The New U.S. Passport Card Is Almost Here

The U.S. Department of State will accept applications for the new, wallet-sized U.S. passport card beginning February 1. This card was created to make border crossings easier for U.S. citizens who travel to Canada, Mexico or the Caribbean on a regular basis. Cards will be issued beginning in Spring 2008.

You cannot use the new passport card for air travel. The passport card will be most useful to people who travel frequently by land or sea to and from Bermuda, the Caribbean, Canada and / or Mexico.

You'll pay $45 for your first passport card, and it will be valid for 10 years. Children's cards will cost $35 and be valid for five years. If you hold a U.S. passport now, but decide that the new passport card will be a better choice for you, you'll be able to apply for the card as though you were renewing your valid passport and pay only $20.

If you plan to travel to countries outside of Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean area, a traditional passport book is a better, if more expensive, choice.