Possessing US citizenship opens up numerous doors. You're free to not only pick your own location for work and residence, but also to go wherever you please. It's not just the right to vote that comes with citizenship in the United States. That includes your passport, driver's license, and other forms of identification.
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| Passport Card |
However, the United States does not follow the practice of most other countries and issues separate passports for domestic and international travel. They have made an effort to facilitate travel both domestically and internationally. For this reason, American citizens are entitled to both a passport book and a passport card.
That thing you put in your wallet called a passport—what is it?
Validation of Passport Card
A passport card is a form of photo identification that functions similarly to a driver's license. It's tiny and made of plastic, but you can use it to get around the United States. The reason why it's so practical is because:
- Not requiring a large storage area;
- Losing it would result in less financial hardship;
- Offers convenient access to domestic travel in the US;
- The solution is ideal for minors and those without a valid driver's license.
Multiple countries, including but not limited to:
- Canada
- Mexico
- Islands in the Caribbean
- Bermuda
Showing your passport card at the border will get you through security in any of these countries. It doesn't matter if you're flying, taking a cruise, or driving to one of those countries; they'll all accept your passport card. However, a passport book is required for international travel.
You can't use the passport card to cross international borders because it's not valid for such travel. Depending on who you ask, you might be able to leave the country with just a passport card. However, re-entering the United States with this visa may prove more challenging. US citizens need a passport book in order to travel to any country outside of the US.
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Which is better, a passport book or a passport card?
When they already have a passport card, many people don't see the point in getting the passport book as well. However, there are variations in functionality between the two. Only domestic travel within North and South America will be simplified by the passport card. It's so they don't have to worry about losing their actual passport books.
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| Passport Book and Passport Card |
Booklet for US Passports
However, the passport book itself is what actually permits international travel. The passport book can be used in place of the passport card. It opens the door to travel throughout the Americas, including the United States.
Therefore, the ability to travel to different countries is the primary distinction between a passport and a passport card. You only need the book, not the card, when you travel internationally. It's worth noting that passport books are accepted in all countries, but passport cards are only valid for entry into a handful of countries.
In order to obtain a passport card, what must one do?
In order to travel internationally, a passport card is required. Having US citizenship is the primary requirement. When you already hold US citizenship, applying for naturalization is a simple process.
In addition to being a citizen, you'll need to have no major felony convictions on your record. Getting a passport after serving time for a serious crime will be challenging. As an additional measure, the government will refuse to issue you a passport card if they have any reason to believe you will attempt to elude capture and flee the country.
If you meet these qualifications, you can begin the application process right away.
Get your passport card by following these simple steps!
You can submit an application for a passport card in one of two ways:
- Using your current passport book
- Without a passport book, in person
Passport book already in hand application
Applying is simple if you already own a passport book. It can be printed, filled out, and mailed in. The steps are as follows.
- Get a new passport by filling out a DS-82 application online.
In the event that your current passport meets these requirements, please attach it to the form.
- Neither the passport nor its cover were harmed in the handling.
- After reaching the age of 16, you became eligible to receive a passport book.
- If it's been more than 15 years since you got your passport book, you're not alone.
- Your new name is printed in the passport.
- Upload a single photograph with your application.
- Take into account the cost of any fees.
The documents should be placed in an envelope big enough to hold them without folding. Finally, have the US Postal Service deliver the envelope. A tracking number and First Class Mail are required to guarantee delivery. Depending on where you call home, the envelope should be sent to one of these addresses:
Send it to if you live in California, Florida, Illinois, Minnesota, New York, or Texas.
Processing of Passports at the National Level
Package 640155, United States Postal Service
TX 75064-0155 Irving
If you're from anyplace besides California, please send it to:
Processing of Passports at the National Level
Mailing Address: Philadelphia, PA, 90155
PA 19190-0155
For standard shipping, please use these addresses. Passport cards can be shipped by express service for those who require prompt access. If so, you'll have to foot the bill for the postage and send the envelope to the following address:
Processing of Passports at the National Level
Box 90955 Mail Stop
Phila., PA 19190-955
If you need assistance while you are outside of the United States, you can get in touch with the American Embassy in your current location.
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Postal Application
If you fall into one of the categories below, you may apply for a passport card in person:
- In the past, you have never owned a passport book or travel document card, but now you need one.
- A passport book was given to you before you turned 16!
- Passport book was lost, stolen, or damaged.
- You received your passport book over 15 years ago.
When this occurs, you can apply for either a passport book or a passport card, or for both at once. The steps are as follows:
- To apply for a passport in the United States, fill out Form DS-11.
- Provide documentation that verifies your right to reside in the United States, such as
- Booklet of expired US passports
- Evidence of Parentage
- Official proof of citizenship
- Proof of citizenship document
- Take just one picture to use in your application
- Please include a receipt showing that your fees have been paid.
Apply for a passport at a passport acceptance facility in your country of residence.
You'll find out what happens with your passport card once they've reviewed it. There should be no reason to reject you if you meet the requirements. They will send you a passport card once your application is approved. If approved, you'll receive the card at the mailing address you provided.
Whether you submit your application in person or by mail, the passport facility will still send you your passport card by mail. There are two delivery options available to you, standard and expedited, and each has its own processing time. Depending on the situation, you may receive the passport card in as little as a few days or as long as a few weeks.
What's the wait time for the passport card?
It takes the same amount of time to obtain the passport card as it does a standard U.S. passport. A standard procedure for obtaining a passport from the United States takes between four and six weeks.
Approximately how much does it cost to get a passport card?
Payment of the passport card fee is required to complete the application process. Costs vary with age and include the following:
- Applying applicants 16 and up pay $65
- Application Fee: $50 (Under 16)
Upon expiration, a passport card renewal costs $30.
When compared to the price of a passport book, this is a significant savings.
- For those over the age of 16, the application fee is $145.00
- Subtract $115 if the applicant is younger than 16
- Passport book renewal costs $110 dollars.
You must pay additional fees for expedited processing if you need the passport book or card quickly. While specific fees may vary, in most cases, you can expect to pay an additional $60 to have your passport processed quickly.
If you submit your application via regular mail, you will also need to cover the cost of postage. The delivery fee is in addition to the passport book or card fee.
How you can pay depends on where you are applying. You can pay with a check or money order at most places. Some establishments may not accept credit or debit cards.
You should verify that the passport office accepts cash payments before applying. You'll need to bring the exact amount of money to cover the cost of the service, as most of them won't give you any change back.
I need to know how long the passport card will be good for.
Passport cards have to be renewed at regular intervals. You'll need to keep renewing it every time it runs out. The passport card is good for ten years for any US citizen who is 16 or older.
This passport card is only good for 5 years if you are under the age of 16. This is because as children grow, their appearance will change, and this change must be reflected in the passport photo.
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