Can I get a passport card for my honeymoon so I don't have to pay the extra cost of a passport book?

by Sara
(Grand Rapids, MI USA)

Question: My fiance and I are planning a honeymoon, but its based on whether we will have a passport. I'd rather pay the $55 pp for the passport card versus the $100 pp for the passport book. I am not a frequent traveler out of the country, but I do live in Michigan and close to the borders of Canada, in which case I might go to Canada had I a passport card.

Answer: Yes, you can get a passport card instead of a passport book if you plan to travel to Canada by land. The passport card cannot be used for air travel.

Actually, the cost of a passport card for an adult is only $45. There is a $20 application fee and a $25 execution fee.

Note, you must apply for the passport card in your current legal name. Since you are not married yet, you cannot apply using your married name (assuming you plan to change it) to get your passport.

After the honeymoon, you should apply for a passport name change. There is no fee for this service IF you make the request within the first year of the passport's issuance date.

You are encouraged to apply early since it can take a while. Currently, routine processing takes 4-6 weeks to complete. For more information, click the link below.

How to Get a Passport Card