U.S. Passport Card Photos
What Are US Passport Cards And How Do I Get One
What is the passport card?
The passport card is a wallet-size travel document that can be only used to re-enter the United States at land border-crossings or sea ports-of-entry from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda. The card provides a less expensive, smaller, and more convenient alternative to the passport book for those who travel frequently to these destinations by land or by sea.
Why can’t I use the passport card to fly to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, or Bermuda?
The passport card is designed for the specific needs of the northern and southern border resident communities and is not a globally accepted travel document like the traditional passport book. While the passport card has limited use, the passport book will remain the premier internationally accepted travel document.
Does the passport card contain an electronic chip?
Yes, the passport card has a vicinity-read radio frequency identification (RFID) chip. With this technology, Customs and Border Protection inspectors are able to access photographs and other biographical information stored in secure government databases before the traveler reaches the inspection station.
Won’t this chip violate Americans’ privacy?
There is no personal information written on the electronic chip itself. The only information contained on the chip is a unique number which points to a stored record contained in secure government databases.
How secure is the card?
The US Passport Card is laser engraved and includes state-of-the-art security features to protect against the possibility of counterfeiting and forgery. It is also issued with a protective sleeve that prevents the card from being read when not in use. Remember, there is no personal information written to the RFID chip; only a unique number that identifies you in government databases.
What is RFID Technology?
Radio Frequency Identification technology (RFID) has been commercially available in one form or another since the 1970s. It can be found in car keys, highway toll tags, bank cards and security access cards.
When did the passport card become available?
The U.S. Passport Card was first used on July 14, 2008. As of May 2009, over 1,000,000 Passport Cards have been issued to U.S. citizens.
Where do I apply for a passport card?
First time applicants can apply at any one of 9,400+ Passport Application Acceptance Facilities across the country.
Can I apply for the passport card and passport book at the same time using the same application?
Yes.
What documents will I need in order to apply for a passport card?
The passport card has the exact standards as the passport book. Applicants must provide documents which attest to their U.S. citizenship and identity such as birth and naturalization certificates.
How much will the passport card cost?
For first time applicants, the passport card costs $45 for adults and $35 for minors under age 16. Adults with fully-valid passports issued within the last fifteen years who are eligible to submit Form DS-82 by mail, will pay only $20 for a passport card.
How many photos are required when applying for the passport card?
Two photos are required (same as for a passport book).
How many photos are required when applying for both the passport book and passport card on the same application?
Two photos are required.
Can the passport card be used to apply for the passport book?
Yes.
Please call Feldman's Photography at 813-685-4343 for your United States Passport Card Photo appointment. You should be able to walk out of our studio with your two 2"x2" photos in less than five minutes.
