U.S. Passport Card applications available

MERCER, Pa. — U.S. citizens had the opportunity to begin applying in advance for the new U.S. Passport Card on Friday in anticipation of land border travel document requirements.

Cards will be available and mailed to applicants in the spring.

The passport card will facilitate entry and expedite document processing at U.S. land and sea port-of-entry when arriving from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda.

The card may not be used to travel by air.

It will otherwise carry the rights and privileges of the U.S. passport book and will be adjudicated to the exact same standards.

The card will have the same validity period as a passport book — 10 years for an adult, five years for children 15 and younger.

For adults who already have a passport book, they may apply for the card as a passport renewal and pay only $20.

First-time applicants will pay $45 for adult cards and $35 for children’s cards. Fees have also changed for passport books. For more information, call the county prothonotary’s office at (724) 662-3800, Ext. 2264, or visit the Web site travel.state.gov.