Passport card can be used to reenter the united states at land borders or sea portsofentry from canada, mexico, the caribbean, and bermuda, according to the u. The cardformat passport is for international travel by u. The passport card facilitates entry and expedites document processing at u. Another benefit of the passport card, is that it is a cheaper alternative to the book. But later it does talk about needed it to gain citizenship. The passport book and passport card are both proof of your citizenship and identity while traveling outside of the us. I have a passport card but need a passport book to 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. Passport card department of foreign affairs and trade. The passport card contains a radio frequency identification chip as well as the traditional photograph and personal information found in a passport book. Here is a table showing the principal differences between a. If you are traveling by air or to most countries, you will need a. This is perhaps unsurprising, seeing as how a passport card lacks the blank pages of the passport book because it is nothing more than the size of a standard id card.
S citizens that want to travel by land or sea to canada, mexico, and the caribbean. I applied to renew my passport this past summer, and i had the option of applying for a just a passport book, or b both a passport book and also a passport card, which can be used in certain intercountry travel situations cant remember what situations either. 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. Start today by applying for or renewing your passport. A passport book commonly called a passport, is used for travel anywhere in the world by air, land sea. The us passport card is a credit cardsized identification document. If you have a valid passport book, you do not have to get a passport card as well. The walletsize passport card is convenient and less expensive than the passport book. Use the passport book to get the passport card, keeping the book in my possession. Whats the difference between a us passport book and card. If you only own a passport book, then the passport book number and passport number are referring to the same information. The us passport card is a small passport card, about the size of a credit card, that contains your photo and identifying information.
Any us citizen wishing to travel internationally via air must have a passport book. I bet they will tell me to get the book but i think i will ask anyhow. Passport books or passport cards are both valid for 10 years after issue for adults, and five years for travelers under age 16. If you have also lost your passport book, please see our lost passport or stolen passport pages for details on how to replace your passport. You are then in a strange country without an accepted form of international id. Department of state, is compliant to the standards for identity documents set by the real id act and can be used as proof of u. Your personal details must be an exact match of the details that appear in your passport book. This new travel document can be used to enter the united states from canada, mexico, the caribbean, and bermuda at land border crossings or sea portsofentry. 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. Save yourself hassle with expedited passport services if you dont have the time or patience for applying for your u.
How a passport card differs from a passport book dmv. I would get the passport book or nothing the birth certificate and the passport card seem equal in value to me you cant fly home with either, and that would be the point of getting the passport book if there is an emergency and you are in a foreign country, you cannot get on an airplane without a passport book, period, so it seems like a. Both forms are available for download on the state departments passport website. It may often be used as an identity card for purposes other than international travel, such as domestic air travel. Yes, as long as your passport book was issued no more than 15 years ago, you can use it to apply for a passport card. Passport card cannot be used for international air travel. The passport card is smaller when compared to the size of passport book. Differences between a passport book and passport card. What is a us passport card, and how can you get one. You only need a passport book if you travel by air.
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. Whats the difference between a passport book and a. 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. Us passport book and passport card online application. All american citizens are required to present a valid passport to exit and reenter the united states. You will need to report the loss of your passport card by calling 8774872778 or by filling out the lost passport report form ds64 and mailing it to the address on the form. So if someone gets sick on a cruise and only has the passport card, they cant fly them home. However, the passport card cannot be used for international air travel. The form for renewing a passport or passport card is ds82. Can only be used in land and sea travels, not by air. Applying for passport card wo giving up passport book.
Validity of passport books and passport cards the u. 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. 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. 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.
The passport card is designed to be a less expensive and more. Since we all know how to acquire passport booklets, lets learn how to get hold of a passport card. It was designed for people who travel frequently between the u. The passport card is available to all irish citizens who hold a valid irish passport book. Can i have a passport and passport card at the same time. Valid for all forms of travel by land, sea, and air. Applications for a passport or passport card may be submitted at any of 9,300 passport application acceptance facilities, which typically include u. Yes, you can use your passport card in order to apply for a passport book. Valid for 10 years for an adult and 5 years for a minor. What is the difference between a passport book and.
The difference between passport and passport card us. What you need to know about passport cards fastport passport. The us passport card does not contain any travel history and therefore officers should request a us passport book unless they are otherwise satisfied that the applicant continues to satisfy the residence requirement. The other is the passport card, which is just like a drivers license. It can be used for travel to 31 countries in the european union eu and european economic area eea plus switzerland. In contrast, a passport card is similar in purpose to a passport book but much more limited in scope.
The requirements and procedure will be the same as for travelers who hold a valid passport book. 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. Please select the country where you wish to attend the interview for your application processing. In this case, you would apply for a passport renewal by mail. Passport card plus copy of your regular passport and the entry stamps visa can save your arse. If the applicant already has a passport book and is capable of utilizing form ds82, they can apply for a passport card by the using a mailing system. You are not limited to how or where you travel if you obtain a passport book. How to apply for a us passport 2020 get a us passport in five easy steps.
The passport book has plenty of pages for visas and arrivaldeparture stamps, while the passport card is a onepiece creditcardsized id card. Department of state since 2008, and can be used to enter and exit the united states from canada, mexico, the caribbean, and bermuda at land border crossings or sea portsofentry, and is more convenient and less expensive than a passport book. 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. Otherwise, it carries the rights and privileges of the u. These come in the form of a traditional passport book, along with a passport card. It was introduced on july 18th, 2008 and over 7 million passport cards have been issued since then. Passport books and cards are alternatives to a stateissued id. The irish passport card is a travel document that irish citizens can use for. Is the passport book number the same as a passport number. The fee to obtain a passport card and passport book also changes. The card has the same period of validity as a passport book. 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. First of all, a passport card can be used for travel by sea to barbados.
The passport book is the same as the original passport you need it when youre going to travel by airplane. You can apply by mail using form ds82 if you have a passport book or card that. Here is a table showing the principal differences between a passport book and a passport card. Passport card vs passport book canada immigration forum. The united states passport card is an official identity and limited travel document issued by the. 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. Dear valued customer, please be advised that some credit card issuing banksinstitutions this may include your credit card issuer have declined credit card payments for online visa andor passport applications on the. Difference between passport book and passport card.
A passport book and a passport card serve the same purpose of attesting to your u. However, the passport card cannot be used for travel by plane. The passport card is more convenient smaller and less expensive than the traditional passport book. The passport card is the same size of a credit card or driver license. 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. The us passport book vs passport card salon prive mag. Both documents are valid for 10 years for adults 16 and older, and 5 years for those under the age of 16.
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. The passport card is basically an individual credit cardsized id. If you own both a passport book and a passport card, then it is possible that this information will differ. Is it worth it to get a passport card if you are already.
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. What are the benefits of the passport book vs passport card. The traditional passport book is still required for most travel purposes. Passport cards are particularly useful for some people. Passport card frequently asked questions with answers. Travel articles do you need a passport or a passport card. Say you go on a rtw trip, are in country x and need to give up your passport to apply for a visa to country y. 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 a very convenient way to travel. If you applied for a passport card at the same time you applied for your passport book they should expire at the same time. The passport services information card is different from another walletsized card, called a u. If you are interested in gaining a passport card for travel between the caribbean, canada, mexico and bermuda, then that can be done. Youll use the same form that you would use to apply for a passport bookeither a ds11 or ds82.
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