If issued for the full validity, they are both proof of your u. I will be needing to get a passport book within the next couple of years so i can travel to barbados. Here is a table showing the principal differences between a passport book and a passport card. You can use form ds82 to renew your passport book at the same time that your apply for your passport card. The card cant be used for international air travel. The us passport card is a credit card sized identification document. Nov 20, 2017 a passport card allows significantly fewer opportunities for the holder to travel, but often its enough for some. If a passport book holder uses all 52 pages, the holder must purchase a new passport book.
As of march 25, 2020, post offices which are still accepting applications are requiring customers to make an online appointment to apply in. If your travel plans fit the limitations of the passport card, then it is a budgetfriendly option to obtaining a passport book. You can apply for a us passport card by mail if you already have a us passport book and eligible to use form ds82. Whats the difference between a passport book and a. However, before you apply for a new passport card, consider carefully whether or not you might be better off getting a us passport book. How to get a passport card us passport office locations. A passport book is valid for any international travel by air, sea or land. The passport card was designed for the specific needs of northern and southern u. They have been available to us citizens since 2008, and are meant to be a convenient way to prove your identity and citizenship. Passport application status due to public health measures to prevent the spread of covid19, we suspended offering expedited service on march 19, 2020. I currently have a passport card that was issued in june 2009. There are similarities as well as differences between the two options, which will be further discussed here. Whats the difference between a passport book and a passport.
If you already hold a valid passport book, you may apply for a passport card by mail with form ds82. There are many places in the us that can issue a us passport card. A passport card is the same size as a drivers license, and is official proof of your identity and us citizenship. I have a passport card but need a passport book to travel. First of all, a passport card can be used for travel by sea to barbados. You only need a passport book if you travel by air. 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 first version is the conventional passport book and the second one is in the form of passport card. Yes, you can use your passport card in order to apply for a passport book. The card cannot be used for international air travel.
A passport book is a product of the federal government. Us passport books and us passport cards the differences. Passport card is a limited travel document issued by the united states federal government in the size of a credit card. It was designed for people who travel frequently between the us and canada, mexico, bermuda or the caribbean by land or sea.
Whats the difference between a passport book and a passport card. If you need to travel internationally, you must have a passport book. You must prove both us citizenship and identity in a passport or passport card application. H ave you ever wished your passport could fit inside your wallet. Passport book the passport book is designed to be used for all types of international travel. 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. The passport card is intended as a more portable, less expensive alternative to the standard passport book, primarily for u.
It is an alternative to carrying a conventional passport book and is valid for land and sea travel to and from mexico, canada, bermuda, and the caribbean. If youve never had a us passport before, this article outlines how you go about getting a passport book not passport card for the first time if youre living in the us and are an adult. If you are traveling by air or to most countries, you will need a traditional passport book, with pages for your various visas. It may often be used as an identity card for purposes other than international travel, such as domestic air travel. However, if youre considering a passport book vs passport card, just get both. The card may not be used to travel by air outside the united states. Previously issued passport book or passport card official military identification card a photocopy of the valid form of identification id, showing the front and back of the id and provided on plain white 8 12 x 11 paper must be sent in with the passport applications. The state departments website offers complete details and. 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. Besides passports, limited use passport cards and are issued by the same organization subject to the same requirements. The passport card has the applicants photo and data printed on them. You can use form ds82 to renew your passport book at the same time you apply for your first passport card.
Passport cards are a form of us passport that are the size of a credit card or drivers license. If youve never had a us passport before, this article outlines how you go about getting a passport book not passport card for the first time if youre living in the us. The us passport card can be useful in a number of situations. The passport card cannot be used for international air travel. The passport card will facilitate entry and expedite document processing at u. If you have a passport card, you can also use it to drive across the canadian border and to. The passport book is the only document approved for international air travel.
It is valid for 10 years for adults and 5 years for minors under 16. Randy randolph your passport book will be returned with your new passport card, in order to get a passport card you still need to apply for a renewal. 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. A passport card is valid for travel to and from canada, mexico, the caribbean and bermuda at land border crossings and sea portsofentry. Why cant i use a passport card to fly internationally. We are a private company that is authorized to process us passport books. A passport card is less expensive than a traditional passport book.
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. If they are issued for full validity, they both can be used as proof of your us. The traditional passport book is still required for most travel purposes. If you can submit a passport book, but you lost your passport card, you cannot. I have a passport card but need a passport book to travel to barbados. Only available for passport book applicants in the united states not canada. A passport card can be used to enter the us states at land border crossing or seaportsofentry from canada, mexico, the caribbean and bermuda. The passport card contains a radio frequency identification chip as well as the traditional photograph and personal information found in a passport book. You cannot use the us passport card for air travel at all. If youre renewing your passport book and passport card, you must submit both documents. Passport book vs passport card difference and comparison. I have a passport card but need a passport book to travel to. You may be able to apply for a passport card without submitting your passport book. To protect yourself against emergency situations, go with a passport book, which covers all international travel by air, sea or land.
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. Enhanced drivers license many people may not know but depending on the state that you live in a third option is available to you. Passport card difference between passport book and passport card u. Jun, 2019 how to get a us passport book first time. It can also be used for domestic air travel in the usa.
The passport book comes as either 28 or 52 pages and is valid for five years. Passport books are approved ids for domestic flights. Here are the countries and territories where a us passport card is valid. A passport card fits in your wallet, making it a more convenient form of id to carry on certain trips.
Additional fees may apply for specific passport requests. In july of 2008, due to requests from residents along us borders for a more portable and easier application process than a regular passport, the united states department of state began issuing passport cards, a wallet sized identity card usable. Passport card can be used to enter the united states from canada, mexico, the caribbean, and bermuda at land border crossings or sea portsofentry and is more. The united states passport card is an official identity and. 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.
Youll use the same form that you would use to apply for a passport book either a ds11 or ds82. For children age 15 and under, the passport is valid for 5 years and for adults 16 and older it is valid for 10 years. It is intended to be used in place of the standard u. A passport card allows significantly fewer opportunities for the holder to travel, but often its enough for some. Our website will assist you in filling in your application and we also offer a live chat free service, should you have any queries or need any online help. Finally, your passport card will be returned to you. We are a privately owned website that is not affiliated with, owned or operated by the us government. 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. If you make infrequent trips between the us and canada andor mexico by land and are not a frequent cruise passenger to the caribbean and you live in a state that provides a real id compliant drivers license yet you travel internationally by plane, it would make sense to get a passport book and not pay the extra money for a passport card. Otherwise if you never had a us passport book and you are not able to use form ds82 you then must apply in person with form ds11. Feb 12, 2019 passport book the passport book is designed to be used for all types of international travel. In this case, you would apply for a passport renewal by mail.
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 which countries can be accessed with us passport cards. See the chart below to decide which is best for you. You can mail your renewal application directly to the state department yourself. We are an independent entity providing assistance to obtain passports. You can get a us passport card, whether or not you currently hold a passport book. How a passport card differs from a passport book dmv. A passport book is larger and is most often in television shows or movies. 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 card can be used for entering the united states at land border crossings and sea portsofentry from. Many passport application acceptance facilities, which include libraries, clerks of court, and post offices, are not accepting u.
Everything you need to know about a us passport card. It will otherwise carry the rights and privileges of the u. Whats the difference between a us passport book and card. Whether you get the passport book card both are valid for 10 years. Although, keep in mind, while both can be used as forms of id.
A passport is commonly used to prove us citizenship, but it isnt the only method. The difference between passport and passport card us. A passport card is also available for certain travel situations. While there are similarities between a passport book and passport card, it is crucial that those holding either the passport book or card and individuals needing to obtain a passport for the first time know the differences. If so, youve probably noticed the option for a passport card. A passport book is required for all international travel by air. You can even write a letter to the us dept of state reminding them to return your valid passport book. Of the internal pages, 17 are blank pages marked visas that are. United states citizens can get either a passport book or a passport card for their travels abroad.
The ds11 form contains this text applicable to us citizens who were born in the us. If you already have a passport or if you are renewing your passport card, you might be able to submit your application by mail. Passport books or passport cards are both valid for 10 years after issue for adults, and five years for travelers under age 16. There are several options when it comes to forms of identification for travel. S department of state offers two versions of a passport. You can use this credit card sized document to reenter the united states from mexico, canada, bermuda and the caribbean when traveling by land or sea. You cannot use a passport card when traveling by air internationally. How to apply for a new passport card rush my passport. Well help you determine whether you want or need to pay extra for the passport card. A passport book and a passport card serve the same purpose of attesting to your u. The passport card can be used only to reenter the u. Passport book cover, passport wallet for menwomem, rfid blocking travel passport wallet. A us passport card can only be used for land and sea travel to canada, mexico or the caribbean.
Passport books are likely what you think of when you imagine a passport a bookletstyle identification and travel document. Passport cards cannot be used for international air travel, even within the 19 mostly caribbean countries that accept the cards at land or sea ports. This service is not available for passport card applicants. Jun 20, 2019 passport book is a globally recognized travel document while passport card is not a globally recognized document. Otherwise, it carries the rights and privileges of the u. The passport card cannot be used for international travel by air. Is a us passport card good or valid id while in europe. It is smaller and more convenient to carry than a passport book, and it is less expensive to obtain. Most us passports have a dark blue cover, and contain 28 pages. Although, keep in mind, while both can be used as forms of id when traveling, the passport card has some restrictions. All passport cards will be returned using first class. Reasons to get a passport book or card a passport card and book are both considered us passports. What is a us passport card, and how can you get one.
The us passport card is good for land and sea travel from mexico, canada, bermuda and the caribbean into the united states. Only one execution fee is charged for an individual applying for both a card and book at the same time. Of the internal pages, 17 are blank pages marked visas that are meant for travel visas and country entry and exit stamps. The purpose of the passport card is to offer a more convenient option than a regular passport book for us residents who frequently cross the border, typically by. You should expect significant delays if you applied for or renewed your passport and requested routine service. Differences between a passport book and passport card. Us passport book and passport card online application. Difference between passport book and passport card. On the form, you indicate that youre applying for a passport card. So, given the differences between a passport book vs passport card, which one is right for you. The primary differences determine where and how the holder may travel. The passport book is accepted for any form of international travel and is also the document that holds your visas. The passport card facilitates entry and expedites document processing at u. A passport card looks like a drivers license or credit card in size.
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