The most obvious difference between passport books and passport cards is the design, of course. Sometimes it makes life more convenient to have both a passport book and a card, and carry them both on your international travel. Aug 10, 2012 a passport book is bigger than a passport card. Feb 12, 2019 the passport card is the size of a drivers license and is used for convenience as it is smaller and cheaper than the passport book. If you got any questions about whether you need a passport book or card, please contact travel visa pro we are always ready to help you.
The walletsized passport card is designed to be more convenient and less cumbersome than regular passports. If you do not have a valid passport, you will need to apply for your new passport card with the government in person and you will need to file form ds11. If you are traveling by air or to most countries, you will need a. Nov 28, 2017 understanding the difference between a passport book and a passport card can potentially save you a lot of hassle when you travel. A passport card is cheaper than a passport book, but cant be used for air. If heavenforbid we miss the boat on nassau, wed need the book. The passport card is only valid for entry into the united states at land border crossings or sea ports of entry. What is the difference between a passport book and passport.
Applying for passport card wo giving up passport book. We can send your passport book via a 12 day delivery service. State department offers an alternative to using a passport to travel between the u. Getting a card only allows you to visit canada and mexico. Whats the difference between a passport book and a passport.
Any us citizen wishing to travel internationally via air must have a passport book. You can also apply for both at the same time if it is your first time to get a passport. The card is billed as a cheaper, smaller and more convenient alternative to carrying a passport when traveling to these destinations by land or sea. Department of state of the views or products contained therein. If you are applying for a passport, youll need to consider whether to get a.
Travel articles do you need a passport or a passport card. Passport books or passport cards are both valid for 10 years after issue for adults. What are the benefits of the passport book vs passport card. Valid for 10 years for an adult and 5 years for a minor. The us passport card is a small passport card, about the size of a credit card, that contains your photo and identifying information.
You must have the original copies of all required documents. They are valid for five years from the date of issue, just like a minor passport book. Currently, all citizens of the united states need a one or the other for international travel, even to neighboring countries such as mexico and canada. You can apply for a card even if you already have a passport. The traditional passport book is still required for most travel purposes. Since john will be driving between buffalo, new york and toronto, canada at least once each quarter, he can use the passport card, but if he drives one way from buffalo to toronto and flies home, hell need a passport book for the flight. The us passport card is a credit cardsized identification document. A passport book commonly called a passport, is used for travel anywhere in the world by air, land sea. If i apply for a passport book and a passport card at the same time, how many photos do i need to submit. If you are applying for both a book and a card at the.
While both types of documents have the same period of validity five years for children under 16, ten years for adults and serve as a valid form of identification abroad, they are unique documents that may each be used better depending on the situation. You can apply for both a passport book and passport card at the same time using either form ds11 apply in person or form ds82 renew by mail must be eligible. They can be used for land or sea travel to canada, mexico, bermuda. A book allows you to travel anywhere else assuming you have all the other documents, visas etc. You only need a passport book if you travel by air.
They have been available to us citizens since 2008, and are meant to be a convenient way to prove your identity and citizenship. The other is the passport card, which is just like a drivers license. Should americans have both a passport book and a passport. Understanding the difference between a passport book and a passport card can potentially save you a lot of hassle when you travel. We only send the passport card via first class mail. Keep in mind a passport has no limitations like the passport card. It was designed for people who travel frequently between the u. The passport card contains a radio frequency identification chip as well as the traditional photograph and personal information found in a passport book. You can apply for both the book and card with the same application but it is not required that you obtain both. Differences between a passport book and passport card. I recently got my very first united states passport, and i got a passport card at the same time. Passport book vs passport card difference and comparison. Passport book vs passport card i f youve wondered what the difference is between a passport book and a passport card, youve come to the right place.
I currently have a passport card and never hard use for it but not to sure if i should apply for a passport book. You can apply for both the book and card with the same application but it is not requried that you obtain both. Save yourself hassle with expedited passport services if you dont have the time or patience for applying for your u. Passport card cannot be used for flying into these counties or any other countries. If you are applying for both a book and a card at the same time, you only need to submit one passport photo. If you lose your passport book, you can still travel to mexico and canada if necessary using your passport card i have both of them, because when i went to get my passport book renewed, the passport officer said, quoting him, sir, if you are planning on visiting canada or mexico, you might wish to have both, because only the more convenienttocarry card will be needed for those places. How a passport card differs from a passport book dmv. Only one execution fee is charged for an individual applying for both a card and book at the same time. Otherwise you will need to use form ds11 to apply for a passport card. Jun 02, 2018 if you got any questions about whether you need a passport book or card, please contact travel visa pro we are always ready to help you. The passport card is only good for land and sea border crossings to canada, mexico, and the caribbean. My passport was issued to me when i was 17 years old and now 10 years later i believe i am eligible to renew it.
The difference between passport and passport card us. Our guide will show you the uses and advantages of each document, and will help you figure out which one is best for you, or if you should have both. Oct 16, 2017 the passport book and passport card are both proof of your citizenship and identity while traveling outside of the us. A passport book is valid for all types of travel land, sea or air to any destination. One is a passport book, the traditional passport with the pages that get stamped. I have a passport card but need a passport book to travel to. May 17, 2011 we decided to get the book for our daughter 18 months even though it was more expensive for two reasons. The us passport card allows you to enter the united states from canada, mexico, the caribbean, and bermuda at sea ports of entry, land border crossings and is more convenient and cheaper than a passport book. I need to purchase my passport, but i dont know if i need just the book, or just the card, or both. What is the difference between a passport book and passport card. While the passport card is more convenient due to its size, it is far more restricted in use than the passport book. Oct 07, 2017 whether you get the passport book card both are valid for 10 years. Check out the differences between the two types of passport using the.
You may receive your newlyissued passport card and your citizenship documents in two separate mailings. Find a period of time when im not going to be traveling internationally and apply for the renewal book, using the card as id for domestic trips in the interim. Jun 03, 2014 since john will be driving between buffalo, new york and toronto, canada at least once each quarter, he can use the passport card, but if he drives one way from buffalo to toronto and flies home, hell need a passport book for the flight. If you already only have the passport book, you can get the passport card as well when you apply for your next passport renewal. Passport cards are a form of us passport that are the size of a credit card or drivers license. I will be on the wonder s caribbean cruise in january 2010. Use the passport book to get the passport card, keeping the book in my possession. Should americans have both a passport book and a passport card. Your valid passport card will be returned with your new passport book. From passport cards to global entry, which trustedtraveler. Cant see a reason youd need both other than another form of id that fits in your wallet.
While both types of documents have the same period of validity five years for children under 16, ten years for adults and serve as a valid form of identification abroad, they are unique documents that may each be used better depending on the. A passport card fits in your wallet, making it a more convenient form of id to carry on certain trips. Unless you use the mobile passport app, youll have to. Whether you get the passport bookcard both are valid for 10 years. When you apply for a passport card, youll spend less money than you would when. If you want to apply for a passport card and currently have a valid traditional passport, you can simply download and file form ds82. Passport book vs passport card for kids the dis disney. I think the passport book is a better choice and having one will keep you prepared for your future international trip. Also, they both serve the same purpose and getting both documents will cost more. You should always wear identification, so i would suggest bringing your passport its a must and carry you card in your pocket. Should i get a passport card to go along with my passport. Can i apply for a passport card and passport book using the same.
While a passport book is valid for all types of travel land, sea or air to any destination. Links to external websites are provided as a convenience and should not be construed as an endorsement by the u. The united states passport card is an official identity and limited travel document issued by the united states federal government in the size of a credit card. So if someone gets sick on a cruise and only has the passport card, they cant fly them home. You cannot use a passport card when traveling by air internationally. If you already have a passport book, you do not need a passport card to travel internationally. United states citizens can get either a passport book or a passport card for their. Enhanced drivers license many people may not know but depending on the.
I am trying to figure out if i need a passport book. The passport book only covers land border crossings or seaport entry. You may have heard about the passport card that the united states department of state now issues. However, the passport card cannot be used for travel by plane. There is no reason to ever get a passport card, unless you only travel to canada, mexico or caribbean. If you do want both, you only need to send in one photo, not two. Valid for all forms of travel by land, sea, and air. You are not limited to how or where you travel if you obtain a passport book. If i have the passport card does that slow things down. You can apply for both the book and card with the same application but it is. Whats the difference between a passport book and a. Consular agency playa gaviotas 202 local 10 zona dorada, mazatlan, mexico to make an appointment. Yes, you can apply for both a passport book and passport card at the. If you are traveling by air or to most countries, you will need a traditional passport book, with pages for your various visas.
What is a us passport card, and how can you get one. Can i renew my usa passport book and passport card separately. The passport card is the size of a drivers license and is used for convenience as it is smaller and cheaper than the passport book. Yes, you can use your passport card in order to apply for a passport book. Of course, in theory its only officially valid for international land or sea travel between the united states, canada, mexico, the caribbean and bermuda.
Aug 18, 2016 one is a passport book, the traditional passport with the pages that get stamped. An adult passport card looks similar to a drivers license, and is valid for ten years. The passport book comes in both a standard, 24page version and a bigger, 52page version for those who travel frequently. Both documents are valid for 10 years for adults 16 and older, and 5 years for those under the age of 16. The card is billed as a cheaper, smaller and more convenient alternative to carrying a passport. We decided to get the book for our daughter 18 months even though it was more expensive for two reasons.
A passport book functions in all ways a passport card is used and there is no need to obtain a passport card if you already have a passport book. Whats the difference between a passport book and a passport card. In this case, you would apply for a passport renewal by mail. If not you should carry your passport book around, but that would be very stressful. The card is only good for land and sea travel, which means that we couldnt get a flight to the us. The united states passport card is an official identity and. The passport book and passport card are both proof of your citizenship and identity while traveling outside of the us. It may often be used as an identity card for purposes other than international travel, such as domestic air travel. Passport books or passport cards are both valid for 10 years after issue for adults, and five years for travelers under age 16.
I will be in this situation in two year and therefore have clicked want answer, but in the meantime here is something ive found in the instructions to the ds82 passport renewal form pdf submit your most recently issued emp. This will be the first time i leave the country and fly in an airplane. Can only be used in land and sea travels, not by air. Your photo will be digitized and printed onto both your passport book and passport card. The us passport card is a credit card sized identification document. Both the passport book and passport card serve as proof of your u. To apply for or renew both the book and card, check the appropriate box at the top of the form to indicate that you would like to apply for both products. On the top of the ds82 application for passport renewal, you can select both.
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