Introduction

There are times when going through airport security can be a pain. Whether you’re traveling for business or pleasure, having to take off your shoes, remove your laptop from its case and place it in a separate bin, or even taking off your belt and jacket to prove that you’re not carrying any dangerous items is enough on its own to make you want to avoid flying altogether. But what if there was another option? What if there was a way for you to get around these issues without having to travel internationally? There is! It’s called the U.S. passport card and it’s available from the State Department as part of their “travel documents” program.

How to get a passport card

If you’re looking to apply for a passport card, there are two ways to do so: online or in person at your local post office. You’ll need to bring proof of identity and citizenship with you when applying either way.

If you’d rather fill out the application on your own time and submit it electronically, go ahead! But be warned–the online application asks for more information than its paper counterpart (including details about travel plans), so make sure that all of the information is correct before submitting it.

Do I need a passport card?

A passport card is not required for international travel. You can use it to reenter the U.S., but only if you’re traveling by land or sea, and only from Canada, Mexico and Bermuda (and those countries’ territories).

A passport card also cannot be used as a primary form of identification when entering the country by air. You’ll need some other form of ID like a driver’s license or military ID card in addition to your passport card if you’re flying into an airport that requires additional documentation beyond just showing up with your plane ticket and boarding pass (which most domestic flights do). For example, if you live near an international border where immigration officers perform passport checks at ports-of-entry such as San Diego/Tijuana; Nogales; El Paso/Juarez; Laredo/Nuevo Laredo; Rio Grande Valley/Brownsville – McAllen International Airport; Imperial County – Calexico International Airport – Mexicali Border Crossing Point…you may need additional documentation besides just having both items in hand!

How long does it take to get a passport card?

Once you’ve applied for a passport card, the average time it takes to receive one is about 4-6 weeks. However, if you need to get your new ID in less than two weeks or even on the same day, there are expedited and rush services available that can help.

If you need express service (2-3 days), check out our Express Passport Photo Service or just order from us directly and we’ll take care of everything else!

What travel documents does a passport card prove I have?

The passport card is a travel document that can be used for domestic travel to the US by air, land or sea. It’s not valid for international travel.

Passport cards are not valid for air travel; you must have a valid passport book (or another acceptable alternative) when traveling by air to the United States from Canada, Mexico, Bermuda or any Caribbean island nation.

Can I get my passport card expedited?

The cost of an expedited passport card is $60. It takes 2-3 weeks to get your passport card, but you can pay to speed up the process.

The requirements for getting your passport card expedited are:

  • You must be 16 or older
  • A Passport Agent or Clerk must approve your application at a State Department Application Support Center (ASC) or U.S. Embassy/Consulate abroad

If these requirements are met and you still want to expedite your application, call 1-877-487-2778 or email us here at [email protected]

You can apply for a fast, affordable passport card that’s accepted for domestic travel.

A passport card is a secure, convenient and affordable travel document that you can use to enter the U.S. from Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and the Caribbean at land border crossings or sea ports of entry.

Passport cards are valid for 5 years for applicants under age 16 (10 years if applying in person). For applicants age 16 or older, the passport card’s validity period is determined by how long it takes you to apply:

  • If you apply within 1 year of your previous passport being issued, your new passport card will be valid for 10 years from the date it was issued.
  • If you apply more than 1 year after your previous passport was issued, your new passport card will be valid for 5 years from its date of issue

Conclusion

A passport card is a great option for those who don’t need to travel internationally. It’s fast and affordable, so you can get your new ID in just five days or less. Plus, it can be used as proof of citizenship when entering the U.S. from Canada or Mexico by land or sea–and that’s not something most other IDs offer!