Understanding the cost of a passport card helps travelers plan ahead. A passport card is a convenient, wallet-sized alternative to the passport book for certain travel in North America. This guide outlines current fees, eligibility, and practical tips to help readers determine the true price of obtaining or renewing a passport card.
What Is A Passport Card
A passport card is a wallet-sized card that serves as an acceptable form of border-crossing identification for land and sea travel between the United States, Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean. It cannot be used for international air travel. The card is separate from the passport book and has a distinct price and renewal timeline. Understanding these differences helps travelers decide whether to request the card alone or in combination with a passport book.
How Much Does A Passport Card Cost
Passport card fees are set by the U.S. Department of State and can vary depending on whether you are applying for a new card, renewing, or requesting both the passport book and the card. The card itself has a base fee, with additional costs for processing and handling in certain scenarios. As of the latest schedules, the key price points are: the card costs around $30, the execution/acceptance fee for first-time applicants is commonly $35, and the book-and-card combination package adds the two together with the appropriate processing charges. Always verify current figures on the official government site before applying.
Fees For First-Time Applicants Versus Renewals
- First-time applicants (DS-11): The passport book costs around $130 and the passport card about $30. The mandatory execution fee is typically $35. When applying for both book and card together, the total is commonly around $195.
- Renewals (DS-82): If eligible to renew by mail, the passport book costs about $130 and the passport card $30, with no in-person interview; total around $160.
- Only the card (renewals or amendments): The card itself is typically $30, with any applicable processing fees depending on the submission method.
Where To Apply And Processing Times
Applications can be submitted at designated acceptance facilities or by mail for renewals. In-person applications for a first passport (DS-11) are required and processed at passport agencies or acceptance facilities. Typical processing times vary, with routine processing taking several weeks and expedited options available for faster service. The passport card mirrors these timelines, though some factors can affect the turnaround, such as application completeness and demand. For accurate processing times and to confirm current fees, consult the official State Department pages.
Practical Tips To Save On Costs
- Consider your travel needs: If travel is limited to land or sea across North America, a passport card may be the cost-effective option compared with the book, provided the travel plan aligns with border destinations.
- Renewal eligibility: If you are eligible to renew by mail, you can avoid an in-person visit and receive a combined lower-cost renewal package.
- Check for fee changes: Fees can change; always verify at travel.state.gov before applying.
- Documentation readiness: Assemble all required identification, proof of U.S. citizenship, and photos to prevent delays and extra processing fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Does the passport card expire? Yes. The passport card is valid for 10 years for adults and 5 years for minors under 16. Renewals follow the same process as the passport book unless you qualify for renewals by mail.
- Can I use the passport card for air travel? No. The card is not valid for international air travel; the passport book is required for air crossings.
- Can I apply for the card separately from the passport book? Yes. You can request only the passport card, typically at the same fee structure, or you can apply for both book and card together if you need both documents.
- Are there different fees for online applications? Processing and acceptance fees generally apply regardless of submission method, but always verify the current structure on official sites to avoid surprises.