How To Apply For A Passport Card

Find out if a passport card is what you need. A passport card is considered a US passport, if issued for the full validity, it can be used for proof of your US citizenship and identity. However, they cannot be used for international air travel, it can be used for border crossings and sea ports-of-entry from Canada, Mexico, The Caribbean and Bermuda. View the chart below to see the uses for both a US passport book and US passport card to determine which one you should apply for.

How to get a passport card

You are able to apply through the mail by using Form DS-82 if you have a passport book or card that:

• Can be submitted with your application
• Is undamaged (other than normal "wear and tear")
• Was issued when you were age 16 or older
• Was issued within the last 15 years
• Was issued in your current name (or you can document your name change with an original or certified copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order)

If any of the above statements do not apply to you, then read on to view the steps on getting a US passport card. You will be required to apply in person using Form DS-11. Please note, if you only applied for a passport card, the card will be sent to you via First Class Mail.

They do not offer 1-2 day delivery services for passport cards. You can use Form DS-82 to renew your passport book at the same time you apply for your first passport card.

Applying for a passport card in person

If you need to apply in person for a new passport card, then follow the steps outlined here. The first step is to download Form DS-11 and fill it out. The next step is to provide evidence of your US citizenship. You must submit one of the following. Your evidence must be an original or certified copy. A certified copy is any document that has the seal or stamp of the official issuing authority.

• Fully-valid, undamaged US passport (may be expired)
• US birth certificate that has been issued by the city, county, or state of birth, lists your full name, date of birth, and place of birth and lists your parent(s)' full names. It also must have the date filed with registrar's office (must be within one year of birth), have the registrar's signature and have the seal of the issuing authority
• Consular Report of Birth Abroad or Certification of Birth
• Certificate of Naturalization
• Certificate of Citizenship

If you cannot submit one of the above acceptable documents, or for more information, please see Citizenship Evidence.

Provide Evidence of US Citizenship

Next, you will need to submit a photocopy of the front (and back, if there is printed information) of the US citizenship evidence you are providing to them. Photocopies must be:

• Legible
• On white 8.5"x11" standard paper
• Black and white
• Single sided

If you don't want to submit a photocopy of your citizenship evidence, you may submit a second certified copy of your citizenship evidence, which they will need to keep. If you don't submit a photocopy or a second certified copy of your citizenship evidence, the application process could be delayed.

Provide photo ID

You will also need to provide one of the following identification documents to the acceptance agent. The ID must readily identify you.

• In-state, fully valid driver's license or enhanced driver's license with photo
• In-state, fully valid learner's permit
• In-state, fully valid non-driver ID
• Temporary driver's license
• Valid or expired, undamaged US passport book or passport card
• Certificate of Naturalization
• Certificate of Citizenship
• Government employee ID (city, county, state, or federal)
• US military or military dependent ID
• Current (valid) foreign passport
• Matricula Consular. Commonly used by a parent of a US citizen child applicant
• US Permanent Resident Card. Commonly used by a parent of a US citizen child applicant
• Trusted Traveler IDs (including valid Global Entry, FAST, SENTRI, and NEXUS cards)

If you cannot present one of the IDs above, or for more information, please see passport photo ID. Please note, if you provide an out-of-state ID, you must present an additional ID.

Photocopy of ID

Please bring a photocopy of the front (and back, if there is printed information) of each ID that you present when you apply. Photocopies must be:

• Legible
• On white 8.5"x11" standard paper
• Black and white
• Single sided

For any Special Circumstances

If any of the below categories apply to you, you may have additional requirements for your US passport application. Please click a link below that is relevant to you.

• Children under 16
• Children 16-17
• Previous passport was lost or stolen
• Owe child support of $2500 or more

Providing a photo

When applying for a new passport card, you will need to bring a 2" by 2" color passport photo. Below are the requirements for this photo in order to be used for your card.

• Your head must face the camera directly with full face in view
• You must have a neutral facial expression or a natural smile, with both eyes open
• Taken in clothing normally worn on a daily basis
• Taken in the last 6 months
• Use a plain white or off-white background
• Be sized correctly
• 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm)
• Head must be between 1 -1 3/8 inches (25 - 35 mm) from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head
• Printed on matte or glossy photo quality paper
• Printed in color
  You cannot wear glasses
• If you cannot remove your glasses for medical reasons, please include a signed note from your doctor with application
• You cannot wear a hat or head covering
• If you wear a hat or head covering for religious purposes, submit a signed statement that verifies that the hat or head covering in your photo is part of recognized, traditional religious attire that is customarily or required to be worn continuously in public
• If you wear a hat or head covering for medical purposes, submit a signed doctor's statement verifying the hat or head covering in your photo is used daily for medical purposes
• Your full face must be visible and your hat or head covering cannot obscure your hairline or cast shadows on your face
• You cannot wear headphones or wireless hands-free devices

Where to get your passport photo

For applicants looking to find a place where they can go to have their picture taken and print it out, view the following locations that generally allow you to do this:

• CVS
  In most cases, an applicant can go to a CVS to get their passport photo done quickly at participating locations. They are generally cheap to obtain, and applicants usually do not need to wait long to get their copies
• Costco
  Costco passport photos can be taken at various facilities throughout the country but membership may be required
• Walmart
  Using Walmart for your passport photo is economical and easy to obtain for first-time applicants
• Walgreens
  Walgreens generally offers photo services. Occasionally, there is even a Walgreens passport photo coupon or discount that thrifty purchasers can use to lower their costs
• Rite Aid
  You can check out your local Rite Aid for another option in getting your passport photo taken and printed out

You can also contact your local USPS to see if they offer passport photo services. However, you will need to schedule an appointment to make sure the service is available. You can search our list of passport office locations in your state to see if one nearby offers passport photo services.

New passport card fees

Below is a list of fees when applying for a new passport card. It list the fees for both adult applicants and child applicants (Age 15 and younger).

Adult Applicants (Age 16 and older) Child Applicants (Age 15 and younger) Applying at a Passport Acceptance Facility

Application Fee and any Additional Services Fees:

• Checks and money orders payable to "U.S. Department of State"
• Credit and debit cards will not be accepted

$35 Execution (Acceptance) Fee Paid Separately

• Money orders at all locations, payable as instructed by the facility
• Personal checks and cash (exact change only) at some locations
• Credit cards at US postal facilities and some other locations

Please verify acceptable payment methods with the acceptance facility ahead of time.

Applying at a Passport Agency

Below is accepted for all fees:

• Credit Cards and Debit Cards displaying the Visa or MasterCard logo
• Checks, payable to "US Department of State"
• Money orders, payable to "US Department of State"
• Cash, exact amount only
• Pre-paid credit card or gift card displaying the Visa or MasterCard logo

Submitting completed passport card application

For applicants inside the US:

• You must submit your completed application, including citizenship evidence, photocopy of ID, photo, and fees, in person at a passport acceptance facility
• You may be eligible to apply in person at a passport agency if you are traveling soon

For applicants outside the US please contact your US Embassy and Consulate for how to submit your documents, since processes vary.