Losing a passport card is stressful, but the fix is straightforward once you know the right steps. Reporting it quickly gets it invalidated so no one else can use it — and applying for a replacement follows a different process than a routine renewal, which trips a lot of people up.

What Is a Passport Card?

A passport card is a wallet-sized identification document issued by the U.S. Department of State. It proves U.S. citizenship and can be used for land or sea travel to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean — but it is not valid for international air travel. It's a REAL ID-compliant document, so it also works for boarding domestic flights and entering federal facilities.

Step 1: Report the Loss Immediately

As soon as you realize your card is lost or stolen, report it to the State Department using Form DS-64. You can do this online, by mail, or by phone. Reporting it invalidates the card right away, which prevents anyone else from using your identity for travel or entry.

• If the card was stolen, consider filing a police report as well — this can help if there's ever a dispute or fraud investigation
• If you're abroad when it happens, contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate — they can assist with next steps and, if your travel is imminent, may be able to issue an emergency passport

Step 2: Apply for a Replacement — the Right Way

To apply for your replacement, you'll need:

• Completed Form DS-11 (submitted in person)
• Completed Form DS-64 (statement of loss or theft)
• Evidence of U.S. citizenship (certified birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or similar)
• A valid, government-issued photo ID
• A new passport photo meeting current requirements
• Standard application and execution fees — expedited service is available for an additional fee if you need it faster

When You Can Use DS-82 Instead

Form DS-82 (mail-in renewal) only applies when you still have your current, undamaged card in hand — for example, renewing before it expires, or applying for a card for the first time if you already hold a valid passport book. It is not an option for a lost or stolen card.

What a Passport Card Costs

Fees are set by the State Department and can change — always confirm current pricing before applying.

Passport Card vs. Passport Book

Both prove U.S. citizenship and share the same 10-year validity for adults (5 years for minors), but they're built for different travel. The book is required for any international flight. The card is limited to land and sea travel within North America and the Caribbean — useful for regular border crossings or closed-loop cruises, but not a substitute for the book if you're flying internationally.

Passport Card vs. REAL ID

Both are valid, federally accepted forms of identification, but they're issued differently and serve different purposes:

• Passport card: Issued by the U.S. Department of State. Works for domestic flights, federal facility access, and land/sea entry from Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean.
• REAL ID: Issued by your state, similar to a driver's license. Works for domestic flights and federal facility access, but has no international travel use.

If you don't have or don't want a state-issued REAL ID, a passport card covers the same domestic identification needs — with the added benefit of limited international travel.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the process to replace a lost passport card?

Report the loss with Form DS-64, then apply for a replacement in person using Form DS-11. You'll need proof of citizenship, valid ID, and a new passport photo.

Can I use a passport card for international cruises?

Yes, for cruises to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean. For cruises visiting other international ports, you'll need a passport book.

Does having a passport card eliminate the need for REAL ID?

A passport card is REAL ID-compliant, so it can serve the same purpose for domestic flights and federal facility access. Whether you still want a state REAL ID depends on your personal preference and other uses for state ID.

What's the fee for a passport card renewal?

$30 by mail using Form DS-82, if you're eligible to renew (your card must still be in your possession, undamaged, and issued within the required timeframe). Fees can change, so confirm current pricing before applying.