Passport Card — Wallet-Size Travel Document
Get Your U.S. Passport Card — Land & Sea Travel Made Easy
The U.S. Passport Card is a wallet-size travel document valid for land and sea entry into the United States from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda. It cannot be used for international air travel — but at roughly half the cost of a passport book, it's the perfect companion for frequent cross-border drivers, cruise passengers, and travelers who want a federally accepted REAL ID. Fast Passport Center handles the entire application process and expedites your card directly to your door — as fast as 24 hours for emergencies.
Apply for My Passport CardWhat It Is
What Is a Passport Card?
A wallet-size travel document that proves your U.S. citizenship and identity for select international travel — all at roughly half the cost of a passport book.
Wallet-Size. REAL ID Compliant. Built for Convenience.
The U.S. Passport Card is a credit-card-size travel document issued by the Department of State. It contains a secure RFID chip for quick scanning at land borders, and because it is federally issued, it meets REAL ID requirements — so you can use it to board domestic flights and enter federal facilities.
Unlike the passport book, the card slips right into your wallet. That means you can carry it with you day-to-day, especially useful when traveling abroad — keep your passport book locked in the hotel safe, and bring only the card for everyday identification and border crossings. If you lose your wallet, your primary passport stays safe and sound.
What It Can Do
- Land border crossings — Enter the U.S. by car, bus, or train from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda
- Sea travel & cruises — Valid for returning to the U.S. from Caribbean, Bermuda, Canada, and Mexico by cruise ship
- Domestic flights — Board any U.S. flight (REAL ID compliant) even if your state driver's license is not
- Federal buildings — Enter federal facilities, military bases, and secure government areas
- Everyday ID abroad — Carry as your primary ID while traveling, keeping your passport book safe in the hotel
What It Cannot Do
- International air travel — Cannot be used for flights to or from any international destination (airports require a passport book)
- Visa pages — No pages for visa stamps, so countries requiring visas in advance will not accept it
- Countries outside the region — Not valid for entry to Europe, Asia, South America, Africa, or Oceania
- Emergency flights home — If a cruise or trip requires an emergency flight from a foreign port, the card is not enough
- Global entry kiosks — Some international kiosks require the passport book; the card may not work at all automated entry points
Top Benefits of the Passport Card
Pocket-Size Convenience
Same size as a credit card. Fits in any wallet, pocket, or purse without the bulk of a passport book.
Leave Your Book Safe
When abroad, lock your passport book in the hotel safe. Carry the card as your daily ID to reduce loss risk.
Half the Cost
Government fee is roughly half the price of a passport book. The card is a budget-friendly option.
Fast Border Scanning
Built-in RFID chip lets customs officers scan your info instantly at land crossings — no fumbling with documents.
Processing Speeds
Choose Your Passport Card Processing Speed
Same processing speeds as passport books — your passport card gets the full expedited treatment. Select your timeline and head to checkout to see full pricing.
Hand Carry Services
Premium courier-handled submissions for the fastest possible turnaround
2–3 Business Days
Processing Time
Our fastest tier for passport cards. Hand-courier delivery with reserved agency slot. Perfect when you need your card urgently for an upcoming land border crossing.
- Hand-courier delivery to agency
- Reserved agency processing slot
- Overnight return delivery
- Dedicated case manager
- Real-time status tracking
4 Business Days
Processing Time
Expedited processing for travelers with border crossings coming up soon. Priority courier submission with faster-than-standard turnaround for passport cards.
- Priority courier submission
- Expedited agency processing
- Overnight return delivery
- Real-time status tracking
7 Business Days
Processing Time
A balanced option for those who need their passport card within about two weeks. Reliable expedited processing at a moderate price point.
- Expedited courier submission
- Government expedited processing
- Overnight return delivery
- Real-time status tracking
9 Business Days
Processing Time
Accelerated processing for those planning ahead 2–3 weeks. Faster than standard government timelines for passport cards.
- Accelerated courier submission
- Government expedited processing
- Overnight return delivery
- Status tracking included
Smart Saver Services
Great for travelers who have time to spare.
3–5 Weeks
Processing TimeBudget-friendly option for travelers who have plenty of time before their next trip. Same expert document review, just standard government processing for your passport card.
- Expert document pre-review
- Application preparation & assembly
- Standard government processing
- USPS Priority Mail return
The Process
How to Get a Passport Card
Four simple steps to get your wallet-size passport card — even simpler than a passport book application.
Choose Passport Card or Both
Start on our secure website. You can apply for just a passport card, just a passport book, or both at the same time — it's one application either way. We'll guide you through the right form: DS-11 for first-time applicants (in person) or DS-82 for renewals (by mail). Upload your photo and proof of citizenship documents.
Expert Document Review
Our specialists review your documents for State Department compliance. We check your photo, proof of citizenship, and ID against current requirements. If anything needs fixing, we let you know before it reaches the government — reducing the risk of rejection. Same thorough review process whether you're applying for a card, book, or both.
Submit Your Application (In Person or By Mail)
For first-time passport card applicants (DS-11): we coordinate your acceptance facility appointment. For renewals (DS-82): simply mail us your signed form, existing passport or card, and photo with our prepaid label — no office visit required. We professionally package and hand-carry everything to the State Department.
Receive Your Passport Card
Real-time tracking updates as your passport card is processed. It arrives by mail — a wallet-size card with RFID chip for quick scanning at land borders. Your card is valid for 10 years (5 years if under 16). If you ordered both a card and book, they may arrive in separate mailings. As fast as 24 hours for emergency service.
Why Fast Passport Center
Why Get Your Passport Card Through Us
The passport card is a specialized travel document with unique benefits. Here's why travelers choose Fast Passport Center for their passport card applications.
Card + Book Bundle Expertise
Many travelers don't know they can apply for a passport card and passport book simultaneously on one form, saving time and application fees. We'll flag this opportunity during your application process — get both documents in one batch without paying double the service fee.
Half the Government Fee of a Passport Book
The passport card application fee is roughly half the cost of a passport book. For frequent land border crossers, cruise passengers, and those who want a REAL ID-compliant federal ID without the full book price, the card is the most cost-effective option. We'll help you decide if card-only, book-only, or both makes sense for your travel patterns.
REAL ID Compliance Support
A passport card serves as REAL ID-compliant identification for domestic flights and federal facility access. If your state driver's license isn't REAL ID-compliant yet, a passport card is an excellent backup ID that fits in your wallet — no need to carry your full passport book for domestic travel.
Same Expedited Speeds as Book Applications
Passport cards don't get slower processing — they follow the same timeline as passport books. Our hand-courier expediting and priority agency slots work identically for card applications. Whether you need your card in 24 hours or 5 weeks, we deliver at every speed tier.
What You'll Need
Passport Card Requirements & Documents
Similar to a passport book but with fewer pages and a lower government fee. Here's everything you'll need for your passport card application.
Proof of U.S. Citizenship
- Certified U.S. birth certificate (original or certified copy)
- Previous U.S. passport (book or card — even if expired)
- Consular Report of Birth Abroad or Certificate of Naturalization/Citizenship
- Same proof of citizenship requirements as a passport book application
Passport Photo
- One 2×2 inch color passport photo taken within the last 6 months
- White or off-white background
- Full face, front view with a neutral expression
- No glasses (as of 2016 regulation)
- Same photo requirements as a passport book — the photo is used for the card's digital record
Form DS-11 or DS-82 (Depending on Eligibility)
- First-time applicants use DS-11 (must appear in person at an acceptance facility)
- Renewals may use DS-82 by mail if: passport card issued when 16+, within 15 years, and undamaged
- Name change on your passport card? If issued within 1 year, use DS-5504 (free). If 1–15 years, use DS-82 with certified name change documentation
- Do NOT sign DS-11 until instructed by the acceptance agent
- You can apply for a passport card and passport book simultaneously on the same form
Proof of Identity
- Valid government-issued photo ID (driver's license, state ID, military ID)
- Photocopy of the front and back of your ID
- If applying with DS-11, the acceptance agent will verify your identity in person
- For DS-82 renewal by mail, your existing passport card serves as identity proof
Government Fees
- Passport card fee is significantly lower than a passport book — roughly half the cost
- First-time adult passport card: application fee + execution fee
- Passport card renewal (DS-82): application fee only (no execution fee)
- Check current fee schedule at travel.state.gov — fees change periodically
- Our service fee is the same regardless of whether you apply for a card, book, or both
Passport Courier LOA
- A Letter of Authorization (LOA) is required for a courier service to submit your passport application on your behalf
- Without a signed LOA, the passport agency won't accept a courier-submitted application — this is non-negotiable
- When you sign up, Fast Passport Center sends you a pre-filled LOA along with complete step-by-step instructions
- Need a courier LOA? Click here to get started today
Pro tip: You can apply for both a passport book AND passport card at the same time on a single application. The card is perfect for frequent land crossings, while the book covers international air travel. Many frequent border travelers get both.
Questions?
Passport Card FAQs
Common questions about the U.S. Passport Card — what it is, where it works, and how to get one.
A passport card is a wallet-size travel document issued by the U.S. Department of State. It's roughly the size of a driver's license and contains an RFID chip for quick scanning at land borders. The key difference: a passport card is ONLY valid for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda — it CANNOT be used for international air travel to any destination. A passport book is valid for all modes of international travel. The card costs about half as much as a book and fits in your wallet.
Still have questions about the passport card? Our team is here to help.
Call 877-253-0084Ready to Apply?
Your passport card is just a few clicks away.
Whether you need a wallet-size travel document for frequent land crossings, a REAL ID-compliant federal ID, or a convenient companion to your passport book — we handle the entire application and expedited processing. As fast as 24 hours for emergencies.
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