You know what a passport card is designed for, and have determined that having one meets your travel needs. The next step is to understand what it takes to apply for the card, and how long it normally takes to get one. If you discover that the normal processing times do not meet your requirements, you might need to follow the steps necessary to get an express passport card.
This new travel document was designed for United States residents of the northern and southern border states who frequently cross the border to work, shop, or visit family. It is meant to be a more convenient and less expensive alternative to a regular passport. First made available in 2008, it is an option for any US citizen.
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.
Just because the passport card is a simplified document, and has limited purposes, that does not mean that it has relaxed standards for application. The requirements are just as rigorous as for a regular passport. Since the process is the same, both can be applied for on the same application. If it is the first time an individual is applying for a passport document, there is a requirement that the application be done in person. This can be done at a Passport Agency office, or what is called an Acceptance Facility, which can be found in a local post office or governmental agency office.
If you are a first time applicant, the DS-11 form must be completed and presented to the agent. There are several other pieces of the application process. You must prove that you are a United States citizen, provide a government issued photo id to prove your identity, and submit two photographs that meet passport specifications. You must also pay the fee for the passport card, as well as a separate fee to the Acceptance Facility for providing their services.
Documents that are considered acceptable as proof of citizenship include a certified copy of your birth certificate, for those born in the United States, or a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, for citizens born outside the country. You can also use a Certification of Citizenship document obtained after becoming a US citizen. To prove your identity you can use a valid driver’s license, a current military identification, or a current government identification issued by a city, state, or federal agency. You must also provide a photocopy of whichever document you intend to provide as proof of your identity.
If you are a current passport holder, and feel that having a passport card as well is of value to you, there is an application process that you can complete by mail. Since you have already gone through the initial application process and provided proof of citizenship and identity, the DS-82 form is submitted as your application for the passport card. This is the same form that is used when renewing your passport, so if you are due to renew soon, you might want to do both together. With this process you submit your current passport with the application form, two new photographs, and the fees required. Your passport will be returned to you along with your new card.
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 next day 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 U S 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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