The U.S. passport card, explained
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Short answer
A passport card is a wallet-sized travel document valid only for land and sea entry from Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and the Caribbean — never for international air travel. It costs $30 for adults and $15 for children.
Key takeaways
- Not valid for international flights, including flights to Canada or Mexico.
- Adult card $30; child card $15; execution fee applies to in-person applications.
- Same validity as a book: 10 years for adults, 5 years for children.
- It is a federally issued photo ID accepted for domestic air travel checkpoints.
Where the card works
The card is valid for entering the United States by land border crossing or sea port-of-entry from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda. Cruise passengers on closed-loop itineraries frequently use it.
For any international flight you need a passport book.
Ordering a card
You can request a card on the same DS-11 or DS-82 application as a book, or apply for the card alone. If you apply in person, the execution fee is charged once even when you order both documents.
The card is mailed separately from the book.
Card as identification
Because it is a federally issued photo ID, the card is accepted at domestic airport security checkpoints and is a convenient alternative to carrying your book.
It does not replace a state driver's license for driving.