| In 2008, the US Department of State introduced the | | | | the Department of State's website for information |
| US passport card, a smaller, more convenient version | | | | on current passport fees. |
| of a passport. | | | | If You Don't Have a Passport |
| The wallet-sized card is easier to carry than a US | | | | If you don't have a passport, you will need to apply |
| passport book; however, the passport card can only | | | | for your passport card in person at a passport |
| be used in certain, limited circumstances. For example, | | | | acceptance facility. Ask your post office if they |
| it is only valid for land or sea travel to Mexico, | | | | accept passport applications-if they don't, they should |
| Canada and the Caribbean. It cannot be used for | | | | be able to direct you to the acceptance facility for |
| travel to any other country, and it is not valid for | | | | your area. To apply in person, you need to bring the |
| international air travel at all. | | | | following documents: |
| That said, if you live in a border state and often visit | | | | - Proof of identity, such a driver's license or other |
| Mexico or Canada, a passport card can make those | | | | state-issued photo ID |
| frequent border crossings just a little bit easier. Here's | | | | - Proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate, |
| how to apply: | | | | naturalization certificate or certificate of citizenship. |
| If You Already Have a Passport | | | | - 2 passport photos |
| If you already have a valid US passport, you can | | | | - A clear, legible photocopy of your ID |
| apply for a passport card by mail unless your | | | | - The applicable passport fees (again, see the |
| passport has not been lost, stolen or damaged. To | | | | Department of State website for current |
| apply by mail, fill passport renewal form DS-82, even | | | | information). |
| if this is your first time applying for a US passport | | | | - Passport application form DS-11 |
| card. Then, send the form in along with your US | | | | Whether you apply in person or by mail, processing |
| passport and 2 passport photos. If your name has | | | | times are the same: about 6 weeks for regular |
| changed since your passport was issued, you should | | | | processing and about 3 weeks for expedited |
| also send in a copy of your marriage certificate or | | | | processing. |
| court order documenting the name change. Check | | | | |