A passport card is a wallet-sized, plastic travel document issued by the U.S. Department of State that serves as proof of U.S. citizenship and identity. It is an alternative to the traditional passport book but has specific limitations and uses. The passport card is valid for 10 years for adults and 5 years for minors under 16, and it is less expensive than the passport book
. The passport card can be used for travel by land and sea between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and some Caribbean countries. However, it is not valid for international air travel
. It is designed to be a more portable and convenient option for travelers who frequently cross borders by land or sea. Additionally, the passport card contains an RFID chip that allows border agents to read traveler information from a distance, improving efficiency at land crossings. The card complies with REAL ID Act standards and is accepted for federal purposes such as domestic air travel within the U.S. and entering federal buildings
. In summary, a passport card is a compact, less expensive travel document for U.S. citizens primarily used for land and sea travel to neighboring countries but cannot replace the passport book for international air travel
