Debating getting a Passport Card

[Carmudgeon]

I'm preparing to renew my passport book, and debating whether the card is worth the additional $30 (+ ~$20 misc for photos and postage).

I can renew my book online, which seems to be quick and easy (self-taken digital photo, credit card payment), but since this would be my first card, the application must be by mail, which would also require having photos taken (no photo printer), postage, check/money order payment, plus the fee for the card itself. More time/expense for questionable benefit, but at least it would be amortized over a decade.

I don't envision needing the card to cross borders inside the NAFTA zone, or take a cruise to the Caribbean, so its value would mostly be in serving as an additional Real ID/Govt-issued photo ID, as well as serving as a proxy/backup while abroad, which could also help expedite a replacement from an embassy if the book is lost.

So the main practical benefit would be in the form of insurance, but as with other types of insurance, it's something you only receive the value in when needed. And can regret if you lack it.

I'm leaning toward passing it up, but if there are any arguments in favor I haven't considered, I'm all ears.

 

[joekingcorvette]

I renewed my passport again last week and chose not to buy the card. I don't go overseas or into Canada that much and the book is just fine. No use spending extra money for something that will sit in the gun safe until the next vacation. It still cost me about $155.00 to renew and that was without the card. It only took about 15 minutes at the post office. They return your old book and will mail it back with a hole in it and you can keep it if you want to.

 

[PF52]

..... so its value would mostly be in serving as an additional Real ID/Govt-issued photo ID

I got my passport card for the same reason. Illinois' Real ID program was getting hopelessly delayed and was most likely a leading reason the government kept postponing its starting date (until the pandemic created delays of its own). I heard horror stories about people getting the runaround trying to get an Illinois Real ID, so I figured the passport card would be easier. And it was. I took my own photo, despite advice on the website not to (I'm a photographer and can do my own portraits, thank you). I made an appointment at the local library and I was in and out of there in five minutes. A few weeks later my card came in the mail. Super easy.

 

[silversport]

interesting as I got my Real ID in April 2023 and the only issue I had at the Secretary of State's Office (DMV) in ChicagoLand was getting informed that my full name (I never use my full middle name; just the initial) was now going to be my new name always...

Bill

 

[dnewton3]

My state ID is not Real ID complaint, so the passport card serves as my ID when I fly domestic (which is rare).

 

[Pablo]

You mean a Nexus card?

 

[JavierH19]

I got mine last time I renewed 2 years ago more so for the heck of it even though the lady told me if I already renewed my license which had the real id star it wasn't really useful beyond being a bit more convenient. But more importantly it serves as a backup if something were to happen to my regular passport given that I frequent mexico and caribbean countries when cruising. For canada, mexico and most caribbean travel or in any state where there's no real id and you domestically travel it makes a lot of sense to get a passport card.

 

[4WD]

I travel overseas often and don't have one. Have had dual passports if needed - but right now I have just the 10 year. I use my TDL to rent cars in Canada.

 

[DukeOfFrontenac]

If you only ever go to Mexico or Canada then having just the card is fine. Card + passport is redundant IMO.

 

[opus1]

interesting as I got my Real ID in April 2023 and the only issue I had at the Secretary of State's Office (DMV) in ChicagoLand was getting informed that my full name (I never use my full middle name; just the initial) was now going to be my new name always...

Bill

When I had to get my RealID License in Illinois, that never came up. Like you, my passport is full middle name, but my DL is middle initial only. But that was in either 2021 or 2022 so the rules may have changed since then. I'll find out if I have to go in to renew my license this year.

As for the passport card, I have one, primarily because IL couldn't get the RealID licenses straight and I didn't want to drag my passport around for travel. Other than the application for a RealID license, I don't think I've really used it.

 

[ls1mike]

I went ahead and got them for everyone. We live a just a few hours from Canada and we fly pretty often. I do have Navy retired ID, but I am not sure I can use that.

 

[PF52]

When I had to get my RealID License in Illinois, that never came up. Like you, my passport is full middle name, but my DL is middle initial only. But that was in either 2021 or 2022 so the rules may have changed since then. I'll find out if I have to go in to renew my license this year.

As for the passport card, I have one, primarily because IL couldn't get the RealID licenses straight and I didn't want to drag my passport around for travel. Other than the application for a RealID license, I don't think I've really used it.

The stories I was hearing, was that the old ladies that work at the Illinois Secy. of State offices (Illinois' name for the DMV) were rejecting a lot of people's paperwork needed to properly identify oneself for the Real ID. Don't have a full 9-digit Zip code on your utility bill? Rejected! Did they abbreviate "Avenue" differently on your pay stub vs. on your driver's license? Rejected! There were stories on the news about people having to come back 3 or 4 times to try to get their Real ID application approved. It was crazy. This was back in 2019 and then Covid came and they just kept postponing it again and again since then.

My passport card still hasn't been out of the drawer at home where I keep it. I haven't needed it yet.

 

[Ride_Red]

I got the Passport ID card. It was only a $10 adder when I renewed. I figured that it can be used as a valid picture ID whenever two pieces of identification are needed or if I lost my passport book. I haven't needed to use it since I got it in 2015. Not sure If I'll get it again.

 

[Greatlake]

Global Entry card will work as a real ID for U.S. domestic flights. Also automatically gives you TSA pre-check.

Global Entry also lets you skip the immigration line when returning/entering the U.S. at most major airports. Saves a lot of time when returning to the U.S from anywhere outside the U.S.

 

[I<3oil]

I went ahead and got them for everyone. We live a just a few hours from Canada and we fly pretty often. I do have Navy retired ID, but I am not sure I can use that.

Fly Space A!

 

[ls1mike]

Fly Space A!

I am a few years off from having that kind of time. LOL

 

[2strokeNorthstar]

I don't have the card or a real ID. No desire to give the government any more money. I don't mind grabbing the passport book when I need it

 

[andrew_j]

Decent for Canada and Mexico crossings regularly. Otherwise up to you as would rarely be used and potentially not accepted readily.

 

[eljefino]

You can get your photo printed at walmart for nine cents. Scale the 4x6 so your head will be the 1 to 1.375 inches, scalp to jaw. Plain white background. DIY trim it to a 2x2 square, done.

I have a perfectly good certified copy of my birth certificate, with raised embossed seal and the original signature of the clerk. DMV rejected it when I went for my Real ID because "it looks like a photocopy." This copy was made 32 years ago with the available technology. So I whipped out my backup plan, my passport card, and got my Real ID. The US gov't had no issue with my birth certificate, of course, when issuing said passport.

In short it's a great backup ID you can lock in a lock box and use to restart your normal life if you lose a wallet or whatever. You never know when they'll get "tight" on IDs and put you in a pickle.

 

[opus1]

...I have a perfectly good certified copy of my birth certificate, with raised embossed seal and the original signature of the clerk. DMV rejected it when I went for my Real ID because "it looks like a photocopy." This copy was made 32 years ago with the available technology. So I whipped out my backup plan, my passport card, and got my Real ID. The US gov't had no issue with my birth certificate, of course, when issuing said passport...

The Illinois SOS took umbrage with my SS card. They still accepted it but the clerk whipped out a brochure on requesting a new one and "suggested" that I do that.