A U.S. passport card is an official travel and identity document issued by the U.S. Department of State. It is a wallet-sized plastic card that proves your U.S. citizenship and identity. While it offers several benefits, it cannot replace a passport book for all types of international travel.
What Is a U.S. Passport Card?
The U.S. passport card is a government-issued travel document. It is the size of a credit card and made of durable plastic. The card is valid for the same number of years as a passport book. It also includes advanced security features to help prevent fraud. In addition, it serves as proof of U.S. citizenship and identity and functions as a wallet-sized photo ID.
Where Can You Use It?
A U.S. passport card is valid for travel by land and sea only between the United States and:
- Canada
- Mexico
- Bermuda
- Some Caribbean countries
It is commonly used for:
- Driving across U.S. land border crossings with Canada
- Driving across the U.S.-Mexico border
- Returning to the U.S. from eligible destinations by land
- Closed-loop cruises and other eligible sea travel
Where Can’t You Use It?
A passport card cannot be used for:
- International flights
- Flying to Canada
- Flying to Mexico
- Flying to Europe
- Flying to Asia
- Flying to South America
- Travel requiring visa pages or passport stamps
For any international air travel, you must carry a passport book.
Differences Between a Passport Card and a Passport Book
| Feature | Passport Card | Passport Book |
| International air travel | No | Yes |
| International land travel | Yes | Yes |
| International sea travel | Yes | Yes |
| Visa pages | No | Yes |
| Fits in wallet | Yes | No |
| Domestic flights | Yes | Yes |
| Proof of citizenship | Yes | Yes |
| REAL ID compliant | Yes | Yes |
Can It Be Used for Domestic Flights?
Yes. The passport card is REAL ID compliant, meaning it can be used instead of a REAL ID driver’s license when flying within the United States.
Validity
| Applicant | Validity |
| Adults (16+) | 10 years |
| Children (Under 16) | 5 years |
Who Should Get a Passport Card?
It is ideal for people who:
- Frequently drive to Canada
- Frequently drive to Mexico
- Take cruises to Bermuda or the Caribbean
- Live near U.S. land border crossings
- Want a convenient backup government ID
- Need a REAL ID-compliant identification document
Who Should NOT Rely Only on a Passport Card?
A passport card alone is not sufficient if you:
- Travel internationally by airplane
- Study abroad
- Work overseas
- Need visas
- Plan international vacations outside the eligible land/sea destinations
- Want one document for all international travel
In these situations, a passport book is the better choice.
Cost (2026)
First-time passport card: $65
- $30 application fee
- $35 acceptance fee
Passport card renewal (adults): $30
Children (Under 16)
First-time passport card: $50
- $15 application fee
- $35 acceptance fee
Additional fees apply if you request expedited processing or faster shipping.
How to Apply
You use the same application forms used for a passport book.
First-time applicants
Use Form DS-11 and apply in person. You’ll generally need:
- Proof of U.S. citizenship
- Government-issued photo ID
- Passport photo
- Completed application
- Applicable fees
How to Renew a U.S. Passport Card
Eligible adults can renew a U.S. passport card by mail using Form DS-82. If you are renewing both your passport book and passport card together, include both documents with your application.
Can You Have Both a Passport Book and Card?
Yes, you can have both a U.S. passport book and a passport card at the same time. Many Americans choose to carry both. The passport book is used for international air travel, while the passport card is convenient for land and sea border crossings, cruises, and serves as a wallet-sized photo ID. You can apply for either document separately or request both together.
Can You Get a Passport Card if You Already Have a Passport Book?
Yes. If you already have a passport book, you can apply for your first passport card. Likewise, if you have a passport card, you can later obtain a passport book.
Security Features
The passport card includes advanced security technology, including:
- Embedded radio frequency identification (RFID) technology
- Unique identification number
- Anti-counterfeiting features
- Machine-readable security elements
These features help speed processing at certain U.S. land border crossings, including Ready Lanes.
Can It Be Used Instead of a Driver’s License?
Yes, in many situations, a U.S. passport card can be used instead of a driver’s license for identification. It is a federally issued wallet-sized photo ID accepted for domestic flights, identity verification, and other federal purposes where government-issued identification is required. However, it cannot replace a driver’s license for driving a motor vehicle.
Advantages
- Lower cost than a passport book
- Wallet-sized and easy to carry
- REAL ID compliant
- Valid for domestic air travel
- Convenient for U.S. land border crossings with Canada and Mexico
- Useful for cruises to eligible destinations
- Durable plastic design
- Long validity (10 years for adults)
Limitations
- Cannot be used for international air travel
- No visa pages
- Limited geographic coverage
- Not suitable for most overseas trips
- Cannot receive immigration entry or exit stamps like a passport book
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