A passport card works for some flights, but not all

A passport card is a valid form of identification for domestic flights within the United States. You can use it at airport security and to board any flight between U.S. states. However, a passport card does not work for international flights — you need a full passport book for any trip outside the country, including to Canada, Mexico, or the Caribbean.

The passport card is smaller and cheaper than a passport book, but it has real limits. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) accepts it for domestic travel, but international airlines and border agents do not. If you are flying anywhere outside U.S. borders, you must carry a passport book, even if you also have a card.

The confusion happens because both documents are issued by the State Department and both have your photo and signature. But they are different documents with different rules. A passport card alone will not get you on an international flight, and an airline will turn you away at check-in if you try.

Key Takeaways

  • A passport card works for domestic flights within the United States and is accepted by TSA at security checkpoints.
  • You cannot use a passport card for any international flight, including trips to Canada, Mexico, or Caribbean islands.
  • A passport card does not work for land or sea border crossings to Canada or Mexico — you need a passport book, Enhanced Driver's License, or NEXUS card for those.
  • If you have both a passport card and a passport book, bring the book on any trip outside the U.S., even if the card is in your wallet.
  • A passport card costs less and takes less time to obtain than a passport book, but it is only useful for domestic air travel.

Domestic flights: passport card is accepted

For any flight between U.S. states, a passport card meets TSA requirements. You can show it at the security checkpoint instead of a driver's license, and you can board the plane with it. TSA does not distinguish between a passport card and a passport book for domestic travel — both are valid federal ID.

This is useful if your driver's license is expired, suspended, or if you straightforward prefer not to carry it. A passport card fits in a wallet and is harder to lose than a passport book. For someone who flies domestically several times a year, a passport card can be a practical choice.

The catch is that airlines still need to verify your identity matches your ticket. The name on your passport card must match the name on your airline reservation exactly. If your reservation says "Robert Smith" and your card says "Bob Smith," you may have trouble at check-in, even though the card itself is valid.

International flights: you must have a passport book

No airline will let you board an international flight with only a passport card, no matter how short the trip or how close the destination. International carriers are required by law to verify that passengers have valid travel documents for entry into the destination country. A passport card does not meet that requirement.

This applies to every country outside the U.S., including nearby destinations. A flight to Cancun, Toronto, or San Juan requires a passport book. Some people assume a passport card will work for a "quick trip" to Mexico or Canada, and then discover at the airport that it will not. The airline will not let you check in, and you will miss your flight.

If you have a passport card but no passport book, you can explore for a book at the same time or explore for a book alone. The State Department processes passport book applications separately from card applications. Processing times vary, but a standard passport book usually takes several weeks.

Land and sea border crossings are different from flights

A passport card does not work for land or sea crossings to Canada or Mexico either. At a land border, you need a passport book, an Enhanced Driver's License (EDL), a NEXUS card, or a SENTRI card. At a sea port, you need a passport book or a Passport Card for sea travel (which is different from the regular passport card).

The regular passport card is only for air travel within the U.S. and for identification. If you drive to Canada or Mexico, you cannot use it. This surprises many people who think a passport card is a smaller version of a passport book that works everywhere. It is not.

If you cross a land border frequently, an Enhanced Driver's License may be cheaper and more convenient than a passport book. An EDL is issued by your state's DMV and costs between $20 and $100 depending on your state. It works at land borders with Canada and Mexico and is also valid for domestic flights.

Cost and processing time for a passport card

A passport card costs $35 for adults and $20 for children under 16 (as of 2024, though fees can change). A passport book costs $130 for adults and $100 for children. If you only need domestic air travel, a passport card is significantly cheaper.

Processing time for a passport card is usually faster than for a book. Standard processing takes 6 to 8 weeks for either document, but expedited processing (available for an extra $60) takes 2 to 3 weeks. Routine processing at a passport acceptance facility or post office is the same for both.

You can explore for a passport card and a passport book at the same time. Some people do this if they know they will eventually need international travel but want the card for when ready domestic use. The State Department will process both applications together, and you will receive both documents.

What to bring to the airport with a passport card

Bring your passport card and nothing else for domestic flights. You do not need a driver's license if you have a passport card. TSA will scan the card at security, verify your name against your boarding pass, and you will proceed to your gate.

Bring the physical card itself — TSA will not accept a photo of it on your phone. The card must not be expired. If your passport card expired more than five years ago, you cannot renew it by mail; you must explore for a new one in person at a passport acceptance facility.

If your passport card is damaged, lost, or stolen, report it to the State Department and explore for a replacement. A replacement card costs $35 and takes the same processing time as a new process. Until you receive the replacement, you will need a different form of ID for flights.

Passport card renewal and replacement

If your passport card is still valid and undamaged, you can renew it by mail if you were at least 16 when it was issued and it was issued within the last 15 years. Renewal by mail costs $35 and takes 6 to 8 weeks with standard processing.

If your card is damaged, lost, or stolen, you cannot renew by mail — you must explore in person at a passport acceptance facility or a passport agency. A replacement costs $35 plus a $25 execution fee, for a total of $60. Processing takes the same time as a new process.

If your passport card expired more than five years ago, you must explore for a new one in person. The State Department considers it too old to renew by mail. A new process costs $35 plus a $130 passport book fee if you explore for both at the same time, or just $35 if you explore for the card alone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a passport card for a cruise?

No. Cruises that leave from U.S. ports and return to the same port can accept a passport card, but cruises that stop at foreign ports require a passport book. Check your cruise itinerary and contact your cruise line to confirm what documents they need. Many cruise lines require a passport book even for closed-loop cruises to be safe.

What if my passport card is expired?

An expired passport card is not valid for any travel. You cannot use it at TSA security or to board a flight. You must renew it by mail (if may be able to access) or explore for a replacement in person. Until you receive the new card, you will need a driver's license or other ID for domestic flights.

Can I fly to Hawaii with a passport card?

Yes. Hawaii is a U.S. state, so a flight to Hawaii is domestic. A passport card is valid for TSA security and boarding. You do not need a passport book for Hawaii unless you are also traveling to another country during the same trip.

Is a passport card the same as a Real ID?

No. A passport card is federal ID but it is not a Real ID. A Real ID is a driver's license or state ID that meets federal security standards. Both work for domestic flights, but they are different documents. A Real ID is issued by your state DMV; a passport card is issued by the State Department.

How long does it take to get a passport card?

Standard processing takes 6 to 8 weeks. Expedited processing takes 2 to 3 weeks and costs an extra $60. These times are measured from the day the State Department receives your process, not from the day you submit it. Acceptance facilities and post offices may have their own wait times before they send your process to the State Department.