Find out how much is a passport card. This handy little card allows you to visit Canada and Mexico and is more affordable than a full passport.
But how much does a passport card actually cost? Understanding the fees for first-time applicants, renewals, and minors can save you from surprise expenses. Plus, knowing the difference between a passport card and a passport book will help you decide which option is best for your adventures.
In this article, we’ll break down all the costs you need to know about passport cards, including any extra services and the application process. Ready to learn how you can save money on your travel documents? Let’s dive in!
Cost Overview
A passport card is like the little sibling of a passport book. It’s a handy card that lets you travel to nearby places like Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda by land or sea. It’s not as fancy as the passport book, which is useful for air travel worldwide, but it’s cheaper and fits in your wallet like a credit card!
Here’s a simple breakdown of the costs:
| Type of Applicant | Application Fee | Execution Fee | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| First-time Adult | $30 | $35 | $65 |
| Renewal (Adult) | $30 | N/A | $30 |
| Minor (under 16) | $15 | $35 | $50 |
First-time Applicants
If you’re getting a passport card for the first time, here’s what you need to do:
- Fill out the passport application form (Form DS-11).
- Bring your birth certificate or proof of citizenship.
- Provide a recent passport photo.
- Pay the fees: $30 for the card itself and a $35 execution fee when you apply in person at an acceptance facility like a post office or a clerk’s office.
First-time adults pay a total of $65, and if you apply for a passport book too, the cost increases.
Renewal Fees
Renewing a passport card is pretty straightforward and cheaper than starting from scratch:
- Use Form DS-82 if eligible.
- Pay the $30 fee using a personal check or money order payable to “U.S. Department of State.”
- Mail it to the address provided on the form—no need for the extra $35 execution fee.
The total renewal cost: just $30.
Minor Applicants
For minors (under 16), applying for a passport card comes with these steps:
- Fill out the application form (Form DS-11).
- Bring a birth certificate and have both parents or guardians present.
- Provide a passport photo.
- Pay $15 for the card and a $35 execution fee.
This means a total of $50 for minor applicants. Remember, both parents have to be present or provide consent for the passport application to work out smoothly.
Passport Card vs. Passport Book
When it comes to traveling, you have two main options for identification: passport cards and passport books. Each serves its own purpose and has different uses based on where you’re going and how you’re getting there. Let’s dive into what makes them unique!
Key Differences
- Where You Can Use Them:
- Passport Card: It’s like a credit card-sized ID you can use for land border crossings into Canada and Mexico. You can also use it for some domestic flights.
- Passport Book: This is like your golden ticket—it’s accepted for all international travel by air, sea, and land.
- Cost:
- Passport Card: It’s cheaper! The application fee for adults is usually around $30, and for minors, it’s about $15.
- Passport Book: More expensive, with fees starting at around $130 for adults and $100 for minors.
- Appearance:
- Passport Card: Looks like a plastic card, easy to carry like a credit card.
- Passport Book: A little book with pages for visas and entry/exit stamps.
Benefits of Each
- Passport Card:
- Affordable: Less expensive than the book, so if you’re planning simple land trips, it’s a smart choice.
- Convenient Size: Fits easily in your wallet, just like a traditional credit card.
- Passport Book:
- International Freedom: Go anywhere! It’s the only option for international flights.
- Room for Stamps: Collect stamps from different countries as you travel the world.
Whether you want a passport card or a passport book, consider where you’re traveling and how often you need to leave the country. For land travelers sticking close to the U.S., a passport card might be enough. But for globe-trotters hoping to explore far-off lands, a passport book is a must-have. Enjoy your trips!
Optional Services
When you’re applying for a passport card, there are some extra services you can choose to make your life a bit easier. These services aren’t free, but they can be really helpful depending on your travel needs.
Expedited Processing Fees
If you’re in a hurry to get your passport card, you can pay extra for expedited processing. Normally, it takes about 4-6 weeks to get your passport. But with expedited processing, you could get it in as little as 2-3 weeks. There’s an extra fee for this service, usually about $60. It’s like getting express delivery for an important package, except this package is your key to traveling!
Overnight Delivery Charges
Sometimes, you need to get your passport card fast and can’t wait for regular mail. In that case, you can choose overnight delivery. This means your passport card is sent to you super quickly once it’s processed. The charge for overnight delivery is separate from the regular or expedited processing fees. It’s a bit like paying an extra shipping fee when you need something online to arrive the next day.
Here’s a quick recap of the optional services you can add:
- Expedited Processing: $60 additional fee for quicker processing time (2-3 weeks)
- Overnight Delivery: Additional charge for fast shipping right to your door
Remember, these services are optional. You only pay for them if you need or want these extras for your passport card!
The Passport Card Application Process
Hey there! So you’re thinking about getting a passport card? Awesome decision! A passport card is super handy for land border crossings and even some domestic flights. It’s like having a mini-passport in your wallet—kind of like a fancy credit card but for international travel in nearby countries. But remember, unlike a passport book, you can’t use it for air travel internationally. So, let’s dive into how you can get one.
Required Documentation
Before you get started, make sure you gather all the right documents. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Birth Certificate: Your original or certified birth certificate.
- Passport Photo: A recent colored photo of your face. It’s got to be just the right size, like a tiny school picture.
- Application Form (Form DS-11): This is your passport card application form, and it’s super important.
- Money Order or Personal Check: Make it payable to “U.S. Department of State” for the application fee.
If you’re applying for a minor passport card, remember you might need a few extra papers related to the kiddo.
Step-by-Step Application Guide
Ready to jump in? Follow these simple steps to get your passport card:
- Fill Out the Application: Complete the DS-11 form. You can do it online or pick up a form at a local acceptance facility (like certain post offices).
- Get Your Photo Taken: Head to a place that takes passport photos and get a professional shot taken. Remember, no selfies allowed!
- Gather Your Documents: Collect your birth certificate, passport photo, and completed application form.
- Visit the Acceptance Facility: Take everything to an acceptance facility. They’ll check your stuff and help you through the process.
- Pay the Fee: Hand over your application fee. This can be done with a money order payable to the “U.S. Department of State” or a personal check. Don’t forget about the execution fee that might be required on the spot.
- Wait for Processing: Regular processing times are about 2-3 weeks. If you’re in a hurry, consider expedited processing, but it might cost extra.
- Check for Updates: If you want, check the status of your passport card by visiting the U.S. Department of State’s website.
And there you have it! Once you’ve got your passport card in hand, you’ll be all set for those land or sea adventures across the border. Safe travels! 🚌⛵️
Payment Methods
When you’re ready to apply for something like a passport card, you’ll need to pay some fees. These fees can be paid using different methods. It’s important to know your options so you can choose the one that works best for you!
Accepted Payment Options
- Credit Cards: You can use your credit card to pay for passport fees. It’s a quick and easy method.
- Personal Checks: If you like sending checks, you can write one out to pay for your passport card.
- Money Orders: These are like checks but safer. They are especially useful if you do not have a bank account.
- Cashier’s Checks: Issued by the bank, these are another safe option.
When making payments, make sure everything is payable to the “U.S. Department of State.” Double-check the details so your application isn’t delayed!
Application Submission Process
Applying for a passport card involves a few simple steps:
- Gather Your Documents: You’ll need some important papers, like your birth certificate or, if renewing, your old passport.
- Fill Out the Form: For first-time passport or minor passport applications, complete the right form. You can find these at the passport application facilities or online.
- Get Your Photo Taken: You’ll need a passport photo. Make sure it meets the requirements, like size and background color.
- Submit Your Application: You can apply in person at passport acceptance facilities such as local post offices or passport agencies.
- Choose Your Processing Speed: Normal processing takes about 2-3 weeks, but there’s expedited processing if you’re in a hurry! Just remember there’s an extra fee.
- Track Your Application: Once submitted, you can keep an eye on its progress online.
With these steps, your passport card will soon be ready for your next big adventure, whether it’s crossing land borders or flying on domestic flights!
Frequently Asked Questions
When thinking about getting a passport card, it’s normal to have a bunch of questions. Let’s break it down into easy bits.
Common Inquiries About Fees
One big question is, “How much does a passport card cost?” Well, for adults, the passport card fee is $30. But if you’re getting it for the first time, add a $35 execution fee. Kids under 16 can get it for $15, but they also need to pay that $35 execution fee.
You will need an acceptable form of payment, like a money order payable or a personal check. Remember, these fees are separate from the application fee for passport books. If you’re traveling internationally beyond land borders, you might need both the passport card and book, which have different costs. Just keep in mind that the passport card is really handy for land border crossings to places like Canada and Mexico and for some domestic flights.
Application Timeline Questions
Applying for a passport card can take some patience. Normally, you should expect to wait about 2-3 weeks for regular processing. If you’re in a hurry, expedited processing can speed things up, but it costs extra.
When applying, either for first-time passports or renewals, make sure to submit your passport application form as required. If you’re doing it in person at acceptance facilities, don’t forget to bring a passport photo, your birth certificate, and any required forms of ID. If you’re applying via passport agencies, they might offer quicker processing times.
For minor passports, the timelines can be the same, but ensure you have all the correct documents ready, especially since adult passports and minor passport books have different requirements. Always check with the U.S. Department of State for the most complete list of needed documents and fees to avoid delays.
In short, plan ahead, keep track of the application process, and double-check all fees to make sure your travel plans go smoothly!
