State Department pilots online passport card applications
24 January, 2012
category: Government
As part of the U.S. Department of State’s initiative to simplify and streamline customer service interactions and processes, the Office of Passport Services has started a 90-day pilot program for online passport card applications.
Adult U.S. citizens living in the United States and Canada who currently hold a valid 10-year U.S. passport book may participate in the program. Applications must include an acceptable digital photograph and a payment of $30 via Pay.gov. Applicants will not be required to mail in their current passport book and forms.
The State Department developed the passport card in 2008 to comply with the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative. The wallet-sized card is valid for land and sea travel to and from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda; however, it’s not valid for international air travel.
Since its introduction the office has issued over 4.5 million passport cards.