, and forwards the materials. For an eligible DS-82 renewal, send the application and required documents using the mailing instructions on the form. Follow the current official fee and payment instructions; acceptance facilities may collect a separate execution fee for in-person applications.
Track the application and check delivery. Use the State Department’s application-status service after submitting, allowing time for the application to enter the system. Watch for mail or delivery updates and check that your card and any returned citizenship documents arrive. Processing times vary and can change, so consult current official estimates before making travel plans.

Common Mistakes

Assuming the card works on flights: It does not serve as a passport for international air travel. A passport book is needed for that purpose.
Using the wrong form: DS-82 is not available to everyone. Check every eligibility condition rather than assuming an existing passport automatically qualifies you to renew by mail.
Signing DS-11 early: An unsigned application is expected at the appointment; sign only when instructed by the acceptance agent.
Bringing incomplete evidence: A photocopy is not a replacement for required citizenship evidence. Bring the correct original or certified document and copies as specified.
Leaving out a name-change document: If your current name differs from the name on your citizenship or identity records, check which official evidence is required and bring it.
Booking travel too tightly: An application can take longer than expected if documents need review or processing conditions change. Do not assume a card will arrive by a particular date.

Tips

Read the current form instructions on the State Department website immediately before applying; requirements and processing estimates can change.
Make a personal copy of your completed application and note how you submitted it. Keep delivery or tracking information if you mail a renewal.
Check the destination’s entry requirements separately. A passport card’s validity as a U.S. travel document does not guarantee that it meets every carrier or destination requirement.
If you have upcoming travel, use the State Department’s official urgent-travel guidance rather than relying on a routine application estimate.
For a child, check the additional consent and appearance rules well ahead of the appointment. Children’s passport documents have shorter validity periods than adult documents.

Troubleshooting

The acceptance facility will not accept your application: Ask which requirement is missing, then compare it with the official checklist. You may need a different form, a certified record, corrected photocopies, or an appointment.

Your photo is rejected: Submit a replacement that meets the current specifications. Ask the facility whether it can take a compliant photo, or use a photo provider familiar with U.S. passport requirements.

Your application status is unavailable: It may not appear immediately after submission. Check again later, make sure your identifying details are entered correctly, and use the official State Department contact options if the delay continues.

Your citizenship document has not been returned: Passport documents and supporting evidence can arrive separately. Check the status and delivery information, then contact the State Department through its official channel if the expected return is substantially delayed.

Your travel date is approaching: Do not assume an application can be expedited through an acceptance facility. Follow the State Department’s current urgent-travel process and bring the required proof of travel if requested.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply for a passport card online?

First-time applicants generally submit Form DS-11 in person, and eligible renewals use Form DS-82 by mail. Follow the State Department’s current instructions for your specific application; do not use an unofficial application service as a substitute.

Can I use a passport card to fly to another country?

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

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

Yes. You can apply for both in one application by selecting both document types and following the form’s instructions. Confirm the applicable payment and document requirements before submitting.

How long does it take to get a passport card?

Processing times vary and may change. Check the State Department’s current estimates and allow extra time for mailing, application review, and return of supporting documents.

How long is a passport card valid?

For adults, a passport card is generally valid for 10 years; for children under 16, it is generally valid for 5 years. Check the issue and expiration dates printed on the card.

What should I do if my card is lost or stolen?

Report it to the State Department using its official lost-or-stolen passport instructions. You will need to apply for a replacement, and the reporting process may affect the card’s validity.

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.