22 Comments
User's avatar
Kenneth S.'s avatar

I have been carrying a passport card since my last passport book renewal since it's easier for land border crossings. I've never wanted to use my driver's license to verify my identity with any organization and have always opted out of several services that require it. I'll have to research if there's any inherent concern if I provided my passport card if in the event I don't have an option since there isn't any PII other than name and DOB on it.

Thanks for validating my decision to also get a passport card for me and my family!

dnt's avatar

the example on the website shows place of birth too

PD's avatar

I am so glad you wrote on this topic! I was recently at a CVS attempting to return an item and the cashier said she needed to scan my driver's license, to confirm she wasn't handing out cash to someone not returning an item. I inquired, asking what's the purpose of my receipt? After a short interaction I just left with the item, feeling that scanning my license was not necessary. And after reading this article, I feel much better about my decision and an option for the future.

Steve S's avatar

I always pay the extra $5 to get a passport card when I renew my passport. This essay makes lots of sense.

A1ma0culta's avatar

Oh thank you Naomi I had no idea. Doing this on my next day off.

Dave S's avatar

I've walked out of stores after getting carded (trust me, I am clearly over 49 years old), sometimes with all of the groceries at the register, sometimes I'll just leave the beer there. I did the same with some sparklers (yes, kids' stuff sparklers). I was carded. I refused. The cashier wouldn't budge. Neither would I, so I walked out.

Jonathan Herbert's avatar

i went to some administrative rigamarole to get mine. Even happier, now, that I did.

Robot Bender's avatar

Hmm. I have a passport card. I think I'll try that out. Thanks.

dnt's avatar
Mar 5Edited

years ago when colorado first legalized rec i went with some friends, and immediately upon entering they asked for my id. i handed it over thinking it was like a bar, they just look at age, but instead they very quickly zipped it through a reader before i even knew what was happening. i’d never seen anywhere do that before. i immediately tested it myself once home to see what it contained. then i put black tape over the whole barcode so no one can ever do a quick scan again. and i avoid any stores/actions that would require it. i’m not sure i like this passport card showing date and place of birth. thats part way to id theft imo. i dont have real id and gave up passports and flying after tsa became a thing. i wont surrender my dignity as a free citizen to be treated like cattle through a chute. and flying is awful now anyway

Jim Davidson's avatar

I don't agree with the statist idea of passports. No one needs a document for permission to buy, sell, travel, or do anything else. I am stateless and free. No, I don't drink alcohol. Yes, I am aware of people in many communities who brew beer and distil spiritous liquors without licence. You have to choose whether you want to be free. Choosing to carry a document issued by evil demon worshipping child raping mass murdering thieves is certainly a mistake.

Spotty Owl's avatar

I'm RAMP certified. They need to hold your card in order to see and feel for tells that show that the card is fraudulent or not.

Michelle A's avatar

I used a concealed carry permit for ID this week (which also doesn't contain info like address), but got a passport card for this exact reason. The state i live in has a mobile driver's license app, although if you're stopped by police, have to hand over your phone for them to take back to their car... That's something i definitely don't want to happen. Hmmm, choices.

Catherine Dee's avatar

I wonder if there is a Canadian version of this?

Jeffrey Pitts's avatar

Thanks. Some friends and I went to a bar that other night that insisted on scanning for entry. I was appalled and my friends thought I was over the top

Tanveer Salim's avatar

Gee I didn't know a passport card was a more privacy-friendly option. I will try it as soon as feasible.

Gary Bloomer's avatar

It’s worth noting that a passport card also comes with a nifty little envelope that blocks scanning technology from reading the card until you take the card out.

AbsoluteTruthKnown's avatar

It doesn't cost $30. It costs $165. Basic info. 130, plus 35 for processing.

AbsoluteTruthKnown's avatar

Yes, I've got both. Passport book and passport card. The card is 30, plus the processing fee. If you get both, the processing fee is only applied once.

The card limits your travel drastically to only within the few surrounding counties and territories and that costs a minimum $65. The passport book is the way to go in my opinion.

Gary Bloomer's avatar

OK. For non driver’s license ID I think the passport card is slightly more convenient for everyday carry.