If you have a valid passport book, you do not have to get a passport card as well. The passport book is the traditional multipage document that border agents stamp as you travel through. Passport book is a globally recognized travel document while passport card is not a globally recognized document. When i became a usc, i applied for both together and my american wife who already had a passport book, got sufficiently inspired to get a passport card herself. Check out the differences between the two types of passport using the graphic below, and scroll down for the full list of countries and territories. Can i apply for a passport card and passport book using. Whether you get the passport book card both are valid for 10 years. Both the book and the card are equally valid as proof of identity and citizenship, and can be used for domestic air travel. The only reason youd most likely need a passport is if you got missed he ship for whatever reason. Feb 12, 2019 you can also apply for the passport book and the passport card at the same time when youre utilizing the ds11 new passport application for new passport. Adults will need to have their passport renewed every 10 years. Well help you determine whether you want or need to pay extra for the passport card.
The passport card is intended as a more portable, less expensive alternative to the standard passport book, primarily for u. You can apply for both the book and card with the same application but it is not requried that you obtain both. I f youve wondered what the difference is between a passport book and a passport card, youve come to the right place. Passport book is widely used for international travel while passport card is used for united states citizens who live in border territories in the us. Everything else about the application process is the same for each type of passport. The other is the passport card, which is just like a drivers license. However, each of these items comes with certain restrictions regarding when you can use them. 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. You can apply by mail using form ds82 if you have a passport book or card that. For most forms of international travel which you might wish to do in the future, a passport book is required. Both of these documents give you the ability to travel outside of the country. What is the difference between a passport book and passport card.
I have my familys 5 passport books and 5 passport cards in front of me my own passport book and card are the only two that cant be scanned by the phones. While a passport book is valid for all types of travel land, sea or air to any destination. Card is good from the us to canada, mexico, and the caribbean by land or sea, but not air travel. A passport card can be used to enter the us states at land border crossing or seaportsofentry from canada, mexico, the caribbean and bermuda. Should americans have both a passport book and a passport card. A passport book is valid for all types of travel land, sea or air to any destination.
Enhanced drivers license many people may not know but depending on the state that you live in a third option is available to you. Although, keep in mind, while both can be used as forms of id. A citizen or national is allowed to hold both a passport card and a passport book. Aside from the size, a passport book and a passport card difference is that the latter cannot be used when traveling abroad via air, the passport book is required. If you have a passport book and you are eligible to use form ds82, you may apply for a passport card as a renewal by mail even if it is your first passport card. Difference between passport book and passport card. If you are also applying for a renewal of your passport book and you opt for expedited service by mail, your passport book will arrive in 23 weeks, but your passport card may arrive in a separate envelope several weeks later. You can apply for both the book and card with the same application but it is not required that you obtain both. Jun 16, 2016 will my passport card have the same number as my passport book. Samsung galaxy s3 and note 2 the other 8 only take 3 to 5 seconds to scan and i can see the personal data and photo embedded on the rfid. Mar 18, 2020 the passport card, meanwhile, is both less expensive and less flexible. Any us citizen wishing to travel internationally via air must have a passport book. Passport card frequently asked questions with answers.
Passport books or passport cards are both valid for 10 years after issue for adults, and five years for travelers under age 16. Aug 10, 2012 a passport book is bigger than a passport card. Note, passport cards can only be used for travel by land and sea. In such situations, a passport card comes in handy because it is the size of a credit card and fits nicely in a wallet. Both passport books and cards are valid for 10 years. 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. Select both and you will pay additional fees for the passport book and passport card. The passport book is accepted for any form of international travel and is also the document that holds your visas. While the passport card is more convenient due to its size, it is far more restricted in use than the passport book. Passport books and cards are alternatives to a stateissued id. In 2008, the united states government introduced a passport card, which can be used to travel to some countries. For the actual application process for the passport card, if you already have a passport book, they ask you to send that in with your application.
It is intended to be used in place of the standard u. However, since passport cards arent valid for flying, again i dont see how theyre helpful in that region. Due to this, each one possesses its own particular upsides and downsides, meaning that each one might be bettersuited to some people out there than the other. You only need a passport book if you travel by air. Both documents are valid for 10 years for adults 16 and older, and 5 years for those under the age of 16. 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. Passport card is also valid for international travel but by land or sea only. You can now apply for a passport book and a passport card. Difference between passport book and passport card can be a new subject to you if you are not a citizen of the united states of america. Rfid chips in both my us passport book and card are. The us state department uses different number formats for books and cards. Yes, you can use your passport card in order to apply for a passport book. The passport book is a real passport, and allows you to fly internationally.
If you lose your passport book you still have your passport card and vice versa. There is a place on the application to check whether you want to apply for a passport card, passport book or both. A passport book commonly called a passport, is used for travel anywhere in the world by air, land sea. Department of state passport services recently began issuing the passport card as an alternative to the traditional passport book. Passport book the passport book is designed to be used for all types of international travel.
You must renew your passport book at the same time that your apply for your passport card so your passport book and card have the same number. Your passport book can be used in any situation where a passport card could be used, but you may find that it is convenient for you to also have a passport card. A passport card is more convenient and less expensive than a passport book, but it cannot be used for international travel by air. One instance could be, if you want to travel to jamaica, youll need a passport book. Passport book vs passport card difference and comparison diffen. The passport book and passport card are both proof of your citizenship and identity while traveling outside of the us. Oct 07, 2017 whether you get the passport book card both are valid for 10 years. Can i renew my usa passport book and passport card separately. Passport books or passport cards are both valid for 10 years after issue for adults. The walletsized passport card is designed to be more convenient and less cumbersome than regular passports.
Passport books are larger than cards and come with many pages for customs stamps. Us passport card versus passport book if you are like my family and friends, you are curious as to the differences between the new us passport cards and the more traditional us passport books. If issued for the full validity, they are both proof of your u. Oct 06, 2012 the only thing that confuses me was the mention of submit your most recently issued passport book and or passport card on form ds82 passport renewal by mail and similar wordings such as i can submit my most recent u. A passport book is required for all international travel by air.
You have the freedom to choose which one you wish to have to depend on the country you are planning to travel to. In general, everyone must have a passport book or a regular passport to travel from one country to another. The most obvious difference between passport books and passport cards is the design, of course. All american citizens are required to present a valid passport to exit and reenter the united states. Passport books can be accepted in any country unless theyve barred us citizens from entry, like north korea, and are valid for visa applications, while a passport card can only be used to enter countries by land or sea. I dont need to be busy looking for the passport, flight ticket and cash at security check point or duty free stores anymore. Both passport books and cards are valid for 10 years, so if it fits your travel plans, the passport card can be a cheaper alternative. I previously had a regular passport holder, which was just a sleeve for my passport.
Youll need to submit the same documentation for getting a passport card as you do for a passport book, so getting them both at the same time makes things easier. You cannot use a passport card when traveling by air internationally. How a passport card differs from a passport book dmv. A passport card is cheaper than a passport book, but cant be used for air travel and is only valid in canada, mexico, bermuda, and the caribbean. My passport was issued to me when i was 17 years old and. Both the passport book and passport card serve as proof of your u. Both forms ask you to check a box indicating whether youre applying for a passport book, card or both. Whats the difference between a us passport book and card.
The us passport card is a small passport card, about the size of a credit card, that contains your photo and identifying information. If you are driving, a passport card will be sufficient. As stated, the passport book and the passport card are not the same. If i have both a passport card and a passport book, do i need. The card cant be used for international air travel. Sometimes it makes life more convenient to have both a passport book and a card, and carry them both on your international travel. How to get a passport card fast applying for a passport card by mail will take up to 8 weeks. The difference between passport and passport card us. Passport book and passport card are two terms that are often used these days by many citizens of the united states who are applying for a passport. 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. Is a us passport card good or valid id while in europe. How to know if you need a passport book or passport card.
If you plan to travel by air, then you will need a passport book. Minor children will need to have their passports renewed every 5 years until they reach 16 years of age. All passport cards will be returned using first class mail. Expedited passport processing ranges from two weeks to as fast as 24 hours. First of all, a passport card can be used for travel by sea to barbados. For domestic travel, the passport card is easier to carry because its walletsized. Whats the difference between a passport book and a passport. I do take the passport card on overseas trips and keep it stashed in a location different than where the passport book is stored. In a short period of time, passport services received over 350,000 applications for the passport card. Presumably its not good for international air travel as there is no way to stamp it, like the passport book. Passport book and passport card are two terms that are often used these days by many citizens of the united states who are applying for a passport for the first time.
They are good if you are traveling by land or sea to canada, mexico or the caribbean. Do i need a passport book, passport card, or passport book. In this case, you would apply for a passport renewal by mail. Difference between a passport book and passport card. Passport book vs passport card difference and comparison. The passport card can be used only to reenter the u. The passport book vs card question is one you may have if you are a firsttime international traveler. If you have any intention of traveling internationally, say to europe, youll need a passport book. Whats the difference between a passport book and a. Feb 11, 2020 i do take the passport card on overseas trips and keep it stashed in a location different than where the passport book is stored. You dont need to present a passport or the card when entering and exiting the ship. Us passport book and passport card online application. There are many americans especially based close to borders like those in seattle or new england who hold both a valid passport book and card.
Nov 20, 2017 a passport card allows significantly fewer opportunities for the holder to travel, but often its enough for some. What is the difference between a passport book and a. Both are good for 10 years 16yo and up, 5 years if under. The good news is a passport card is generally valid for the same time and has the same application process as a 26 or 52page passport book. Passport books are likely what you think of when you imagine a passport. 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. Jun 02, 2018 there are many americans especially based close to borders like those in seattle or new england who hold both a valid passport book and card. United states citizens can get either a passport book or a passport card for their travels abroad.
Carry both the card and the passport book in case of an emergency and you need to fly home. Jun 20, 2019 passport book is valid for international travel by air, sea, or land. Differences between a passport book and passport card. The traditional passport book is still required for most travel purposes. The card is for people who frequently drive across the. A passport book and a passport card serve the same purpose of attesting to your u. The passport book and the passport card have the same validity which is 10 years for children 15 years old or younger, the validity is only 5 years. And again, applying for a passport book comes with higher fees. As passport books allows more activities as compare to passport card so they tend to cost more as well. Aug 18, 2016 one is a passport book, the traditional passport with the pages that get stamped. You can apply for a passport book, a passport card, or both documents. In addition to this, we have passport card, this is a card which is used for only land and sea travel on the listed countries in italic on the card. Whats the difference between a passport book and a passport card. 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.
I figure that if my passport book is lost or stolen, the card should make it easier to get emergency travel documents to get home to get issued from a nearby us consulate or embassy. Can i renew my passport book to get a passport card and a. If you think you will be traveling to other places outside the us it would be best to go ahead and get a. The best way to cover all bases is to get both a passport card and standard passport, which you can easily do the next time you renew your passport. No, your book and card will have two completely different numbers. You may request a larger passport book with 52 pages for your child, at no additional cost, by checking the 52 page box at the top of the ds11. Passport the application process is the same for either the passport book or card, even if you want both at the same time. Although not required on closed loop sailings, which call at foreign ports but sail roundtrip from the u. However, since passport cards arent valid for flying, again i dont see how theyre helpful in. Oct 16, 2017 the passport book and passport card are both proof of your citizenship and identity while traveling outside of the us. Should americans have both a passport book and a passport.
I have a passport card but need a passport book to travel to. Yes, 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 renewal. Passport card on the same application, the newly issued documents, as well as your returned citizenship evidence, may be mailed to you in separate packages at different times. When it comes to us passport card versus passport book.
You can apply for both the book and card with the same application but it is. While the book can still be used to cross by land into canada or mexico, it can be a little cumbersome to carry a full book when a card conveniently fits in any wallet. When you apply for a passport card, youll spend less money than you would when. 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. A passport card fits in your wallet, making it a more convenient form of id to carry on certain trips. Passport book numbers are 9 numerals long, and passport cards start with the letter c followed by 8 numerals. Question for those who applied for the passport book and. Difference between passport book and passport card compare. If you are traveling by air or to most countries, you will need a traditional passport book, with pages for your various visas. Some countries require you to carry your passport with you at all times. You can just slip it in your wallet, right behind your drivers license. Can only be used in land and sea travels, not by air. You must have the original copies of all required documents.
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