Passport cards are a new, limited use passport, which is more portable and less expensive than a traditional passport. A passport card may only be used for land and seaport travel between the United States, Mexico, Canada, the Caribbean, and Bermuda.
Apply for a Passport Card in Person
Applicants must appear in person to request a NEW passport card.
1. Fill out the passport application (Form DS-11) (available online or in our office).
2. Submit Proof of U.S. Citizenship with one of the following:
U.S. Passport - a previously issued U.S. Passport, if issued less than 15 years ago.
Birth Certificate - a certified copy of a birth certificate
(SEE SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS FOR A BIRTH CERTIFICATE)
3. Submit 2 identical photographs. Only 2 photographs need to be submitted if an applicant is applying for both a passport and passport card at the same time. Applicants may purchase their photos from the Clerk-Recorder Department.
4. Show identification with one of the following:
Driver's license
Military I.D.
Department of Motor Vehicles I.D.
Employment badge (if it has a photograph, signature, issue and expiration date).
A parent with one of these forms of identification may identify a child younger than 16.
Passport Card Renewal by Mail
Applicants may renew their passport card by mail if the previous passport card is less than 15 years old and the applicant was at least 16 when they applied for their previous passport card.
To RENEW a passport by mail, the applicant must:
Complete and sign an "Application for Passport by Mail" (Form DS-82)
Submit the most recent U.S. passport or passport card
Show proof of name change, such as a certified marriage certificate or court order (if applicable)
Include 2 identical photographs
Mail all of the above items, along with a check, cashier’s check or money order in the amount of $20.00 payable to U.S. PASSPORT SERVICES, to the following address:
National Passport Processing
P.O. Box 13349
Philadelphia, PA 19101-3349
The National U.S. Passport Center will process the passport card renewal application within 4-6 weeks and mail the renewed passport card directly to the applicant.
Passport Card Fees
FEES for a TEN-YEAR Passport (16 years or older) are as follows:
$20.00
$25.00
$45.00 Total
Check, cashier's check, or money order payable to U.S. PASSPORT SERVICES
Payment can be made by cash, check, cashier's check, money order, or ATM/Debit card. Make checks/cashier’s check payable to ORANGE COUNTY CLERK-RECORDER.
The above fees of $20.00 and $25.00 are separate fees and must be paid independently. The $20.00 fee is sent to U.S. Passport Service along with the Passport application. The $25.00 fee is for processing the application.
FEES for FIVE-YEAR Passport (15 years or younger) are:
$10.00
$25.00
$35.00 Total
Check, cashier's check, or money order payable to U.S. PASSPORT SERVICES
Payment can be made by cash, personal check, cashier's check, money order, or ATM/Debit card (additional $2.50 terminal usage fee). Make payable to ORANGE COUNTY CLERK-RECORDER.
The above fees of $10.00 and $25.00 are separate fees and must be paid independently of one another. The $10.00 fee is sent directly to the U.S. Passport Services along with the Passport application. The $25.00 fee is for processing the application.
Expedited Services
Expedited Services are not available for passport cards.