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The Essential Guide to U.S. Passport Cards: How to Apply and FAQs

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For U.S. citizens looking to travel internationally by land or by sea, a U.S. passport card is a great option to consider.

The US passport card is smaller, cheaper, and more convenient than a passport book. That said, it is not for everyone. It only works for entry into certain countries via sea or land crossings.

These countries include:

• Caribbean countries

Please note that the Passport Card cannot be used for international air travel.

So, if you are planning to visit one of these destinations and do not have a valid U.S. passport already, a passport card can be a better option than a standard passport book.

Both a passport card and passport book can serve as identification that border agents can accept as proof of your American citizenship status.

So, who is it for? How do you get one? What does the card look like?

We answer these and other frequently asked questions below so you can make the best decision for your travel needs.

What is a passport card?

A passport card works the same way as the book version. It is issued by the Department of State and proves both your United States citizenship and your identity. It has a unique passport card number just like a standard book-style passport does. It features the same style photo as a traditional passport book. The cards also have expiration dates 10 years after issuance (or 5 years for minors) just like the books do.

The card is a valid passport, but it is similar in size to a credit card or driver's license. It has a radio frequency identification (RFID) chip that stores your identifying details. When a customs official scans your card, the RFID chip transmits this information.

What does the passport card look like?

The Differences Between a Passport Book and a Passport Card

Both passport cards and passport books serve the same purpose: proving your U.S. citizenship and identity.

All American citizens are required to present a valid passport to exit and re-enter the United States. A passport is used for international travel when entering, exiting, and traveling between foreign countries.

While there are similarities between the two, the table below shows the differences between a passport card and a passport book.

The main differences are:

• Size - The passport card is about the same size as a credit or debit card. Its smaller size makes it more convenient to carry than the larger book.
• Cost - It is cheaper to get passport cards than passport books. Choosing a card can be a good way to save money.
• No stamps - Unlike a traditional passport book, there is no place on the card for the colorful immigration stamps many countries issue when you go through customs.

However, a passport book is valid for all types of travel to any destination. It can be used for international air travel, land border crossings, and at international sea ports of entry.

How to Apply for a Passport Card

You apply for both a passport card and passport book using the same application form (you are not required to get both).

The process looks differently depending on whether or not you already have a valid passport book.

• If you do not already have a valid passport book, Follow this step-by-step guide to getting a new passport .
• If you do already have a valid passport book, you follow this step-by-step guide for applying for a passport renewal .

In either scenario, you can still use the help of a registered passport expediter to simplify and speed up the application timeline for your passport card.

Important Note: However you apply, be sure to check the appropriate box for a passport card on the DS-11 application form (for those applying as first-time applicants) or the DS-82 form if you are renewing an existing card or book by mail.

Passport Card Processing Times

There is no significant difference in processing time for a passport card versus a passport book.

Both can be expedited . However, some passport agencies do not expedite passport cards.

Routine processing currently takes 6 to 8 weeks .

Expedited processing currently takes 2 to 3 weeks .

If you need a passport card quickly, a reputable registered passport expediter can submit your application on your behalf. This can ensure the fastest possible processing times for your passport card and/or book application. In some cases, you can get your new card or book in as few as 24 hours .

For more on passport expediters, who they are, what they do, and how they can help you with your travel document needs, check out our Ultimate Guide to Passport Expeditors .

Click for reliable expedited passport courier service .

The Purpose of a U.S. Passport Card

Any American citizen can apply for a passport card. But, it may not be the ideal choice for everyone with international travel plans.

The purpose of the card is to make it easier for Americans who have to cross land or sea borders often. For example, many people living in border communities must cross a border frequently for work, shopping, or leisure. They must show a proper credential each time they cross. A plastic card is sturdier and easier to carry than a paper passport book.

Know that citizens still need a passport book to travel outside of North America or fly abroad. There is a good reason for this. Passport books are the international gold standard for travel ID. As such, the card was never meant to replace the book. The card is simply a convenient tool more suitable for specific use cases.

The Pros and Cons of Passport Cards

• Convenience - It's the same size as a credit card, so it fits conveniently in your wallet.
• Cost - Both the initial cost and renewal costs are lower than a passport book.
• Travel - It can be used for land or sea travel to some of the most popular destinations for Americans traveling abroad: Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean.
• Identification - It can serve as an identity proof for children and non-drivers.
• Air Travel - You cannot use it for international air travel.
• Limited Use - It cannot be used to acquire travel visas or visit countries beyond those listed above.
• Limited Recognition - Not all countries recognize the passport card as an identifying document, as it is a relatively new form of identification.

Passport Card FAQs

Should you choose a passport card or a passport book.

Simply put, applying for a passport card only makes sense if you meet the following criteria:

• You do not plan to leave or enter the United States by air.
• You only plan to travel to Bermuda, Canada, Mexico, and/or the Caribbean (and no other countries).
• Both of the above apply to your anticipated plans for the next 10 years.

The card is a convenient option for those who live near U.S. borders and frequently use land border crossings for work or pleasure. In these cases, being able to keep a durable international travel credential in your wallet or purse - just as you would your license or state-issued ID - makes sense. If you plan on using a card often enough that it must always be on your person, it is worth considering.

For everyone else, the alternative is the traditional U.S. passport book. The book version comes in both a standard, 24-page version and a bigger, 52-page version for those who travel a lot.

Where can a U.S. citizen apply for a passport card?

If you are applying for a passport for the first time, you can do so at one of the 8,400 Passport Application Acceptance Facilities across the country. Most facilities require an appointment and many have limited spots available.

What documents will I need in order to apply for a passport card?

The passport card is a valid passport that is proof of the identity of the bearer. As such, the passport book and passport card follow the same application rules.

Applicants must provide documents that attest to their U.S. citizenship. The most common examples of acceptable documentation include:

A completed application and updated passport photo are also required.

If you already have a traditional passport book and you are eligible to submit Form DS-82, you may apply for a passport card as a Renewal by Mail - even if it is your first passport card!

How much does a passport card cost?

The first card for an adult costs $65, and $50 for any minor under the age of 16. This includes the $35 execution fee. These fees can be paid by money order or check. Cash and credit card payments are not accepted.

Adults who received their most recently issued passport when they were age 16 or older can apply for the card at a cost of $30, as long as their passport is still valid or has expired no more than 5 years ago.

How long does it take to receive your passport card?

This process can take from weeks to months, depending on the demand at the time that you apply.

Using first class mail or similarly fast, reliable shipping options can help reduce your turnaround time by several days.

Can a passport card be renewed?

Yes. You can renew a passport card by following the same steps you would follow to renew a passport book .

Similarly, you also have the ability to rush your passport card renewal in the same ways that you would expedite a passport book renewal.

How can a passport card application be expedited?

You can request expedited passport service when you submit the application. There is an extra fee of $60 for this service. Expedited processing can take up to 2 to 3 weeks by mail. This can save you several weeks compared to the standard wait time, but it is still a long wait for those who need to travel soon.

Applicants who need to get one quickly, but are unable to visit a regional passport agency in person, can authorize a registered expediter to submit the passport application for them. Be sure to check out our directory of the top passport expeditors for our most up-to-date recommendations.

Can a valid passport card be used as a Real ID?

How many passport cards have been issued.

This makes it a much stronger form of personal identification than some driver's licenses or other forms of state issued id.

The passport card has only been around since July 14, 2008. Only 189,560 cards were issued that year.

Just a few years later, the number of passport cards issued rose to over one million. Due to this growth, more and more questions are sent to us about this travel document.

Below are some of the most frequently asked questions we have received over the last 15+ years from our readers.

Readers' FAQs About Passport Cards

Click the links below to see the answers to questions that other visitors have submitted.

Will a passport card be sufficient for a child or adult traveling to Bahamas from the U.S.   Question: If we are traveling to Bahamas from the US, will a passport card work fine for that, and will it last for 5 years like other passports do?

Should I get a passport card for my children instead of a book when traveling on a cruise to Bahamas?   Question: We are traveling with a 4 and 2 year old on a Disney cruise. We fly from Maryland to Florida where we board our ship and sail to the Bahamas...

Passport Card in addition to Passport Book   Question: If my US passport book does not expire for 6 more years, can I complete the DS-82 for a card without renewing my passport book?

My son lost his passport card--NOT his passport. What do we need to do?   Question: My 12 year old son lost his wallet and it contained his passport card, with the passport number on it. He DID NOT lose his passport...

Can I get a passport card for my honeymoon so I don't have to pay the extra cost of a passport book?   Question: My fiance and I are planning a honeymoon, but its based on whether we will have a passport. I'd rather pay the $55 pp for the passport card ...

I have a passport card but need a passport book to travel to Barbados.   Question: I currently have a passport card that was issued in June 2009. I will be needing to get a passport book within the next couple of years so ...

Can you use the passport card instead of the passport book when traveling to Bahamas?   Question: Travel from metro Detroit to Bahamas do I need a book passport or card passport?

Can I renew a passport book that is not expired for a passport card and change the name?   Question: I will be traveling this Feb. 2011 to Mexico (cruise) and would prefer to renew my passport just in case of an emergency. I have two children...

Top 5 Questions About Expedited Passport Couriers

1. How can you get a passport when you're in a hurry? 2. What exactly does a passport expediter do? 3. Are passport expediting services legitimate? 4. How can I identify a reliable passport expeditor? 5. Is expedited passport service worth it?

You can also visit our library of articles about passport expediting .

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Real ID or Passport Card? Understanding Your Travel ID Options

• Sheldon Soper

In an ever-changing world of travel and identification requirements, understanding the difference between a Real ID and a passport card can be tricky. For instance, both a Real ID and a passport card are handy, wallet-sized forms of identification, but they each have their own, unique use cases.

This article will demystify these two types of ID cards, helping you make an informed decision on which document best matches your travel needs.

What is a Real ID?

The Real ID is a driver’s license or identification card that meets the increased security standards set by the federal government. As of May 7, 2025, it will be required for domestic air travel and entry into certain federal facilities.

Key Features:

• Issued By: State DMVs.
• Usage: Domestic flights, federal buildings, military bases.
• Validity: Generally the same as your driver’s license or state-issued ID card.

What is a Passport Card?

A passport card is a wallet-sized card that can be used to enter the United States from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda at land border crossings or sea ports-of-entry.

A passport card cannot be used for foreign air travel. However, a valid passport card is considered an acceptable form of Real ID. This means that a passport card can be used to board domestic flights.

• Issued By: U.S. Department of State.
• Usage : Limited international travel, not valid for international air travel.
• Validity: 10 years for adults, 5 years for children under 16.

Comparing Real ID and Passport Card

Why choose a real id.

• Domestic Air Travel: Real ID will be Required for domestic flyers post-May 7, 2025. It can be used by travelers prior to this date as well.
• Convenience: Real ID combines your driver’s license and/or state identification card with federal ID requirements. Moving forward, applying for and renewing your state-issued ID will also mean you have a current Real ID.

Why Choose a Passport Card?

• Cost-Effective: Passport card fees are cheaper than a traditional passport.
• Convenience: A passport card is an easy-to-carry option If you frequently travel by land or sea to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda.

What the Experts Say

Based on over 20 years helping American travelers with their travel document questions, our advice for those making the choice between Real ID and a passport card is as follows:

While the Real ID is sufficient for domestic-only travelers, the passport card is a cost-effective solution for certain international travelers. If you plan on traveling abroad outside the reach of a passport card, however, it’s worth getting a passport book. It’s about choosing the right tool for your travel needs both now and in the future. -U.S. Passport Service Guide

State-Specific Considerations

Different states have varying processes and timelines for issuing Real IDs. In California, for instance, the DMV has set up a streamlined process . However, in Texas, additional documentation is required .

Since the passport card is issued by the U.S. Department of State, the application process follows the same steps and timelines as a typical passport application. As such, passport card can be obtained , renewed , and even expedited just like a traditional passport book. You can even enlist the help of a registered passport expediting service to get a passport card quickly and conveniently.

For more on the differences between a passport book and a passport card, visit our comprehensive guide to passport cards .

Which is Right for You?

Choosing between a Real ID and a passport card depends on your travel habits and needs. While the Real ID is becoming the standard for domestic travel, the passport card serves a niche but vital role in international land and sea travel to specific regions.

For more helpful advice and travel tips, be sure to subscribe to our blog. Stay informed, stay prepared, and travel smart.

About the Author: For over 20 years, the U.S. Passport Service Guide team has helped hundreds of thousands of travelers with their travel document questions and shared advice about how to make traveling abroad simpler, safer, and more enjoyable.

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What Is a US Passport Card, and How Can You Get One?

The US passport card is a credit card-sized identification document. It was designed for people who travel frequently between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, Bermuda or the Caribbean by land or sea. The passport card contains a radio frequency identification chip as well as the traditional photograph and personal information found in a passport book. The chip links your passport card to records stored in government databases. It does not contain any of your personal information.

Where Can I Travel With My Passport Card?

You can use your passport card for travel by land or sea to and from Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and the Caribbean. You cannot use the passport card for international air travel , nor can you use it for travel to other international destinations. If you plan to travel by air or wish to visit a country other than Canada, Mexico, Bermuda or one of the other Caribbean island nations, you should apply for a passport book instead.

How Much Does a Passport Card Cost?

A passport card is less expensive than a traditional passport book. Your first passport card will cost $65 ($50 for children under 16) and will be valid for ten years (five years for children). Renewals cost $30. A traditional passport book costs $145; renewals cost $110.

Can I Carry Both Types of Passports?

Yes. Even better, if you already hold a valid US passport that was issued after you turned 16, you can apply for a passport card as a mail-in renewal and pay only the $30 renewal fee.

How Do I Apply for My Passport Card?

First-time passport card applicants who do not have a passport book (traditional passport) must go in person to a passport application facility , such as a post office or courthouse, and submit a completed passport application form, proof of US citizenship, one passport photo and the required fee.

You may need to make an appointment to apply for your passport card. Contact your chosen passport acceptance facility for location-specific information and appointment availability. When you apply for your passport cards, you will need to give the passport official the documents you submit as proof of citizenship, but they will be returned to you separately by mail after your passport has been issued.

You can have passport photos taken at many "big box" stores, pharmacies, AAA offices and photo studios. Some post offices also offer this service. Do not wear your glasses when posing for your passport photo. If you normally wear a hat or head covering for medical or religious purposes, you may do so for your passport photo, but you must submit a statement with your passport card application detailing the reasons for wearing it. The statement must be signed by you if you wear a hat or head covering for religious reasons. Your doctor must sign the statement if you wear a hat or head covering for medical reasons.

You may also take your own passport photo. The requirements for passport photos are quite specific. You can find a list of passport photo requirements, tips for taking your own passport photo and a photo sizing tool on the State Department's "Photo Requirements" web page.

If you choose not to provide your Social Security number on your application and you live outside the US, the IRS can fine you $500.

Can I Track My Passport Card Application Status?

Yes! The State Department now offers online passport application tracking. You will need to provide your last name, birth date, and the last four digits of your Social Security number.

When Will I Receive My Passport Card?

You will receive your passport card in six to eight weeks, not counting mailing time. Try to apply for your card at least ten weeks before your scheduled departure date to allow for unexpected delays in processing.

You may apply for expedited processing if you are willing to pay an additional $60 for that service. Typically, expedited passport applications are processed in two to three weeks. Overnight delivery is not available for passport cards. You will receive your passport card via first class mail.

Travelers who need passport cards in less than two weeks must make an appointment at one of the 13 Regional Passport Agency offices to submit their applications and payment in person. Call the National Passport Information Center (NPIC) at 1-877-487-2778 or use NPIC's online passport appointment system to schedule your appointment.

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Where Can I Travel With a Passport Card?

Traveling is a great way to explore the world, and a passport card makes it easy to do so. A passport card is a travel document that works as an alternative to the traditional passport book. It’s a small, wallet-sized card that’s ideal for frequent travelers. The question is, where can you travel with a passport card? Read on to find out more about the countries and territories that accept a passport card.

U.S. is Only Country That issues Passport Cards

The United States is the only country that issues passport cards. While a passport card cannot be used for international air travel, it’s an ideal document for those who frequently travel by land or sea. With a passport card, you can travel to the Caribbean, Canada, and Mexico, as well as some parts of Central and South America. However, be aware that some countries may have different entry requirements, so it’s important to check with the country’s embassy or consulate before you travel.

The Caribbean

In the Caribbean, most countries will accept a passport card as a legitimate travel document. These include the Bahamas, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Other countries in the region, such as Barbados, St. Lucia, and Trinidad and Tobago, require a traditional passport book.

Mexico and Canada

In Canada and Mexico, a passport card is an acceptable document for entry by land or sea. However, if you plan to travel by air, you’ll need a traditional passport book. Additionally, some countries in Central and South America will accept a passport card, including Belize, Costa Rica, and Panama. However, it’s important to check the requirements before you travel, as some countries in the region may require a traditional passport book.

U.S. Territories

In terms of U.S. territories, a passport card can be used to travel to American Samoa, Guam, and the Northern Mariana Islands. However, if you plan to visit Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands, you won’t need a passport card as these are U.S. territories and do not require a travel document for U.S. citizens.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, a passport card is an excellent travel document for those who frequently travel by land or sea. While it’s not as versatile as a traditional passport book, a passport card will allow you to visit a wide range of countries in the Caribbean, Canada, Mexico, and Central and South America. Before you travel, be sure to check with the country’s embassy or consulate to confirm the entry requirements, as these can vary depending on the destination.

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Where to Apply

•  Passport Offices
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Acceptable Identification at the TSA Checkpoint

Adult passengers 18 and older must show valid identification at the airport checkpoint in order to travel.

• Beginning May 7, 2025, if you plan to use your state-issued ID or license to fly within the U.S., make sure it is REAL ID compliant . If you are not sure if your ID complies with REAL ID, check with your state department of motor vehicles.  
• State-issued Enhanced Driver’s License
• U.S. passport
• U.S. passport card
• DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
• U.S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents
• Permanent resident card
• Border crossing card
• An acceptable photo ID issued by a  federally recognized , Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe
• HSPD-12 PIV card
• Foreign government-issued passport
• Canadian provincial driver's license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card
• Transportation worker identification credential
• U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766)
• U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential
• Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)

In coordination with its DHS counterparts, TSA has identified acceptable alternate identification for use in special circumstances at the checkpoint.

A weapon permit is not an acceptable form of identification. A temporary driver's license is not an acceptable form of identification.

Beginning May 7, 2025, if you plan to use your state-issued ID or license to fly within the U.S., make sure it is REAL ID compliant . If you are not sure if your ID complies with REAL ID, check with your state department of motor vehicles.

Learn more about flying with a REAL ID .

 TSA currently accepts expired driver’s licenses or state-issued ID a year after expiration. DHS has extended the REAL ID enforcement deadline to May 7, 2025. Learn more about REAL ID on  TSA’s REAL ID  webpage.

TSA does not require children under 18 to provide identification when traveling within the United States. Contact the airline for questions regarding specific ID requirements for travelers under 18.

Forgot Your ID?

In the event you arrive at the airport without valid identification, because it is lost or at home, you may still be allowed to fly. The TSA officer may ask you to complete an identity verification process which includes collecting information such as your name, current address, and other personal information to confirm your identity. If your identity is confirmed, you will be allowed to enter the screening checkpoint. You will be subject to additional screening, to include a patdown and screening of carry-on property.

You will not be allowed to enter the security checkpoint if your identity cannot be confirmed, you choose to not provide proper identification or you decline to cooperate with the identity verification process.

TSA recommends that you arrive at least two hours in advance of your flight time.

Names With Suffixes

TSA accepts variations on suffixes on boarding passes and ID. Suffixes are not required on boarding passes. If there is a suffix on the boarding pass, and there is not one on the ID or vice versa, that is considered an acceptable variation.

If your identity cannot be verified, you will not be allowed to enter the screening checkpoint.

Simple Flying

The key differences between a passport card & a passport book.

For US citizens traveling exclusively by land or sea, obtaining a passport card is cheaper, although it cannot be used for air travel.

• Choose a passport card if you frequently travel by land and sea within Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda.
• Passport cards are cheaper than a passport book.
• Get both a passport book and a card if you travel by air and land equally.

The US passport book, expressly designed for international travel, accommodates air, sea, or land journeys. This compact, easily portable booklet starts with a page dedicated to the traveler's personal details, such as name, date of birth, and photograph.

Pages are allocated for immigration stamps and visas, which serve as official entry and exit records from different countries. Modern versions of the passport book include an electronic chip to enhance security and facilitate quick processing at borders. This chip contains a digital replica of the information displayed on the personal details page.

The US also offers a passport card for individuals who primarily travel by land or sea to nearby countries, such as Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda. This wallet-sized card is a convenient, more compact alternative to the traditional passport book. It's important to note that the passport card cannot be used for air travel; it is specifically designed for land and sea travel.

David Alwadish, the founder & CEO of ItsEasy.com Passport & Visa Services, notes that both the passport book and the passport card have a validity period of 10 years for adults, ensuring travelers can use their documents for numerous trips, making international travel smooth and efficient. Additionally, choosing between a passport book and a passport card—or to obtain both—allows travelers to select the document that best suits their travel needs, preferences, and habits.

5 Exotic Destinations Americans Can Fly To Without A Passport

Which passport should you get: book or card.

Consider your travel habits when deciding between a passport book and a passport card . If you frequently travel by air or have plans to visit countries beyond Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda, a passport book is preferable. However, a passport card might be sufficient for your needs if you primarily travel by land or sea to nearby destinations.

Passport books are more expensive than cards. First-time applicants must pay an application fee and an acceptance fee. The acceptance fee goes to the facility that takes your application, and the application fee goes to the US Department of State.

Passport book cost for first-time applicants

• For adults (16 and older): $165
• For children (15 and under): $135

Passport card cost for first-time applicants

• For adults (16 and older): $65
• For children (15 and under): $50

Acceptance fees are dropped for renewal of both the passport book and card. Travelers can expect to pay $130 to renew an adult passport book and just $30 to renew an adult passport card.

When to get both a passport book and passport card

The passport book is the all-encompassing identifier to carry regardless of where you travel. Having both passport types might be convenient, like if you travel equally by air and land. If you’re visiting Canada or Mexico by car, you might prefer a more compact document for traveling across the border. A passport card for regular land-based trips would be helpful.

Validity and renewal

Both documents are valid for ten years for adults and five years for children. If you already have a passport, you may be eligible to renew it . You can also correct incorrect information or report your lost or stolen passport . The routine processing time for a passport is six to eight weeks.

You can expedite the process, which takes two to three weeks and costs an extra $60. It is essential to consider the time to get a passport when booking travel. It may take up to two weeks for applications to arrive at a passport agency or center, and it may take up to two weeks for you to receive a completed passport after printing.

Requirements for renewing your passport

• Your passport is not damaged.
• You have never reported your passport lost or stolen
• It was issued within the last 15 years.
• It was issued when you were 16 years or older.
• It was published under your current name.

Renew by mail

• Confirm you meet the requirements
• Fill out your renewal form online
• Submit your most recent passport
• Provide a photo
• Calculate fees
• Submit application
• Enroll in email updates for tracking details

Using a passport card for domestic travel:

On May 7, 2025, US travelers must have a REAL ID to board domestic flights and access certain federal facilities. US passport books and cards are valid forms of ID for domestic air travel, but the card is more convenient to carry. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) accepts the passport card as ID for domestic flights in the United States.

Department Of Homeland Security Extends REAL ID Deadline Another Two Years

When deciding on the best option for your travel documentation, consider the nature of your travel. A passport book is likely the most versatile and universally accepted form of identification and travel document. On the other hand, a passport card could be a more convenient and cost-effective choice if your travels mainly involve crossing borders by land or sea, especially to destinations like Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda. The passport card is smaller and easier to carry for day trips or frequent land and sea crossings, but it's important to note that it cannot be used for international air travel.

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Passport Backlog Eases: Your Questions Answered

Find the solutions to common passport questions about cost, timing and more.

Veronica Stoddart,

This year is on track to set a record for the highest demand for passports, according to the U.S. State Department. From October 2022 to September 2023, the State Department issued more than 24 million passport books and cards, the most ever. Passport processing delays were lengthy as a result. Now the State Department said processing times are at pre-pandemic levels. 

Amid all the confusion around getting a passport, here are some tips to guide you through the ins and outs of the process.

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Passport application and renewal

How can you apply for a passport.

If it’s your first time, you have to apply in person at a  passport acceptance facility .

How   should   you   renew   a   passport?

To renew, mail the  application  and supporting documents (your most recent passport, a photo and passport fees) through the U.S. Postal Service. Make sure you’re  eligible to renew  before you mail in your application.

How long does it take to get and renew a passport?

As of Dec. 18, the State Department reports that  processing time  for routine applications takes six to eight weeks, down from seven to 10 weeks, for new passports and  passport renewals .

Mailing can add up to two weeks for the application to arrive at a passport agency or center and up to two weeks for you to receive your passport.

Expediting a passport

How can you expedite a new passport or renewal.

You can upgrade your passport application from routine to three categories:  expedited , urgent travel or emergency for an additional $60 (on top of the application fee of $130 for a new or renewed passport plus the execution fee of $35 for a new one). 

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You can also add one- to two-day delivery for $19.53.

• Expedited:  Choose this  service  if you’re traveling in less than 10 weeks from the date you submit your application. Processing takes two to three weeks, down from three to five weeks (not including mailing time). You can expedite a renewal by mail or a new passport at an acceptance facility such as a post office, clerk of court, public library or other local government office that accepts passport applications. 
• Urgent travel:  Choose this  service  if you are traveling within the expedited service time of two to three weeks. Call 877-487-2778 to make an appointment at a  passport agency or center  within 14 calendar days of your travel date if you have not already applied or within five calendar days if you have already applied (appointments are accepted only by phone). Note: Passport agencies and centers are operated by the State Department and are different from passport acceptance facilities. Appointments are limited and cannot be guaranteed.
• Emergency:  Choose this  service  if you have a life-or-death emergency that requires travel within three business days. Call 877-487-2778 or 202-647-4000, depending on the day and time, to make an appointment at a passport agency or center and provide proof of the qualifying emergency and proof of travel.

Another option is to use a private passport expediter or courier service. Some of these companies are registered with State Department passport agencies and are allowed to submit expedited passport applications on behalf of customers.  Check the website  for language that says “Authorized/Registered by State Department.”

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These companies may charge several hundred dollars for expediting services, or charge for services that are offered for free by the State Department, such as making an appointment and filling out a form. Buyer beware: The State Department may not be able to honor appointments booked via third parties, according to a department spokesperson. 

Passport types and options

What is an electronic passport.

An electronic or  e-Passport  contains an electronic chip with the same information that is printed on the passport’s ID page. It provides protection against identity theft and makes it difficult to use an altered or forged passport.

All U.S. passports issued from 2006 to 2022 were e-Passports, distinguished by the international e-Passport symbol on the front cover. Since then, new passports are Next Generation Passports, redesigned to be safer and smarter with enhanced security features, according to a State Department spokesperson.

When should you get a “backup” passport?

A  second passport  is useful in a number of situations. For example, if you plan to visit two foreign destinations within a tight time frame and need visas for both.

There may not be enough time to wait for the first visa to be added to your passport before you need to submit your passport to apply for the second visa.

Travel writer and former  Travel + Leisure  international editor Mark Orwoll discovered this the hard way when he was planning back-to-back trips to countries that both required visas.

When he found out he could get a second passport, he had to pay an expediting service $649 (in addition to the State Department’s $60 expedite fee) to rush it and to facilitate both visas so he could get them on time. “I hated to spend so much money, but the expediter got it for me in a matter of days,” Orwoll says. “Because I travel so much overseas, I decided it was worth it. And besides, it’s pretty cool to have two passports!”

Another reason to have two passports is if a foreign country denies you a visa or entry because your passport has stamps showing travel to certain countries. For example, an Israeli entry or exit stamp will prevent you from entering some Arab countries, such as Kuwait, Lebanon and others. Two passports will allow you to divide your entry stamps.

The second passport will be valid for four years or less, instead of 10 for the original one. You must meet several additional requirements to get it.

Can you add visa pages to a passport?

No. If you need additional visa pages in your passport, you must renew it. If you travel overseas frequently and anticipate needing extra visa pages, apply for a “large book,” which provides 24 extra blank pages for stamps and visas at no extra charge.

Should you keep a photocopy of your passport when you travel?

Yes. Losing your passport on an international trip can be very disrupting. To facilitate getting a replacement, keep a photo of your passport ID page on your cellphone or bring a photocopy with you and store it in a separate place from your passport so you have a record if your passport is lost or stolen, says Kevin Coffey, author of  Traveler Beware! An Undercover Cop’s Guide to Avoiding: Pickpockets, Luggage Theft, & Travel Scams . To get a  replacement , bring your copy to the nearest embassy or consulate, complete a loss report and an application form, show an additional government ID and supply one recent passport photo. 

Passport card

What is a passport card, and where can you use it.

A passport card is a wallet-size document that can only be used to reenter the United States at land border crossings and seaports of entry from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda. It provides a less expensive ($30), smaller alternative to the passport book for those who travel frequently to these destinations by land or sea.

Passport cards cannot be used for international travel by air.

To  apply for a passport card , use the same form as applying for a passport book. You can apply for both simultaneously. The processing time for the card is the same as for the book, but cards are only sent via first-class mail.

Editor's note: This article was originally published on Nov. 8. It has been updated to reflect new information. 

​Award-winning travel writer Veronica Stoddart is the former travel editor of  USA Today . She has written for dozens of travel publications and websites.​​​

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What Is a Passport Card—and Can It Replace a Passport?

There are a few major differences between a passport book and a passport card. here’s what you need to know about each..

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Passport cards can be used for domestic air travel but not international flights.

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If you’ve ever applied for a new passport (or have filled out the paperwork to renew an existing passport ), you may have noticed that there’s also an option to purchase a passport card.

While both are valid forms of identification for U.S. citizens and noncitizen nationals that help facilitate travel, there are some significant differences between the two. Here’s what you need to know if you’re trying to decide between a passport book versus a passport card.

What is the difference between a passport book and a passport card?

Passport books and cards both contain information about their owner, including full name, nationality, place of birth, gender, issue date and expiration date, a unique identification number, and a photo.

Here’s how they’re different:

Passport cards are less expensive than passport books. First-time passport book applicants are charged $165 (or $135 if they’re under 16). Passport book renewals cost $130, regardless of age. For passport cards, the initial cost is $65 ($50 for those under 16) and $30 for renewals. Both are valid for 10 years for adults and five years for those who are under age 16 at the time of issuance.

Where (and when) you can use them

With a U.S. passport book, travelers can enter all other countries and territories where Americans are welcomed (although some places require visas arranged ahead of time) by air, land, or sea. Passport cards, however, are only valid for traveling between the United States and Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda, by land or sea. You can’t use them for any international air travel.

Note that both are Real ID compliant and can be used for domestic flights.

A passport card is the same size and shape as a credit card.

Courtesy of State Department

The standard passport book is a 3.5-by-5-inch navy blue booklet containing a title page with the user’s personal information and 28 blank pages for visa stamps (which are given when you enter or leave a country other than the United States). Passport cards are sized to fit wallets and look similar to a driver’s license.

Are passport cards worth it?

Because passport books are all-encompassing for international travel, they’re a better choice than passport cards for most people. However, there are some scenarios where it’s worth having a passport card—for example, you’re only planning to travel by land and sea or have a tight budget and need to do a border crossing. According to the Department of State, “The passport card was designed for the specific needs of northern and southern U.S. border communities with residents that cross the border frequently by land.”

You could also get both. Given the passport card’s size, it’s easy to carry around and use as a backup ID.

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Passport Book vs. Passport Card: Which Do I Need?

A nationally recognized reporter, writer, and consumer advocate, Ed Perkins focuses on how travelers can find the best deals and avoid scams.

He is the author of "Online Travel" (2000) and "Business Travel: When It's Your Money" (2004), the first step-by-step guide specifically written for small business and self-employed professional travelers. He was also the co-author of the annual "Best Travel Deals" series from Consumers Union.

Perkins' advice for business travelers is featured on MyBusinessTravel.com , a website devoted to helping small business and self-employed professional travelers find the best value for their travel dollars.

Perkins was founding editor of Consumer Reports Travel Letter, one of the country's most influential travel publications, from which he retired in 1998. He has also written for Business Traveller magazine (London).

Perkins' travel expertise has led to frequent television appearances, including ABC's "Good Morning America" and "This Week with David Brinkley," "The CBS Evening News with Dan Rather," CNN, and numerous local TV and radio stations.

Before editing Consumer Reports Travel Letter, Perkins spent 25 years in travel research and consulting with assignments ranging from national tourism development strategies to the design of computer-based tourism models.

Born in Evanston, Illinois, Perkins lives in Ashland, Oregon with his wife.

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The U.S. State Department issues two versions of a passport: a traditional passport book and a passport card. Not only do they look different, they serve slightly different purposes. The passport book has plenty of pages for visas and arrival/departure stamps, while the passport card is a one-piece credit-card-sized ID card. Which you should get, passport book vs. passport card, depends on how you plan to travel and how much you want to pay for your travel documents.

Passport Book vs. Passport Card

The standard passport book covers all the bases: It’s all the U.S. government requires for you to enter a foreign country and re-enter the United States on your return trip. First-time application fees total $165 (a $130 application fee and a $35 acceptance fee). Many foreign countries require nothing more for entry than a U.S. passport book, although some also require visas.

The passport card, meanwhile, is both less expensive and less flexible. The passport card can be used only to re-enter the U.S. from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda at a land border crossing or sea port-of-entry. You cannot use the passport card for international air travel, even when you re-enter the U.S. by land. The first-time fee for a passport card is $65 ($30 application fee and $35 acceptance fee).

You can get both a passport book and a passport card for $195 ($160 application fee and $35 acceptance fee).

How to Take Your Own Passport Photo

Passport books or passport cards are both valid for 10 years after issue for adults, and five years for travelers under age 16. The State Department’s website offers complete details and an online application form.

Obviously, it’s far more useful to have a passport book vs. passport card in most cases where you plan to travel internationally. But if your international travel consists entirely of surface trips in the limited areas covered by the passport card, the card is both cheaper and a tad more convenient to carry and use versus the passport book.

Editor’s note: This story was originally published in 2016. It has been updated to reflect the most current information.

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The Guide to Different Types of U.S. Passports

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Table of Contents

Regular passports

Official passports, diplomatic passports, service passports, passport cards, passport types in the u.s., recapped.

If you thought all U.S. passports were the same, think again. There are actually five types of U.S. passports, but the majority of passport holders will have just one. The most common type of passport is a regular passport, which most U.S. citizens can apply for, although less than half of U.S. citizens have one.

While most qualify only for a regular passport, it may be helpful to know what other types of U.S. passport options are out there. Perhaps one day, you’ll become a diplomat or hold an official government or volunteer job where you can acquire one for free.

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This passport is the navy blue standard that is used for most types of travel. If you are studying abroad, taking a family vacation or traveling for work, you'll likely carry this type of passport.

The standard option includes 28 pages, but for those that travel frequently, it is possible to request a double book with 52 pages.

To apply for this type of passport, typically called a Type P passport , applicants must provide original or certified proof of U.S. citizenship (like a birth certificate) as well as a passport-size photo and photo identification.

These passports are valid for 10 years for most. For those who apply under age 16, these books are only valid for five years.

If you have changed your name (due to marriage or divorce, for example), additional documentation may be required.

U.S. nationals, those born in American Samoa or those born on Swain Island, are also eligible for this passport.

While it can take typically between six and nine weeks to get a U.S. passport, there are faster ways to get one. Applicants can use an official passport office to apply and pay for expedited service or use an independent expeditor service that handles much of the formality on the traveler’s behalf (although for a higher fee).

There is a subset of regular passport types that are issued for no fee. These are valid for five years and available to employees of the American National Red Cross, Peace Corps volunteers and members of the Department of Defense.

» Learn more: Need a passport for a trip? Give yourself a big time cushion

For those who qualify, an official passport is meant for those who work for the U.S. government and travel on official business. If approved by the Department of State, the main passport holder can also request official passports for a spouse and immediate family members.

To apply for this type of passport, applicants must go through the Special Passport Issuance Agency. While there is no fee required for this type of passport, appropriate documentation for eligibility must be shown.

These passports have the words Official Passport on a maroon cover to help them stand out from the rest. Unlike regular passports, these are only valid for five years and can only be used for official government business. A personal or leisure trip is not eligible.

Foreign service officers or those performing diplomatic duties on behalf of the United States overseas are eligible for this passport. A diplomatic passport, with a black cover, is only eligible to be used when on diplomatic business, which is why these passport holders almost always have a second regular passport to use when not serving in a U.S. diplomatic role.

These can only be used when on diplomatic missions, which are subsidized by the U.S. government. Valid only for five years, these passports require eligible documentation proving the applicant’s diplomatic role as well as a copy of official orders from their assigned post. These passports are issued without charge but must be returned upon completion of diplomatic duties.

Another of the rarer passport types is the service passport, which has a gray cover and is issued to third-party government contractors traveling to the United States on official business. They would apply for this passport type if they are ineligible to travel using their own regular passport. This is only valid for five years.

These are available with a regular passport application for an additional fee, but as the name suggests, they come in the form of an identification card rather than a book. These can be used as official identification, but also for land border crossings into the United States and Mexico.

These are especially helpful for those who live in the U.S. but travel across the border frequently for work or other purposes. Using a passport book to cross the border would quickly fill with stamps, which is why this option is more expeditious.

It is also eligible for sea travel to the U.S., Mexico, Canada, Bermuda and the Caribbean. If you like to travel often by cruise, this can be an excellent solution without worrying about filling up your passport book.

Passport cards have the same eligibility requirements as a regular passport book. They are eligible for 10 years for adults ($30) and five years for those under 16 ($15).

» Learn more: Key differences between passport cards and passports

The next time you are in line at a U.S. immigration point, take a look at the passports around you. Not everyone has Global Entry or uses Mobile Passport . And not everyone has the same color passport cover as other U.S. citizens. When you spot one with a different color, you now have a bit more insight into the type of work that person (or one of their family members) does.

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U.S. passports

Find out how to apply for or renew a passport and what to do if your passport is lost or stolen.

Apply for a new adult passport

You need a passport to travel to most countries outside the U.S. Learn how to apply in person.

Renew an adult passport

Find out if you can renew your passport or have to get a new one. Learn how to renew your passport by mail or in person in an emergency.

Get a passport for a minor under 18

Find out how to get a child's passport, depending on their age.

Lost or stolen passports

If your passport is lost or stolen you must report it to the State Department right away. How you replace it depends on if you are inside or outside the U.S.

The Passport Book vs Card: Which Is Universally Accepted?

T he U.S. Department of State issues two types of government documentation for international travel. These documents allow travelers to have some flexibility in how they are identified while they travel internationally or domestically. Which type of identification is used can be up to personal preference depending on the type of traveling happening. 

The passport book and passport card have some similarities and differences that are important to keep in mind before choosing between the two . The main differences between these two are where they are accepted, who can use them and what information they provide.  

About the Passport Book

The traditional passport book is a common object that is often used for photo ops while traveling abroad, but it also serves a much more important purpose. While many go their whole lives never having a passport, it is impossible to travel internationally without one. A passport is a form of identification for international travel that verifies a person’s citizenship and over the years, is a type of travel diary. The cost of a passport application for first-timers over the age of 16 is $165 (the application cost is $130 and acceptance fee is $35), while those under the age of 16 are charged $135 (the application fee is $100 and acceptance fee is $35). 

Where Are Passport Books Accepted as Identification?

Passport books serve a universal purpose and are accepted for all forms of international travel throughout the world. A passport is a precious document, so if it is lost during travel or while abroad the traveler is required to recover or replace it before returning to the United States. The U.S. Embassy or consulate will be able to assist in this process. 

Who Uses Passport Books?

The passport book is available to U.S. citizens and non-citizen nationals. It is used for international travel by means of air, sea or land. People of all ages can have a passport, in fact, many people have passports before they can even read due to their frequent flier family. If you are old enough (at least 16 years of age or older), the passport book will be valid for 10 years. 

What Information Is Inside the Passport Book? 

Passport books include a photo of the traveler and a unique number to identify the particular book. Personal information within the first few pages of the book includes the traveler’s full name, date of birth, nationality, sex, birth place and the book’s issue and expiration date. 

Although the standard passport book is 28 pages, the majority of the passport book is actually empty. The reason the rest of the pages of the passport book are empty is so that travelers can fill them with passport stamps, which has become a fun collectors activity for frequent travelers. Those that anticipate frequent international travel can request a 52 page passport book. 

More on Passport Cards

Passport Cards are a type of identification used for land crossings and sea ports into the United States. These types of passports are easily transportable due to their small size and condensed information. The cost for first time passport card applications is $65 for adults and $50 for children (under the age of 16). 

Passport Cards Are Valid in Limited Locations

The passport card is only acceptable as an identification document for travelers going to Mexico, Canada, Caribbean countries or Bermuda by sea or land from the United States. The card cannot be used for international air travel but can be used as identification for domestic flights. 

Who Can Utilize a Passport Card?

The card version of the passport was made for the ease of travelers that frequently pass through U.S. bordering countries. All U.S. citizens and non-citizen nationals are eligible for a U.S. passport card. 

What Information Does the Passport Card Contain?

A passport card contains nearly identical information to the passport book. Details like the traveler’s full name, nationality, date and place of birth, sex, and issue and expiration date are all on the card. The only difference is that the identification card gets a unique passport card number.

The passport card is about the size of a driver’s license, so it easily fits in a wallet but does not include much other than personal identification information.

Update April 12, 2024

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Follow these steps to renew your passport and track your status:

Confirm you meet the requirements

• Fill out your form online and print it
• Submit your most recent passport
• Submit other documents (if you are changing your name)

Provide a photo

Calculate fees.

• Submit application
• Enroll in email updates

Getting a New Passport for a Child : You cannot renew a passport for a child under age 16. You must apply again in person using Form DS-11. 

Renewing a Passport Outside the United States : Learn how to renew your U.S. passport if you live in a foreign country.

Watch this video to learn if you can renew your passport by mail.

You can renew by mail if your most recent passport:

• Can be submitted with your application
• Is not damaged (other than normal  wear and tear )
• Has never been reported lost or stolen
• Was issued within the last 15 years
• Was issued when you were age 16 or older
• Was issued in your current name (or you can provide another document like a marriage certificate or divorce decree to show you have changed your name)

If you want to renew a limited validity passport that is valid for less than the normal period of 10 years, you must meet these requirements:

• One of your previous passports must have been issued for 10 years,
• Your passport cannot be limited because you’ve lost multiple passports, and
• Your passport cannot be limited because you’ve had multiple damaged passports

If you do not meet these requirements to renew, go to one of these pages to learn how to apply:

Adult Applying

Children Under 16

Child Age 16-17

Fill out your form and print it

Use our Form Filler tool  to fill out your form on a desktop or laptop computer and then print it. If you are experiencing technical issues with the Form Filler, download a PDF . 

Tips to complete your form:

• Complete all parts of the form.  Sign and date your form  before you mail it.
• Print your form on single-sided paper. We do not accept double-sided forms. 
• Double check the information you entered on the form filler for your date of birth and previous passport issuance date if you did not get the form you expected to receive.
• You can renew a passport book , a passport card , or both documents.
• Use Form DS-82 to apply for your first passport book if you only have a passport card, or to apply for your first passport card if you only have a passport book.  
• You may get a larger passport book with more visa pages, at no additional cost, by checking the 'large book' box at the top of the DS-82.
• If renewing from Canada, do not include your Canadian Social Insurance Number on the form in place of your U.S. Social Security number. 

Submit your most recent U.S. passport

When you renew by mail or in person, you must submit your most recent passport(s) with your application. We will return your most recent passport book or card, but generally it will come in a separate mailing up to 8 weeks after your completed passport arrives. Learn below what document to submit based on what you want to renew:

Submit other documents if you are changing your name

If the name you are currently using is different from the name on your most recent U.S. passport, you must provide a  certified copy of the legal name change  document. Examples include:

• Marriage certificate
• Divorce decree
• Court-ordered name change document

Your name change document will be returned to you in a separate mailing from your new passport.

Tips for renewing from Canada :

• If your Canadian divorce decree does not specify a spouse is returning to their maiden name, you must provide proof of your birth or maiden name (such as an original or certified copy of your birth certificate).

You must provide one photo with your application. Go to our  Passport Photo page  for photo requirements and to see examples of photos. You can get a photo at:

• Some  passport acceptance facilities
• A company which offers photo services
• Home. Ask a friend or family member to take your photo. Print it on glossy or matte photo quality paper. 

 Stapling your photo to the application:

• Use four staples vertically in the corners as close to the outer edges as possible. See example below.
• Do not bend the photo.

Pay using a personal check or money order and make it payable to the U.S. Department of State. Do not send cash.

• Add $60 to your application fee if you want  expedited service .
• Add $19.53 to your application fee if you want us to ship your completed passport in 1-2 days after we issue it.  
• Go to our  Passport Fees  page to learn more about how much it costs to apply for a passport and how you can pay.
• Please print the full name and date of birth of the applicant on the front of the check* or money order.
• Renewing from Canada? Personal checks or money orders must draw on U.S. financial institutions based in the United States and be payable in U.S. dollars. Acceptable U.S. checks and money orders must have a 9-digit routing number. Do not include 1-2 day or express delivery fees with your payment. These services are not available to U.S. residents in Canada.

*How to fill out your check 

Submit completed application and documents

Get My Passport Fast :  If you are traveling in less than 3 weeks, make an appointment to renew in person at a passport agency or center.

If you are traveling in more than 3 weeks, mail your completed application and documents to one of the addresses below. 

Where you mail the application depends on where you live, and how quickly you want us to process your passport. 

If you live in the  United States ,  use the United States Postal Service (USPS)  to mail your renewal application and supporting documents. If you live in  Canada , use Canada Post. 

Where to Send My Application and Supporting Documents

Want Faster Delivery?

• Delivering application to us : Pay for Priority Mail Express for faster shipping. The price for this service varies depending on the area of the country.
• Returning the passport to you : Pay $19.53 for 1-2 day delivery. This means you will receive your passport   1-2 days after we send it. Include this fee with your check or money order payable to the U.S. Department of State. Do not submit a return envelope to us with postage pre-paid. 

You may receive your passport and supporting documents in separate mailings.

If you are renewing a passport card, we will send it to you via First Class Mail. We do not use 1-2 day delivery services for passport card only applications.

Outside the United States (any country besides Canada):  Contact your  U.S. embassy and consulate .

Track your application status

You can  subscribe to email updates  about your application status, and  learn more about each status update .

It may take 2 weeks from the day you apply until your application status is “In Process.” 

Can I renew at an acceptance facility?

No. If you are renewing your passport with Form DS-82, acceptance facilities will not take your application. Acceptance facilities should never charge you a $35 fee for renewing your passport. These locations should only charge you a $35 fee if you are applying using Form DS-11.

You must mail in your renewal application (Form DS-82) yourself. Mailing your Form DS-82 can be confusing since some post offices are also passport acceptance facilities. However, postal employees should not review your Form DS-82 renewal application and supporting documents before you mail it. We recommend you ask USPS to send your Form DS-82 and supporting documents using a trackable delivery method. Do not use UPS, FedEx, or DHL since the address you need to send your Form DS-82 and supporting documents to is a Post Office (PO) Box. 

What is normal "wear and tear" of a passport?

Normal "wear and tear" of a U.S. passport is expected and does not count as "damage." Normal wear includes the bend of a passport after being carried in your back pocket or fanning of the visa pages after extensive opening and closing.

If your passport has been significantly damaged, especially the book cover or the page displaying your personal data and photo, you cannot renew it and must apply for a new passport. Damage that might require you to apply in person for a new passport includes water damage, a significant tear, unofficial markings on the data page, missing visa pages (torn out), a hole punch, or other injuries.

If I already have a passport book or card, can I use the DS-82 to get the other document?

If you have a passport book  and you are eligible to use Form DS-82, you may apply for a passport card as a renewal by mail even if it is your first  passport card .

If you have a passport card and you are eligible to use Form DS-82, you may apply for a passport book as a renewal by mail even if it is your first passport book. 

Can I renew my passport if it's still valid?

Yes. Your passport does not have to be expired for you to renew it. 

We recommend renewing your passport well ahead of planned international travel, even if it still has a few months validity left on it. Some countries require that your passport be valid at least six months beyond the dates of your trip. Learn more about your  destination's entry requirements .

I got a letter requesting that I resubmit my Form DS-82. What should I do?

When you renew by mail, our intake facility will review your application and supporting documents before an agency or center begins processing it.

The intake facility will send you a letter if you did not complete the application or provide all supporting documents. The letter may include a QR code with a link to our website. Common reasons for getting this letter include:

• No signature or date on your form
• Bad or missing photo
• Pages of your form are missing
• Wrong or missing fees
• Most recent passport is missing
• Most recent passport issued over 15 years ago

Follow the instructions in the letter. You must include the letter we sent you when you resubmit the new application. 

When your application is at the intake facility, your application status will show as "Not Available" if you check our Online Passport Status System. Your application will be "In Process" once a passport agency or center begins processing your new application. 

Can I renew my passport if it's expired?

Yes, but the passport must have been issued within the last 15 years.

In addition, you must have the passport in your possession, it cannot be damaged, you must have been age 16 or older when the passport was issued, and it must have been issued in your current name or you must show legal proof of your name change.

Can I send multiple renewal applications in one envelope?

Yes. If your family member or spouse is also renewing a passport, you may want to send multiple applications in the same envelope. You can pay for the applications using one check or money order. Make sure to add up the correct fees for multiple applications. 

How will you send my passport and supporting documents?

You will get multiple mailings. The number of mailings depends on what document(s) you asked for.

Passport Book : You may get your new passport and citizenship documents in two mailings. You may wait 8 weeks after getting your passport before you get a second mailing with your citizenship documents. We will return the passport book using a trackable delivery service.

Passport Card : You may get your new passport card and your citizenship documents in two mailings. You may wait 8 weeks after getting your passport before you get a second mailing with your citizenship documents. We only send the passport card via First Class Mail. We do not send cards using 1-2 day delivery services.

Both a Passport Book and Card : You may get three separate mailings:

• New passport book
• New passport card
• Citizenship documents

Contacting Us : If you have been waiting more than 8 weeks for your citizenship documents, call us at  1-877-487-2778 .

I live in Canada : If you live in Canada, send the renewal application to us via Canada Post. We will return your passport and supporting documents to you via USPS First Class Mail. One-to-two day and express delivery service is not available if you live in Canada.

Processing Times

Routine:  6-8 weeks*

Expedited: 2-3 weeks and an extra $60*

*Consider the total time it will take to get a passport when you are booking travel.  Processing times only include the time your application is at a passport agency or center.

• It may take up to 2 weeks for applications to arrive at a passport agency or center. It may take up to 2 weeks for you to receive a completed passport after we print it. 
• Processing times + mailing times = total time to get a passport

Urgent Travel:  See our Get my Passport Fast page. 

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International Travel as a Permanent Resident

In general, you will need to present a passport from your country of citizenship or your refugee travel document to travel to a foreign country. In addition, the foreign country may have additional entry/exit requirements (such as a visa). For information on foreign entry and exit requirements, see the Department of State’s website .

If seeking to enter the United States after temporary travel abroad, you will need to present a valid, unexpired “Green Card” (Form I-551, Permanent Resident Card). When arriving at a port of entry, a U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officer will review your permanent resident card and any other identity documents you present, such as a passport, foreign national I.D. card or U.S. Driver’s License, and determine if you can enter the United States. For information pertaining to entry into the United States, see U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s webpage .

Permanent residents are free to travel outside the United States, and temporary or brief travel usually does not affect your permanent resident status. If it is determined, however, that you did not intend to make the United States your permanent home, you will be found to have abandoned your permanent resident status. A general guide used is whether you have been absent from the United States for more than a year. Abandonment may be found to occur in trips of less than a year where it is believed you did not intend to make the United States your permanent residence. While brief trips abroad generally are not problematic, the officer may consider criteria such as whether your intention was to visit abroad only temporarily, whether you maintained U.S. family and community ties, maintained U.S employment, filed U.S. income taxes as a resident, or otherwise established your intention to return to the United States as your permanent home. Other factors that may be considered include whether you maintained a U.S. mailing address, kept U.S. bank accounts and a valid U.S. driver’s license, own property or run a business in the United States, or any other evidence that supports the temporary nature of your absence.

If you plan on being absent from the United States for longer than a year, it is advisable to first apply for a reentry permit on Form I-131 . Obtaining a reentry permit prior to leaving the United States allows a permanent or conditional permanent resident to apply for admission into the United States during the permit’s validity without the need to obtain a returning resident visa from a U.S. Embassy or Consulate abroad. Please note that it does not guarantee entry into the United States upon your return as you must first be determined to be admissible; however, it will assist you in establishing your intention to permanently reside in the United States. For more information, see the Travel Documents page.

If you remain outside of the United States for more than 2 years, any reentry permit granted before your departure from the United States will have expired. In this case, it is advisable to consider applying for a returning resident visa (SB-1) at the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. An SB-1 applicant will be required to establish eligibility for an immigrant visa and will need a medical exam. There is an exception to this process for the spouse or child of either a member of the U.S. Armed Forces or civilian employee of the U.S. Government stationed abroad on official orders. For more information on obtaining a returning resident visa, see the Department of State’s webpage on returning resident visas .

Additionally, absences from the United States of six months or more may disrupt the continuous residency required for naturalization. If your absence is one year or longer and you wish to preserve your continuous residency in the United States for naturalization purposes, you may file an Application to Preserve Residence for Naturalization Purposes on Form N-470. For more information, please see the Continuous Residence and Physical Presence Requirements page.

If you lose your Green Card or reentry permit or it is stolen or destroyed while you are abroad, you may need to file a Form I-131A, Application for Travel Document (Carrier Documentation) . This carrier documentation will allow an airline or other transportation carrier to board a lawful permanent resident bound for the United States without the carrier being penalized. For more information, please see the Form I-131A, Application for Travel Document (Carrier Documentation) page.

More Information

• Welcome to the United States: A Guide for New Immigrants (PDF, 3.57 MB)
• How Do I Get a Reentry Permit? (PDF, 667.32 KB)
• I-131, Application for Travel Document
• I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card

Other USCIS Links

• Green Card Resources
• How Do I Help My Relative Become a Lawful Permanent Resident? (PDF, 577.38 KB)
• How Do I Renew or Replace My Permanent Resident Card? (PDF, 550.19 KB)
• "How Do I" Guides for Permanent Residents

Protect Your Trip »

Here's when you need (and don't need) a passport to cruise.

It's the type of sailing – closed-loop or open-loop – that largely determines whether or not you need a passport to cruise.

Do You Need a Passport for a Cruise?

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A passport isn't always required for cruising.

To determine whether or not you need a passport to cruise, you first need to figure out if the itinerary is closed-loop or open-loop (also known as open-jaw).

Closed-loop cruise: A closed-loop cruise typically doesn't require a passport since it begins and ends in the same U.S. port (though there are some exceptions to this rule).

Example: Royal Caribbean International 's seven-night Western Caribbean & Perfect Day cruise stops in several countries – the Bahamas, Jamaica, Haiti and Grand Cayman – but the itinerary is considered closed-loop because it starts and ends in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Open-loop cruise: An open-loop cruise begins in one U.S. port and ends in a different U.S. port.

Example: Carnival Cruise Line 's 16-day Panama Canal from Seattle itinerary is not considered closed-loop because it departs from Seattle and completes its journey in New Orleans.

All of the above regulations have been determined by the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative: a plan by the departments of State and Homeland Security that determines which documents are acceptable for proving identity and citizenship when entering the United States.

Where to cruise without a passport

There are several destinations where you can cruise without a passport on a closed-loop sailing. They include the following:

• The Bahamas

When looking at cruises to these locations, be mindful of the home ports. The Bahamas, Mexico, Bermuda, the Caribbean and Canada are all foreign ports, which means they only qualify for the passport exception if they are a stop along your cruise itinerary . If the cruise originates in any of these countries, it is likely you will need a passport.

Since Alaska, Hawaii and New England are all U.S. destinations, any closed-loop routes departing from these locations will not require a passport. However, keep in mind that it can be hard to find closed-loop cruises originating in Hawaii or Alaska.

To find closed-loop itineraries for a Hawaiian voyage or Alaskan cruise , try searching for sailings departing from major cities on the West Coast, like Seattle or Los Angeles . By contrast, quite a few closed-loop cruises leave from New England ports, but they are often marketed as Canadian cruises.

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When you need a passport for closed-loop cruises

Some cruise itineraries include foreign ports that require a passport for disembarkation. This is most commonly an issue for travelers on a closed-loop Caribbean cruise. Barbados , Guadeloupe , Haiti, Martinique , St. Barts , and Trinidad and Tobago all require U.S. citizens to present a valid passport to disembark and enter the country, despite WHTI regulations not requiring a passport for these destinations. Labadee, Royal Caribbean's private island , is an exception and does not require a passport despite its location in Haiti.

If your itinerary includes a country requiring a U.S. passport, your cruise line will require you to have the passport at check-in. Note that your passport must not expire within six months of your arrival in a foreign country or else it won't be considered valid for international travel.

Read: The Easiest Way to Renew Your Passport

Acceptable forms of ID

All travelers – U.S. citizens and foreign nationals alike – must present documents that show identity and citizenship when entering the United States. A U.S. passport can show both. If you don't have one or don't want to bring one, be aware that you may need to present more than one document.

U.S. citizens 16 and older

If you're a U.S. citizen age 16 or older sailing on a closed-loop cruise without your passport, you will need a government-issued photo ID like a driver's license. In addition, you must present a document that proves your U.S. citizenship. These include:

• Passport card
• State-issued enhanced driver's license (EDL)
• Government-issued birth certificate
• Trusted Traveler Program card (NEXUS, SENTRI or FAST)
• American Indian Card (Form I-872) or Enhanced Tribal ID Card

The Trusted Traveler Programs are risk-based programs to facilitate the entry of travelers who have been vetted and preapproved. Most of these programs will provide you with a machine-readable card that allows you to pass through border checkpoints quickly. Keep in mind, some of these IDs are only available to travelers 16 and older.

Read: TSA Precheck vs. Global Entry

U.S. citizens younger than 16

U.S. citizens younger than 16 are only required to present proof of citizenship, such as one of the following documents:

• Original, notarized or certified copy of their government-issued birth certificate
• Consular Report of Birth Abroad issued by U.S. Department of State
• Certificate of Naturalization issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services

Read: How to Get a Passport for Kids

Non-U.S. citizens

If you are a lawful permanent resident (or LPR) of the United States, you are required to present a permanent resident card or other valid evidence of permanent residence status.

Non-U.S. citizens, with the exception of Canadians and Mexicans, are not subject to passport exceptions, so a valid passport will need to be provided. Canadian citizens can present a valid passport, Enhanced Driver's License or Trusted Traveler Program card. Mexican citizens must present a passport with a visa or a Border Crossing Card.

Unacceptable forms of ID

While most common forms of identification are accepted, there are a few exceptions. U.S. military identification cards and U.S. Merchant Mariner documents are valid forms of identification, but only when traveling on official orders or in conjunction with official maritime business, so it is unlikely they will be accepted when traveling on a cruise.

Here are some other documents that will not be accepted as proof of citizenship:

• Voter registration cards
• Social Security cards
• Baptismal papers
• Hospital certificates of birth (for anyone older than a newborn)

It is important to note that many of the permitted forms of identification, such as a passport card or EDL, are only accepted at land and sea border crossings. Unforeseen circumstances, such as a medical air evacuation, may cause you to return to the U.S. by air travel. In this case, these documents won't be accepted when you try to reenter at the border crossing.

To avoid extra delays in your return to the U.S. following unforeseen travel complications, the Department of State recommends that everyone taking a cruise from the United States carry a valid passport book in case of emergency.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Erin Vasta has traveled extensively to international destinations, gaining a deep knowledge of travel regulations in the process. Her expertise in this area has saved her family and friends from unnecessary travel delays and ensured stress-free trips through border security in nearly 15 countries. To write this article, Vasta used her international travel experience and research skills.

You might also be interested in:

• The Top Passport Holders
• Cruise Packing List: Essentials to Bring
• Safe at Sea: The Best Cruise Insurance

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