5 Ways Passport Card Works

Introduction to Passport Cards

A passport card is a travel document that can be used to enter the United States from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda at land border crossings or sea ports-of-entry. It is a less expensive and more convenient alternative to a traditional passport book, but it has some limitations. In this article, we will explore the five ways a passport card works and provide information on its benefits and usage.

What is a Passport Card?

A passport card is a Wallet-sized card that contains the cardholder’s name, date of birth, and citizenship information, as well as a unique identification number. It is designed for travelers who frequently cross the border by land or sea, and it is accepted as a valid form of identification by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers.

Benefits of a Passport Card

There are several benefits to having a passport card, including: * Convenience: Passport cards are smaller and more convenient to carry than traditional passport books. * Cost-effective: Passport cards are less expensive to obtain than traditional passport books. * Ease of use: Passport cards can be used to enter the United States from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda at land border crossings or sea ports-of-entry. * Accepted by CBP: Passport cards are accepted as a valid form of identification by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers. * Compliant with REAL ID: Passport cards are compliant with the REAL ID Act, which means they can be used for domestic air travel.

5 Ways a Passport Card Works

Here are five ways a passport card works: * Land Border Crossings: A passport card can be used to enter the United States from Canada or Mexico at land border crossings. * Sea Ports-of-Entry: A passport card can be used to enter the United States from the Caribbean or Bermuda at sea ports-of-entry. * Domestic Air Travel: A passport card can be used for domestic air travel, as it is compliant with the REAL ID Act. * Cruise Travel: A passport card can be used for cruise travel, as it is accepted as a valid form of identification by CBP officers. * Identification Purposes: A passport card can be used as a form of identification for official purposes, such as opening a bank account or obtaining a driver’s license.

How to Apply for a Passport Card

To apply for a passport card, you will need to: * Fill out form DS-11, which is the application for a U.S. passport. * Provide proof of U.S. citizenship, such as a birth certificate or naturalization certificate. * Provide proof of identity, such as a driver’s license or government-issued ID. * Pay the application fee, which is currently 65 for adults and 50 for children under the age of 16. * Submit your application and supporting documents to a passport acceptance facility.

📝 Note: You can also apply for a passport card by mail using form DS-82, which is the application for a U.S. passport by mail.

Table of Fees

Here is a table of fees associated with applying for a passport card:

Application Type	Fee
Adult Passport Card (16 and older)	65</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Child Passport Card (15 and younger)</td> <td>50
Expedited Service	60</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Overnight Delivery</td> <td>15.89

In summary, a passport card is a convenient and cost-effective way to travel to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda by land or sea. It is accepted as a valid form of identification by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers and can be used for domestic air travel. To apply for a passport card, you will need to fill out form DS-11, provide proof of U.S. citizenship and identity, and pay the application fee.