Passport Card Cost (2026): $65.00

Does this scenario require an execution fee?

First-time card applicants pay $35.00 in person. Qualifying adult card renewals by mail pay only $30.00.

What the card actually does

The passport card is a wallet ID for US citizens entering from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda at land or sea. It is not a backup boarding pass for a flight to London. If your trip involves an airplane crossing a border, you want the book, not this card. Comparison: book vs card.

First-time card applicants still go in person, which is why execution shows up. Adult renewals that qualify for mail skip execution, same idea as the book. Children always pay execution on a card because they always apply in person.

When the cheaper card is a bad buy

Families sometimes order only cards to save money, then book a cruise that still asks for a book, or a flight home from a port. Read cruise document rules before you skip the book. Applying for both at once is usually cheaper than two separate appointments because execution is charged once. See book and card cost.

Times and extras

Card processing uses the same published ranges as books: 6-8 weeks routine, 2-3 weeks with $60.00 expedite. Overnight return $21.36 is optional. Photo estimate $15.00 if needed.

Need the book for flights? Start at first-time adult or renewal instead of card-only.