Oct 05, 2018 if so, youve probably noticed the option for a passport card. However, if you already have a passport even if its a passport book instead of a card and you would be eligible to use form ds82 for a renewal, you can use it to apply for a passport card by mail. A passport card can be used to enter the us states at land border crossing or seaports of entry from canada, mexico, the caribbean and bermuda. Differences between a passport book and passport card. It is valid for 10 years for adults and 5 years for minors under 16. Furthermore, in terms of federal identification, if you wanted to visit a federal facility or military base but do not own a real id card, the facility will accept your passport or passport card as an alternative. 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. I do take the passport card on overseas trips and keep it stashed in a location different than where the passport book is stored. The passport card is a cheaper alternative to the passport book.
Whats the difference between a passport book and a passport card. A nonexpired passport book can be used as valid proof of identity and citizenship. I have entered my full name and the date issued in the other 2 blocks. Passport card the standard passport book covers all the bases. One of the most important differences between the two is that passport book has been in use for longer time than the passport card. As the name suggests, an enhanced drivers license edl is a driver license with a few extra perks. Adults will need to have their passport renewed every 10 years. 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. Here is a table showing the principal differences between a passport book and a passport card.
It can be used for travel to 31 countries in the european union eu and european economic area eea plus switzerland. Difference between a passport book and passport card. The passport card is a walletsize travel document that can only be used to reenter the united states at land bordercrossings or portsofentry by sea from canada, mexico, the caribbean, and bermuda. The walletsized passport card is designed to be more convenient and less cumbersome than regular passports.
What is a us passport card, and how can you get one. The passport card is a wallet sized travel card that is more convenient than carrying around your passport and is also cheaper than the passport book. You can now apply for a passport book and a passport card. As with a passport book, a nonexpired passport card can serve as your proof of identity and citizenship. Entering the united states at land border crossings and sea portsofentry from. Passport book the following chart will give you a quick overview of the passport card versus the passport book. If your travel plans take you to a country bordering the u. See below the differences between a passport book vs. You must have the original copies of all required documents. Passport book the passport book is designed to be used for all types of international travel. How a passport card differs from a passport book dmv.
A passport book can also be used as your id for domestic air travel. However, the passport card cannot be used for travel by plane. Vacation season is right around the corner, and as such, you will most likely be renewing or obtaining your us passport. If you are a firsttime applicant or minor, you must visit an acceptance facility in person to apply for a u. Learn more about how a passport card differs from a passport book. There are several options when it comes to forms of identification for travel. Difference between passport book and passport card compare.
In general, everyone must have a passport book or a regular passport to travel from one country to another. A passport card is valid for travel to and from canada, mexico, the caribbean and bermuda at land border crossings and sea ports of entry. One is a passport book, the traditional passport with the pages that get stamped. If you can submit a passport book, but you lost your passport card, you cannot. Excellent form of official identification for children or nondrivers. With an expediting company, you can have your passport processed in as little as 24 hours, although there are various processing times and price points available to meet your needs. Passport cards are not valid for international air travel. Validity of a passport book is 10 years for adults, 5 years for minors under age 16 the size of a passport book is approximately 5 x 3. 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. To enter the united states at land border crossings or sea portsofentry from canada, mexico, the caribbean, and bermuda, you can use a passport book or a passport card. What is the differences between passport book vs passport card. Renewal cost of the passport book and passport card. Nov 20, 2017 an adult applying for a us passport renewal or firsttime passport can receive a card valid for ten years.
Oct 07, 2017 wondering whats the difference between a passport book and a passport card. You have the freedom to choose which one you wish to have to depend on the country you are planning to travel to. 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. Conveniently, both the passport book and the passport card have the same renewal period. What is the differences between passport book vs passport. Passport book is valid for international travel by air, sea, or land. Even closed loop cruises often require passengers to have a valid passport. Aug 10, 2012 passport cards and passport books are no exception. Passport card frequently asked questions with answers. 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. Can be used for international travel via land, sea, or air.
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. You can apply for a card at the same time, just by checking the book and card box on the ds82 application form. Second, a good argument can be made that the passport card is more useful than the passport book for the limited circumstances in which it can be used. The other is the passport card, which is just like a drivers license. The passport card is available to all irish citizens who hold a valid irish passport book. A passport book is valid for any international travel by air, sea or land. The us passport office told me to speak to the british embassy to find out what the entry requirements are for bvi. Passport book vs passport card difference and comparison diffen. Applicants must provide documents which attest to their u. Form ds 82 step 10 most recent passport book or passport card. An adult applying for a us passport renewal or firsttime passport can receive a card valid for ten years. Whats the difference between passport book and passport card. So far no one has responded to me through these resources. During your cruise, keep your passport card or book in your cabin safe, and simply carry a photocopy of it when walking around in port, in case of an emergency.
Children age 16 and older whose last passport was issued before their 16th birthday will need to do the new passport procedure to get their first adult passport. The passport book is accepted for any form of international travel and is also the document that holds your visas. I have two children who will be needing passports as well and would like to get them passport cards. Can i renew my passport book to get a passport card and a name change. Passport card is wallet sized document while passport book size is 5. Renewal cost of the passport book and passport card passport book. A passport book provides valid identification for any national or international travel. Whats the difference between a passport book and a passport. The passport card is commonly requested by travelers that are planning to go on a cruise. Youll need to include your most recent passport, form ds82, an updated passport photo, payment for the new book andor card, and any documentation to support a requested name change.
If you want to get a card along with your next passport renewal, make note of the following requirements. However, the passport book is valid for all forms of travel. Difference between passport book and passport card. The passport card is a walletsize travel document that can only be used to reenter the united states at land bordercrossings or ports of entry by sea from canada, mexico, the caribbean, and bermuda. Your personal details must be an exact match of the details that appear in your passport book. Aug 22, 2016 passport card is a walletsize travel document that can be used for land or sea travel to canada, mexico, bermuda, and the caribbean whereas a passport book can be used for international travel to all destinations by air, land, or sea. If you plan to travel by air, then you will need a passport book. A good passport expediting company can process a passport book renewal in as little as 24 hours, so you could have your passport processed with minimal disruption to your normal travel schedule. They let you travel to canada, mexico, bermuda, and the caribbean by land and sea. Passport books and cards are alternatives to a stateissued id. What is the differences between a passport book vs card with additional information and requirement for getting both a card and book.
All american citizens are required to present a valid passport to exit and reenter the united states. However, people find a passport card more convenient and accessible when carrying. Both of these documents give you the ability to travel outside of the country. 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. The passport card is only for land and sea travel, which means there is no way travelers can use the passport card to board a plane. You can just slip it in your wallet, right behind your drivers license. A passport book and a passport card serve the same purpose of attesting to your u. In this video we explore should you use a passport book or a passport card when you travel. However, it is possible to damage a passport book so its best to carry a passport protector or wallet to keep it safe. A passport book is valid for all types of travel land, sea or air to any destination.
I will be traveling this february to mexico cruise and would prefer to renew my passport just in case of an emergency. United states citizens can get either a passport book or a passport card for their. Both types contain identifying information such as the photograph, name, date of. Us passport books and us passport cards the differences. The card provides a smaller, more convenient, and less expensive alternative to the passport book for those who travel frequently to these destinations by land or sea. The difference between a passport book or card getaway usa. 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. A passport card cost is a much more affordable option if you only plan to travel to these selected locations. A passport card is more convenient and less expensive than a passport book, but it cannot be used for international travel by air. Dont get stuck waiting for your passportapply for a passport renewal or a new passport today. There are very important differences between the passport card and the passport book.
A passport book is required for all international travel by air. Passport renewal applications must be submitted by mail. 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. 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. 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. Both documents are valid for 10 years for adults 16 and older, and 5 years for those under the age of 16. The passport book has lots of pages for visas and arrivaldeparture stamps. However, each of these items comes with certain restrictions regarding when you can use them. As passport books allows more activities as compare to passport card so they tend to cost more as well.
This process only applies if you are getting a new passport. Us passport book and passport card online application. Dont get stuck waiting for your passport apply for a passport renewal or a n ew passport today. State department issues two versions of a passport. In part, this is because the passport card is the size of a standard id card, meaning that it can be carried with the same convenience as any other. The passport book vs card question is one you may have if you are a firsttime international traveler. If youre renewing your passport book and passport card, you must submit both documents. Jan 11, 2019 some visas may require a sticker that can take up one full page in your passport book. You only need to submit one photograph with your application for a passport renewal and passport card. What is the difference between a passport and a passport card. As such, the passport card is adjudicated to the exact standards as the passport book. The most obvious difference between passport books and passport cards is the design, of course. Children age 15 and younger cannot renew their passports and will need to go through the minor passport procedure to get a new passport. Passport card department of foreign affairs and trade.
Jun 20, 2019 passport book is a globally recognized travel document while passport card is not a globally recognized document. Passport book lets you travel by air internationally, but the card doesnt. 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. You are not limited to how or where you travel if you obtain a passport book. The biggest difference between a passport book and passport card is that passport cards are only valid to enter canada, mexico, bermuda, and. Getting your us passport as easily and quickly as possible. Minor children will need to have their passports renewed every 5 years until they reach 16 years of age. Passport the application process is the same for either the passport book or card, even if you want both at the same time. You can apply for both the book and card with the same application but it is not. You cannot use a passport card when traveling by air internationally. Passport book booklet style id travel document standard passport book has 28 pages. I need to renew my passport and was thinking about just getting the passport card. Passport book vs passport card difference and comparison. Department of state and include the full name and date of birth of the applicant.
To get a passport card for a minor, you must pay two fees. The passport card is a fully valid passport that attests to the u. As like the passport book, the card also must be renewed after validation gets completed. Department of state expedite fee paid per application, in addition to. This is a privately owned website and not a government agency. United states passports are now available to residents as either a passport book or a passport card. Passport card is also valid for international travel but by land or sea only. What are the benefits of the passport book vs passport card. Whats the difference between a us passport book and card. If you are inquiring about an application currently in process through passport. Can i renew my passport book to get a passport card and a. Firsttime passport card applicants who do not have a passport book traditional passport must go in person to a passport application facility, such as a post office or courthouse, and submit a completed passport application form, proof of us citizenship, one passport photo and the required fee. While the passport card is permissible for a cruise. 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.
A passport book commonly called a passport, is used for travel anywhere in the world by air, land sea. When you fill out your passport renewal application form online. The third space says, most recent passport book or passport card. What is the difference between a passport book and. A passport card is more convenient and less expensive than a passport book. For example, an edl resembles a passport card in that it. Your passport book allows you to travel by land, by sea, or by air. A passport card can be used to enter the us states at land border crossing or seaportsofentry from canada, mexico, the caribbean and bermuda.
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