Yes, children under 16 can obtain a passport card, but it has specific uses and limitations compared to a passport book.
Understanding the Passport Card for Children
The U.S. passport card is a wallet-sized travel document issued by the Department of State. It serves as an alternative to the traditional passport book but is limited in its travel scope. For kids, parents often wonder if this smaller, more convenient card is an option. The answer is yes—children can get a passport card just like adults. However, there are several important details to consider regarding its application, validity, and usage restrictions.
Passport cards are primarily designed for land and sea travel between the United States and Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda. Unlike the passport book, the card cannot be used for international air travel. This distinction is crucial for families planning trips abroad with children.
Eligibility Criteria for Kids’ Passport Cards
Children under 16 years old are eligible to apply for a passport card. The application process mirrors that of a passport book but includes additional parental consent requirements. Both parents or guardians must authorize the issuance of a passport card for minors under 16.
The child must appear in person during application submission, accompanied by their parents or legal guardians. This ensures identity verification and consent confirmation. The passport card issued to minors is valid for five years, shorter than the ten-year validity for adults.
Important Documents Needed for Kids’ Passport Cards
Applying for a child’s passport card requires careful preparation of documents:
- Proof of U.S. Citizenship: Certified birth certificate or previous U.S. passport.
- Parental Identification: Valid government-issued IDs from both parents or guardians.
- Parental Consent Form: Form DS-3053 if one parent cannot be present.
- Passport Photo: One recent color photo meeting specific size and composition standards.
- Completed Application Form DS-11: Must be signed in front of an acceptance agent.
Parents should plan ahead since missing any document can delay processing times significantly.
The Application Process Explained
Applying for a child’s passport card involves several steps that must be executed carefully:
- Complete Form DS-11: This form covers applications for both passports and passport cards for minors.
- Gather Required Documents: Proof of citizenship, parental IDs, photos, and consent forms as needed.
- Visit an Acceptance Facility: Parents and child appear together at designated locations such as post offices or county clerk offices.
- Pay Applicable Fees: Fees differ depending on whether you apply for just the card or both the book and card together.
- Wait for Processing: Standard processing takes about 8-11 weeks; expedited options are available at additional cost.
The in-person appearance requirement cannot be waived for children under 16 due to identity protection laws.
The Role of Parental Consent
Parental consent plays a critical role in protecting minors from unauthorized travel documents issuance. Both parents must provide consent unless one parent has sole legal custody or one parent cannot be located despite reasonable efforts.
If one parent cannot attend the application appointment, they must submit notarized Form DS-3053 authorizing issuance. Without proper consent documentation, applications will be delayed or denied.
The Benefits and Limitations of Kids’ Passport Cards
Passport cards offer convenience but come with clear limitations that families should weigh carefully before applying.
| Aspect | Benefits | Limitations |
|---|---|---|
| Size & Portability | Easily fits in wallets; less bulky than passports. | N/A |
| Travel Use | Simplifies land/sea travel to Canada, Mexico, Caribbean & Bermuda. | CANNOT be used for international air travel or outside specified regions. |
| Validity Period | Keeps frequent travelers prepared with valid ID up to five years (for kids). | Lifespan shorter than adult passports; renewal needed sooner. |
| ID Use within U.S. | Acknowledged federally as valid photo ID domestically. | Might not be accepted universally outside federal agencies (e.g., some states). |
| Savings on Cost & Hassle | Lowers cost compared to full passports when only land/sea travel planned. | If air travel arises unexpectedly, a full passport book will still be required. |
Parents should assess their travel plans carefully before opting solely for a passport card.
The Costs Involved in Getting a Passport Card for Kids
The Department of State sets fees based on age and whether you apply separately or combined with a passport book:
- KIDS UNDER 16:
- $15 application fee (non-refundable)
- $50 execution fee payable at acceptance facility (may vary)
- Total cost: Approximately $65 when applying only for the card alone.
- KIDS UNDER 16 APPLYING FOR BOTH PASSPORT BOOK AND CARD:
- $80 application fee plus $50 execution fee = $130 total approximately.
- Add expedited processing fees if faster turnaround is needed ($60+).
- The fees are subject to change; always check official sources before applying.
Budgeting ahead helps avoid surprises during submission.
The Validity and Renewal Process Specifics for Minors’ Passport Cards
Children’s passport cards remain valid for five years from issuance date—half the ten-year validity given to adults. Since kids grow quickly and their appearances change significantly over short periods, this shorter validity ensures updated identification accuracy.
Renewing requires submitting a new application form DS-11 with all supporting documents again because minors cannot renew by mail like adults do after age 16.
Parents should mark calendars well before expiration dates to avoid lapses during family travels.
The Impact of Lost or Stolen Passport Cards on Children’s Travel Plans
Losing a child’s passport card can disrupt upcoming trips dramatically since replacement times vary depending on processing speed chosen. The procedure involves:
- Reporting loss immediately through Form DS-64 online or via mail to prevent misuse.
- Filing new Form DS-11 application with updated photos and parental consent again required.
- Total replacement time can stretch several weeks unless expedited service is paid extra.
Families traveling soon after loss may require emergency passports issued at regional agencies but those are typically only valid as full passports—not cards—and have limited use periods.
The Practical Uses of Kids’ Passport Cards Beyond Travel
Besides facilitating cross-border land and sea trips within North America and nearby islands, kids’ passport cards serve as federally recognized photo identification domestically.
This comes handy when:
- A child needs proof of identity at TSA checkpoints within U.S., especially on domestic flights where ID might sometimes be requested (usually over age limits apply).
- ID verification at schools requiring government-issued photo ID in certain activities or programs where other forms aren’t accepted easily.
- Easier wallet carry compared to bulky books during day-to-day activities requiring ID verification by authorities or organizations.
However, it’s important that parents keep track of expiration dates since expired cards lose all official value instantly upon expiry.
The Differences Between Passport Cards and Books For Kids Explained Clearly
Many parents confuse these two documents’ purposes when deciding what’s best for their children’s travel needs:
| Feature | Passport Card (Kids) | Passport Book (Kids) |
|---|---|---|
| Main Use Case | Land/Sea border crossings with Canada/Mexico/Caribbean/Bermuda only | Able to fly internationally anywhere worldwide |
| Sizing & Format | Slim wallet-sized plastic card | A small booklet with multiple pages |
| ID Validity Within U.S. | Acknowledged federal photo ID | Acknowledged federal photo ID |
| Lifespan | 5 years | 5 years (for kids) |
| Total Cost (approx.) | $65 alone | $115+ alone |
| Able To Fly Internationally? | No – not valid on airplanes internationally | Yes – required document globally |
| Easier To Carry? | Easier – fits in wallet without bulk | Bigger – needs careful storage while traveling |
| Application Process Complexity | Same process; parental consent required; same forms used | Same process; parental consent required; same forms used |
| Replacement Time After Loss/Damage | Same as book; takes weeks unless expedited paid extra fees | Same as card; takes weeks unless expedited paid extra fees |
Choosing between these depends heavily on planned travel modes—air travelers must get books regardless of convenience offered by cards.
Navigating Special Cases: Dual Citizenship & Kids’ Passport Cards
For families where children hold dual citizenships — say U.S.-Canadian — having both countries’ passports might seem necessary. The U.S. allows kids to hold multiple citizenships but requires them to use valid U.S.-issued documents when entering/leaving America.
In such cases:
- A U.S.-issued passport book provides maximum flexibility worldwide including air travel back into the States regardless of other citizenships held.
- A U.S.-passport card offers limited regional access but may suffice if trips stay within permitted borders.
- Parents should ensure compliance with each country’s entry/exit rules using appropriate documents.
This complexity underscores why understanding “Can Kids Get A Passport Card?” fully matters before making decisions involving multiple nationalities.
Key Takeaways: Can Kids Get A Passport Card?
➤ Kids are eligible to apply for a passport card.
➤ Parental consent is required for applicants under 16.
➤ Passport cards are valid for land and sea travel only.
➤ Application process involves submitting proof of citizenship.
➤ Cards expire after 5 years for minors under 16 years old.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can kids get a passport card?
Yes, children under 16 years old can obtain a U.S. passport card. The application process is similar to that of adults but requires parental consent and the child’s in-person appearance during submission.
What are the limitations of a passport card for kids?
The passport card for children is only valid for land and sea travel between the U.S., Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda. It cannot be used for international air travel, unlike the traditional passport book.
How long is a kid’s passport card valid?
Passport cards issued to minors under 16 are valid for five years. This is shorter than the ten-year validity period granted to adult passport cards.
What documents are needed for a kid’s passport card application?
Applying requires proof of U.S. citizenship, parental identification, a recent passport photo, completed Form DS-11, and parental consent forms if one parent cannot be present. All documents must be submitted together to avoid delays.
Do both parents need to consent for a kid’s passport card?
Yes, both parents or legal guardians must authorize the issuance of a passport card for children under 16. If one parent cannot be present, a special consent form (Form DS-3053) must be provided.