US Passport Card for Travel to and from Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean Islands
The US Passport Card is a valid travel document designed for frequent border travelers and those who primarily travel by land or sea. It serves as a convenient and more affordable alternative to the traditional US passport book.
Resembling a credit or driver’s license, the wallet-size passport card contains a vicinity-read RFID chip that connects to secure government databases. All lawful US citizens are eligible to apply for this travel document.
Accepted Countries for US Passport Cards
While the passport card is not an alternative to a traditional passport book for international travel, it serves as a valuable additional form of identification and proof of citizenship. This is especially helpful if your primary ID becomes invalid or lost.
The passport card is a valid form of ID for travel to and from Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean Islands via land border crossings and sea ports of entry. However, it cannot be used for international air travel.
The card includes an RFID chip that enables Customs and Border Protection officers to access photographs and other biographical data stored in government databases. To address privacy concerns, the Department of State has incorporated security features into the design to mitigate risks.
Acceptance of US Passport Cards
The wallet-size passport card was specifically created as a more portable and cost-effective alternative for border residents and frequent travelers who frequently cross the US borders. It is suitable for travel to and from Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and Caribbean countries via land or sea, but it is not valid for international air travel.
Passport cards have RFID chips for proximity reading, which connect to secure government databases when scanned at border crossings. This expedites the process and reduces wait times at ports of entry.
However, the chip does not contain personal information, and each passport card is issued with a protective RFID-blocking sleeve to prevent unauthorized reading or tracking when not in use.
To obtain a passport card, you must submit a DS-11 form and supporting documents as you would for a traditional passport book. The processing time for a passport card is the same as for a passport book and can be expedited using an expedited passport service.
Use of US Passport Cards in Canada
Passport cards are more internationally recognized than state-issued IDs. They adhere to ICAO standards used worldwide and prominently display “United States of America” along with national symbols.
US passport cards are valid for travel by land and sea to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean Islands. They are accepted for use in Ready Lanes, which are expedited vehicle and pedestrian border crossings at certain ports of entry. However, passport cards do not meet the minimum requirements for international air travel.
Those who already possess a traditional passport book can apply for a passport card if it is still valid and they were born in the United States or have a US citizen parent or spouse. The application process and fees for a new passport book apply, including the option for expedited service.
The cost of a passport card is lower than that of a first-time passport book, priced at $65 for adults. It is also cheaper to renew a passport card, with first-time applicants paying $145 for a passport book and minors paying $50.
Appearance of US Passport Card
US passport cards are similar in appearance to state IDs but larger and more internationally recognized. They contain an RFID chip that connects to government records, enabling instant transmission of identifying information to customs officials when scanned at border points of entry.
This facilitates quick passage through border security, especially in Ready Lanes where dedicated vehicle queues are available. The card is particularly useful for individuals traveling to border communities or frequently crossing into Canada and Mexico.
To apply for a US passport card, visit a passport acceptance facility and submit a completed application, proof of citizenship, and a photo. Payment of the required fee, which is lower than that for a traditional passport book, is also necessary.
Please note that fees may change, so it’s important to check the Department of State website before applying. The processing time for a passport card is generally around six to eight weeks, but expedited service is available for an additional fee.