Important Due to Covid-19, processing times for passports are taking longer than normal for both standard and expedited services.

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

by Sara
(Grand Rapids, MI USA)

Question: My fiance and I are planning a honeymoon but it's based on whether or not we will need a passport. I'd rather pay the $55++ for the passport card versus the $100++ 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 if I had a passport card.

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

Answer: The answer depends on your honeymoon destination and how you plan to get there.

You can get a passport card instead of a passport book if you plan to travel to Canada by land.

However, the passport card cannot be used for travel by air to any destination.

Actually, the cost of a passport card for an adult is currently $65. There is a $30 application fee and a $35 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 to change the name in your passport. There is no fee for this service IF you make the request within the first year of your passport's date of issue.

You are encouraged to apply early since it can take a while, especially during peak travel periods or special circumstances. For more information, click the link below.

How to Get a Passport Card

Return to Passport Card FAQ.

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UPDATE: Mailing delays and high demand are impacting passport processing. The Department of State's processing times begin when applications are received at a passport agency or center and not when you mail them or apply at a local acceptance facility. Standard service may take between 10 and 13 weeks. This timeframe does not include delivery time. Mailing times vary across the country.

Expedited service takes from 7 to 9 weeks excluding mailing times on the front and back end. Current mailing delays are significant. Requesting 1-2-day mailing service is recommended.

Regional passport agencies are offering two types of appointments: Life-of-Death Emergency Service and Urgent Travel Service.

Life-or-death emergencies are serious illnesses, injuries, or deaths in your immediate family (parent, legal guardian, child, spouse, sibling, and grandparent) that require you to travel outside the United States within 3 business days.

If you need to travel due to a qualified life-or-death emergency, please call the National Passport Information Center for an appointment:

Mondays through Fridays 8 A.M. to 8 P.M. ET, call 1-877-487-2778 (TDD/TTY:1-888-874-7793) Outside of these hours, call 202-647-4000.

For Urgent Travel Service, you need to call 14 days before your scheduled international travel or 28 days if you also need to secure a foreign visa.

If you need to travel urgently for reasons other than a life-or-death emergency, please call the NPIC at 1-877-487-2778 Mondays through Fridays 8 A.M. to 10 P.M. ET.

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