Passport Cards
Passport Card for first time passport applicants and minors
U.S. citizens worldwide can apply for the new U.S. passport card, which is designed to be used in place of the standard U.S. passport book when entering the United States by land or sea, from Mexico, Canada, or the Caribbean, and Bermuda. The passport card will be accepted by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials as proof of the travelers U.S. citizenship, just the same as a standard U.S. passport book.
The passport card is intended as a more portable and less expensive alternative to the standard passport book, primarily for those American citizens who live near the U.S. border and must cross the border frequently.
While U.S. citizens anywhere in the world may apply for the passport card, including at the Consulate General in Amsterdam, customers should note that the card cannot be used for international air travel. Although it carries the same rights and privileges of the U.S. passport book, immigration authorities of other countries may not recognize the passport card as proof of U.S. citizenship. In addition, the card does not contain any pages for visas or immigration stamps.
Applying for a U.S. passport card
A previous passport book holder, eligible to use Form DS-82, may apply for a passport card as a renewal by mail. First time applicants for a U.S. passport book and/or card, and those not eligible to use the DS-82 (including minors), should apply for a passport card using Form DS-11, and set up an appointment.
For more information view our passport instructions.
Click here for our fees page.
Processing time
As passport cards are produced in the United States, please allow between 4 and 6 weeks processing time.
More information regarding passport cards: