When did passport cards start?

[BlackAmericanoNoSugar]

I need to renew my passport so looked online to see what I need for an online renewal and there was a bit about passport cards. I have never heard of them and don't know anyone who has one.

They started about 5 years ago as I recall. My DH has one, but he has a somewhat unusual situation as he is a dual national, travels extensively and it was more convenient than getting a second Irish passport (he has to send his out for visas sometimes).

My 2 sons have them and use them all the time travelling in Europe with no difficulty. You apply online, very quick and easy and card arrives a week later. Much less cumbersome than a regular passport.

I have one, but American so probably not what you meant. They're super convenient for me, can leave proper passport at home safe and snug and just slide it in my wallet.

Uk Passport cards? I can't find these where would I look ?

I'm assuming this is a US only card

Ireland.

The card is in addition to a standard passport. In the EU you can travel on it just as other European nationals can travel on their national identity cards.

Apologies for brevity, I was on the phone at the same time.

This is posted in Craicnet, so the OP is referring to Ireland.

Dh got one when he was renewing his passport. He travels a lot in the UK and Europe so it's easier to have it in his wallet and not have to worry if he forgets his passport.

It’s a great alternative to the passport for travel within Europe 😊 and handy as a form of ID without your address on it to keep in your bag

Do you think it will still be accepted at UK border control after Brexit? That's where I do most of my travelling to.

If I didn't have a driver's license it would be a very hand form of ID.

I think it will be accepted after Brexit - the Common Travel Area between the UK and Ireland has existed since well before the EU.

Yes, I suppose so as technically you don't need a passport at all, just ID, I'd forgotten that.

Do you think they're still trying to sneak in the national identity card through getting most people to have a passport card?

No, I don't think so. Very few people I know have a passport card - they use their driving licence for ID day to day (like buying alcohol in an offie when you're 40 🙄), and travel on their passport.

A garda ID is cheaper than a passport card if you just want proof of age... otherwise I could imagine a lot of students carrying round passport cards to buy drink and get into clubs.

Do you think they're still trying to sneak in the national identity card through getting most people to have a passport card?

Thought that was through the PPSN card.

I have one, have it three years now, I find it very handy, just keep it in my phone wallet and works everywhere in the EU.
You pay extra for them, valid for a max. of 5 years, no longer than the remainder of your passport.

They don't count as ID for everything though so important to be aware of that, I know they aren't accepted by Home Office for life in the UK tests as one example.

I’ve had one for a few years. Very handy for eu travel.