What Are the Technical Requirements for US Passport Cards?

• The U.S. passport book is larger but more versatile in its use.Stock pictures of a passport from the United States of America image by Albert Lozano from Fotolia.com
  
  A U.S. passport card is a travel document that proves U.S. citizenship and identity, and is available to U.S. citizens only. While a U.S. passport book is valid for all travel in the United States and internationally, a passport card is more restricted. It may only be used within the United States or at land border crossings and sea ports in the Caribbean, Bermuda, Canada and Mexico. The passport card conforms to the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative requirements. It cannot be used for international air travel.
  
  

Size

• The U.S. passport card is issued as a convenient alternative to the passport book for frequent land and sea travelers. While the U.S. passport book is 5 inches by 3 ½ inches, a passport card is credit card sized and can comfortably fit into a wallet.
  
  

Chip

• U.S. passport cards contain a radio frequency identification chip. The chip contains an identification number that border agents can read which points to government databases where your biographical information and records are actually stored.
  
  

Personal Data

• On the front of the passport card the person's first name, last name, date of birth and place of birth is listed and a passport-sized (measuring 2-by-2 inches) headshot photograph of the person appears. In addition, the passport card number, date of the passport card's issue and date of expiration is listed. On the back of the passport card the person's personal information is contained in a machine-readable format.
  
  

Protective Sleeve

• All U.S. passport cards are issued with a protective sleeve. The sleeve was designed to prevent the radio frequency identification chip from being tracked or read without authorization.
  
  

Application

• U.S. citizens who hold a current and valid U.S. passport book may apply for a passport card by mail using Form DS-82. Citizens without a current and valid U.S. passport book must apply for a passport card in person at a passport acceptance facility in the United States using Form DS-11. The application fee for first-time adult passport card holders is $55. Once the passport card is issued, it is valid for 10 years and may be renewed for $30. The application fee for children under 16 is $40 but their passport card is only valid for five years.