How to Get a Passport Card 2023: A Comprehensive Guide If you’re planning to travel outside the United States, a passport card is a must-have document. A passport card serves as a valid identification document and allows you to enter and exit the country without any hassle. But how can you get a passport card in 2023? In this article, we will provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to get a passport card in 2023. 1. Determine if You Need a Passport Card Before you start the application process, you need to determine if you need a passport card or a traditional passport. A passport card is only valid for travel by land or sea to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean. If you’re traveling by air or to any other country, you’ll need a traditional passport. 2. Gather Required Documents To apply for a passport card, you’ll need to gather the following documents: – Your current or expired passport (if you have one) – A completed Form DS-11 (Application for U.S. Passport) – Proof of U.S. citizenship (birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or consular report of birth abroad) – A government-issued ID (driver’s license, military ID, or state ID) – A passport photo (2 inches by 2 inches) 3. Fill Out the Application Form Once you have gathered all the required documents, you can start filling out the application form. You can download the form from the U.S. Department of State website or pick up a copy at a local passport acceptance facility. 4. Submit the Application and Pay the Fees After completing the application form, you need to submit it along with the required documents and fees. The current fee for a passport card is $65 for adults and $50 for children under 16 years old. You can pay the fee by check, money order, or credit card. 5. Track Your Application Status You can track your passport card application status online using the U.S. Department of State’s Online Passport Status System. You’ll need to enter your last name, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number to check your application status. 6. Wait for Your Passport Card to Arrive It usually takes around 4-6 weeks to process a passport card application. If you need your passport card sooner, you can pay an additional fee for expedited processing (2-3 weeks) or schedule an appointment at a regional passport agency. 7. Renew Your Passport Card A passport card is valid for 10 years for adults and 5 years for children under 16 years old. If your passport card is about to expire, you can renew it by mail or in person at a passport acceptance facility. FAQs: 1. How long does it take to get a passport card in 2023? It usually takes around 4-6 weeks to process a passport card application. If you need your passport card sooner, you can pay an additional fee for expedited processing (2-3 weeks) or schedule an appointment at a regional passport agency. 2. How much does it cost to get a passport card in 2023? The current fee for a passport card is $65 for adults and $50 for children under 16 years old. 3. Can I use a passport card for international air travel? No, a passport card is only valid for travel by land or sea to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean. If you’re traveling by air or to any other country, you’ll need a traditional passport.
