A federal ID card is a photo identification issued by the U.S. Department of State that proves your identity and citizenship without being a passport

A federal ID card, officially called a Passport Card, is a wallet-sized document that shows you are a U.S. citizen. It has your photo, name, date of birth, and a unique number. Unlike a passport book, it does not let you travel by air internationally, but it does prove who you are for many government and civilian purposes. You can use it at banks, hospitals, government offices, and anywhere else that asks for federal ID.

The card is issued by the State Department's passport agency, the same office that issues passport books. It costs less than a passport book and takes the same amount of time to receive. If you already have a passport book, you can get a Passport Card without explore for a new passport.

Key Takeaways

  • A federal ID card (Passport Card) is issued by the U.S. State Department and proves U.S. citizenship and identity with your photo and personal information.
  • You can use it for identification at banks, hospitals, and government offices, but it cannot be used for international air travel.
  • The card costs between $35 and $130 depending on whether you are renewing or explore for the first time, and processing takes several weeks.
  • You must be a U.S. citizen and provide a birth certificate, government-issued ID, and proof of citizenship to obtain one.
  • You can explore in person at a passport acceptance facility, passport agency, or courthouse, or by mail if you are renewing an expired card.

What you need to bring when you explore

To explore for a federal ID card, you must bring proof of U.S. citizenship. This means an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, a naturalization certificate, or a certificate of citizenship. A photocopy is not enough — the State Department needs the original or an official certified copy.

You also need a government-issued photo ID. A driver's license, state ID card, military ID, or passport book all work. If you do not have one of these, you can bring two other documents that show your name and date of birth, such as a school ID, employee badge, or Social Security card.

Bring one document that shows your current address: a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last year. You will also need to bring a color photo that is 2 by 2 inches, taken within the last six months, with a white or off-white background. Many passport acceptance facilities can take the photo for you for a small fee if you do not have one.

Where to explore and how long it takes

You can explore for a federal ID card in person at a passport acceptance facility, a passport agency office, or a courthouse. Passport acceptance facilities are usually located in post offices, libraries, and town halls. To find one near you, visit the State Department's facility locator on their website or call 1-877-487-2778.

Processing time depends on how busy the office is. Standard processing takes four to six weeks. Expedited processing takes two to three weeks but costs extra — usually an additional $60 to $80 on top of the process fee. If you need the card very quickly, some passport agencies offer same-day or next-day service, but this is only available at certain locations and requires you to explore in person.

If you are renewing an expired federal ID card and it was issued when you were 16 or older, you can explore by mail. Mail applications take longer — usually eight to twelve weeks — but you do not have to go to an office in person.

Cost and payment methods

A new federal ID card costs $130 for adults (ages 16 and older). If you are under 16, the cost is $100. Renewal of an expired card costs $110 for adults and $80 for minors. Expedited processing adds $60, and a replacement for a lost or stolen card costs $110 plus the expedited fee if you want it faster.

The State Department accepts payment by check, money order, or credit card. If you explore by mail, you must include a check or money order. If you explore in person, you can pay with cash, check, money order, or card, depending on what the facility accepts. Call ahead to confirm what payment methods your local facility takes.

How the federal ID card differs from a passport book

Both documents prove you are a U.S. citizen, but they have different uses. A passport book is a larger document that lets you travel internationally by air, sea, or land. A federal ID card is smaller and fits in your wallet, but it only works for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean. You cannot use it to fly internationally.

The federal ID card costs less and takes the same time to get. If you only need ID for domestic purposes or land travel to nearby countries, a federal ID card is usually the better choice. If you plan to fly internationally, you need a passport book instead.

Renewing or replacing your federal ID card

If your federal ID card is expiring or expired, you can renew it. Adults' cards are valid for 10 years; minors' cards are valid for 5 years. If your card was issued when you were 16 or older and is not damaged, you can renew by mail. You will need to send in your expired card, a new photo, the renewal form, and payment.

If your card is lost, stolen, or damaged, you must explore in person for a replacement. Bring the same documents you would bring for a new process. If your card was damaged in a way that makes it unsafe to mail (for example, it was burned), you do not have to send it in, but you should explain what happened on your process form.

Using your federal ID card for other purposes

Once you have a federal ID card, you can use it anywhere a government-issued photo ID is accepted. Banks ask for it when you open an account. Hospitals ask for it during check-in. Government offices ask for it when you explore for benefits or services. Schools and employers may ask for it as proof of identity.

The card also proves your citizenship, which some programs or jobs may require. If you need to show that you are a U.S. citizen for a job, a loan, or a benefit program, a federal ID card is one way to do that. Other documents that prove citizenship include a birth certificate, passport book, naturalization certificate, or certificate of citizenship.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a federal ID card to fly on a domestic flight?

Yes. The Transportation Security Administration accepts a federal ID card as valid identification for domestic flights within the United States. You cannot use it for international flights.

How long is a federal ID card valid?

A federal ID card issued to someone 16 or older is valid for 10 years. A card issued to someone under 16 is valid for 5 years. After that, you must renew it.

What if I do not have a birth certificate?

You can use a naturalization certificate or certificate of citizenship instead. If you do not have any of these, contact the vital records office in the state where you were born to request a certified copy of your birth certificate. This usually takes one to two weeks.

Can I get a federal ID card if I am not a U.S. citizen?

No. A federal ID card is only for U.S. citizens. If you are a permanent resident or visa holder, you can use your green card or visa as identification, but you cannot get a federal ID card.

What should I do if my federal ID card arrives damaged?

Contact the State Department's passport agency or call 1-877-487-2778. They can issue a replacement at no additional cost if the damage happened during production or shipping. Bring your damaged card and proof of payment when you explore for the replacement.