Getting An Expedited Passport Card

If your usual international travel plans primarily involve crossing US borders to nearby neighboring countries, the passport card might be just the ticket for you. First, you should carefully consider your travel time frame, the requirements when applying for the card, and how long it takes to receive it under normal conditions. If you are traveling earlier than it appears you can get your card, it might be necessary to apply for an expedited passport card.

While still fairly new and unknown to some travelers, this new travel identification document made its debut in 2008. Though this card was created for a specific type of traveler, specifically those who cross the northern or southern borders frequently, it can be obtained by any United States citizen. It was designed to be more convenient to use and cheaper to obtain than a normal passport book.

If you know that you are only planning to travel between the US and the islands of the Caribbean, Mexico, or Canada, then the passport card could meet all of your needs. Keep in mind that the card is only valid for crossing sea or land borders. No international air travel can occur using this type of document.

Though the passport card is for limited travel under specific situations, it has as stringent application requirements as a regular passport. If you wish, you can submit one application for both the card and a traditional passport on the same form. If this is your first application to the Passport Agency for any type of document, you must physically apply. You can do this by going to a Passport Agency office, if there is one near you, or you can go to an Acceptance Facility, which is usually located at your local post office or a 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.

It is important that you understand what documents of proof are considered acceptable. For proof of citizenship you can supply an official copy of your birth certificate issued state of your birth. If you are a citizen born outside the country you must present a Consular Report of Birth Abroad document. If you have become a US citizen through a naturalization process, you can submit your Certification of Citizenship. A form of identification with a photo, issued by a governmental agency, is also required. This could be a valid license to drive, a military identification card, or a current city, state, or federally issued identification card. Whichever form of identification you choose to present, make a photocopy of it in advance to leave with your application.

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 a priority 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, this fee is the same. Based on my personal experiences with passport agencies, this could cut your wait time in half.