United States Passport Card Application Guide

United States citizens may now apply for the new Passport Card. The U.S. Passport Card will fulfill new border travel requirements and expedite sea and land border crossings between the United States, Canada, Mexico, Bahamas and the Caribbean. The Passport Card is essentially a U.S. Passport, but in a more convenient and less bulky card format. The Passport Card is proof of identity and U.S. citizenship. However, a regular U.S. Passport is still the only valid document for international air travel.

Applications for Passport Cards became available on February 01, 2008 and production began in July of the same year. Once the Department of State receives the application, it takes approximately three weeks for applicants to receive their Passport Card. Individuals interested in obtaining the Passport Card are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

OVERVIEW OF THE UNITED STATES PASSPORT CARD

SAMPLE PASSPORT CARD

Valid only for land and sea travel between the United States and Mexico, Canada, Bermuda and the Caribbean. A Passport Card cannot be used for international travel by air. US Passport Cards became available as of July 14, 2008. US Passport Cards are issued by the U.S. Department of State. Available only to U.S. citizens. If you are not a U.S. citizen, you must first apply for United States Citizenship.

IMPORTANT WARNING AND LEGAL DISCLAIMER U.S. Immigration Support (this website) does not issue passport cards. Only the U.S. Department of State has the authority to issue United States passports and passport cards. U.S. Immigration Support (this website) does not submit applications on behalf of applicants. U.S. Immigration Support (this website) publishes the "United States Passport Card Application Guide". The application guide describes how U.S. citizens can submit a passport card application on their own and without the use of an agent or third party. The application guide is available for a fee. APPLICATION FEE: The purchase price of the U.S. Passport Card Application Guide does NOT include any government fees. There are additional Government fees such as the Passport Card Application Fee and the Execution Fee, which are paid directly to the U.S. Department of State if the application is filed with a Regional Passport Agency.

Why apply for a United States Passport Card?

• It is your right as a U.S. citizen to apply for a U.S. Passport Card
• Be ready to travel on short notice to the Caribbean on a cruise or visit relatives or friends in Canada or Mexico via land border crossings
• International travel is considered a right that cannot be denied to any U.S. citizen and by having a Passport Card you can exercise your right to travel abroad
• Passport Card holders can travel to several countries without obtaining a visa
• As of January 31, 2008, all U.S. citizens are required to have a valid WHTI-compliant document or government issued ID to cross any land and sea borders between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and the Caribbean The identification documents must fulfill both the identity requirement (e.g. U.S. Drivers License) and citizenship requirement (e.g. U.S. Birth Certificate). The Passport Card fulfills both the identity and citizenship requirement.
• As of June 1, 2009 all U.S. citizens entering the United States by sea, air, or land (regardless of destination) will be required to present a US Passport, US Passport Card, or other WHTI compliant document.
• The Passport Card also serves as a valid proof of identification for traveling by air within the United States, and may be used as proof of legal age for alcohol and tobacco purchases.
• For international travel by air a regular U.S. Passport is still the only valid travel document
• The Passport Card is a less expensive option if you only plan on traveling to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda or the Caribbean by land or sea
• United States citizens can hold both a Passport Card and a regular U.S. Passport.

UNITED STATES ENTRY REQUIREMENTS FOR U.S. CITIZENS The full implementation of the WHTI (Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative) requirement is scheduled to take place shortly. U.S. citizens should be aware of the following dates: January 23, 2007: A passport will be required for re-entering the United States by air from the following destinations: Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, Bermuda, in addition to all other foreign destinations that already require a passport. January 31, 2008: All U.S. citizens must carry a Birth Certificate and valid identification (Driver’s License or State Identification) in order to cross U.S. land borders. However, the U.S. Passport Card eliminates the need for two separate pieces of identification. U.S. citizens living in border towns will also benefit from the new U.S. Passport Card. The Passport Card provides U.S. citizens with the convenience of traveling to Canada or Mexico by land, or taking a cruise to the Caribbean with a small and less expensive option than a regular U.S. Passport. June 1, 2009: U.S. citizens entering the United States by sea, air, or land (regardless of destination) must present a US Passport, US Passport Card, or other WHTI compliant document. This is a change from prior travel requirements and will affect all U.S. citizens entering the United States from foreign countries.

Passport Card Application Process:

• Step 1 - Download the United States Passport Card Application Guide
• Step 2 - Carefully read the instructions provided in the application guide
• Step 3 - Fill out the application forms included
• Step 4 - Take passport pictures according to the instructions provided
• Step 5 - Visit (in person) an officially recognized passport facility. Include the following: proof of identity and citizenship, passport pictures and supplemental documentation. Addresses and contact information is included in the application guide.
• Step 6 - Receive your U.S. Passport Card

The process of applying for a United States Passport Card can be a frustrating experience. It is recommended that all applicants follow the instructions included in the United States Passport Card Application Guide before submitting any applications.

The United States Passport Card Application Guide includes:

• United States Passport Card overview
• Who can apply for a United States Passport Card
• Application requirements
• Application procedures for your first United States Passport Card
• Passport Card filing fees
• How to fill out the application forms
• Special requirements for individuals under 16 years of age
• How to update your U.S. Passport Card after a name change
• Information on urgent passport applications and renewals
• Locate the 9000 designated passport application facilities nationwide
• U.S. Passport Card Application Forms

U.S. PASSPORT CARD APPLICATION FEES U.S. Immigration Support (this website) publishes the United States Passport Card Application Guides. The application guide contains detailed filing instructions and application forms. The application guide is available for a download fee of $49.95. The download fee does NOT include the execution and application fees. Please review the fee schedule below before purchasing the application guide. 16 and older Under 16 Application Fee Paid to U.S. Department of State (U.S. Government) $ 20.00 $ 10.00 Execution Fee Paid to Application Facility (e.g. Post Office) $ 25.00 $ 25.00 Downloadable Passport Card Application Guide (eBook) Paid to U.S. Immigration Support (This website, an independent organization) $ 49.95 $ 49.95 TOTAL FEE (PER PASSPORT CARD) $ 94.95 $ 84.95

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U.S. Passport Card and Certificate of Citizenship Package The U.S. Passport Card and Certificate of Citizenship Package includes the following 2 products: U.S. Passport Card Application Guide [the product on this page] Certificate of U.S. Citizenship Application Guide [how obtain a copy of your Certificate of Naturalization] Regular Price: $99.90 [if downloaded separately] Package Price: $79.90 Save $20: Download the Passport  Card Application and Certificate of Citizenship Guide together.