Based on the type of international travel that an individual undertakes, the new passport card might meet all of their needs. It is important to understand how to apply for the card and how to work the system in order to get the card in time for any planned travel. If the trip is imminent, it might not be possible to get the card in time under normal conditions, causing the individual to need to apply for an rush passport card.

While still fairly new and unknown to some travelers, this new travel identification document made its debut in 2008. Though this card was created for a specific type of traveler, specifically those who cross the northern or southern borders frequently, it can be obtained by any United States citizen. It was designed to be more convenient to use and cheaper to obtain than a normal passport book.

A key point you need to keep in mind if you are considering applying for the card is that it can only be used in certain situations. With the passport card, you can only exit the United States border to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean islands. Further, these border crossing must be via land or sea. If you intend to fly to any of these countries, you will need a traditional passport book. In addition, if your travel will be taking you to any country other than those listed, this document is not right for you.

The application requirements for a passport card are the same as if you were applying for a regular passport. In fact, you can apply for both simultaneously. When making your first application, you must do so in person at a Passport Agency office or at an Acceptance Facility. To make the application process more accessible to people these Acceptance Facilities, generally located at a local governmental office or post office, were created.

For a new applicant, you must complete form DS-11 and submit it to the agent at the Acceptance Facility. In addition, you must provide proof of your citizenship, proof of your identity, two passport photos that meet the application requirements, and the fee for the passport card. You will also have to pay the Acceptance Facility a fee to cover their work, as an intermediary agent of the Passport Agency. This fee is separate from the fee you pay to the issuing agency.

To make the application process as pain-free as possible, make sure to include the correct documents with the application. The most common document needed for native United States citizens is a birth certificate issued and certified by a government agency. For US citizens born outside the country, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad will work, or a Certification of Citizenship that is received when establishing citizenship is acceptable. A photo I.D., such as a valid driver’s license, a current military identification, or a current identification card issued by a city, state, or federal government agency serves as proof of identity. It is a requirement that a photocopy of the proof of identity document be provided, so plan ahead on this.

If you already have a passport and desire a passport card as well, the application process is a bit simpler. You can complete the process through the mail, and are not required to appear in person at an Acceptance Facility. In this situation you will complete form DS-82, which is for renewal of a passport, or for obtaining a passport card. If your passport is due for renewal, you can apply for them together. As part of this application process, you must submit your current passport, two new photos that meet the specifications, and the fee for the passport card. If you are renewing your regular passport be sure to include the fee for that as well. The Passport Agency will give you a bit of a discount if you apply for both forms of passport at the same time.

If you already have a trip planned, and find that normal processing times for getting your card will not make the cut, there is always the option to request an fast passport card. You do this as part of your application process by paying an extra fee of $60. Whether you are applying in person for your first card, or by mail, the fee for a priority USA passport card is the same. Based on my personal experiences with passport agencies, this could cut your wait time in half.

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