The card cant be used for international air travel. The us passport book vs passport card debate has many of us confused as. The passport card is a walletsize travel document that can only be used to. Ed perkins a nationally recognized reporter, writer, and consumer advocate, ed perkins focuses on how travelers can find the best deals and avoid.
First of all, they are cheaper than getting a passport. 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. 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. This is a privately owned website and not a government agency. One is a passport book, the traditional passport with the pages that get stamped. A book allows you to travel anywhere else assuming you have all the other documents, visas etc. Oct 07, 2017 whether you get the passport book card both are valid for 10 years.
Before we get into the details about bringing a passport vs. Whats the difference between a passport book and a passport card. Passport cards are wallet sized while the passport book is larger and thicker. I have a passport card but need a passport book to travel to. Passport cards are particularly useful for some people. If you need to travel internationally, you must have a passport book. 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. Depending on where you are traveling outside of the u.
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. 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. Minor children will need to have their passports renewed every 5 years until they reach 16 years of age. If i have the passport card does that slow things down. Yes, you can use your passport card in order to apply for a passport book. If you are applying for a passport, youll need to consider whether to get a passport book or a passport card. The passport card is a walletsize identification card with your picture, information, and barcode.
Should americans have both a passport book and a passport card. Oct 19, 2016 this is one of those subjects that is a little sour for me to talk about. Passport card can be used to enter 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. Buy products related to passport book products and see what customers say about passport book products on free delivery possible on eligible purchases. 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. Note, passport cards can only be used for travel by land and sea. Real id, so that you can stop worrying about airport formalities and start getting excited about your trip. You may have heard about the passport card that the united states department of state now issues. Ca drivers license drivers license apply for passport getting a passport passport card id card template divorce papers permanent residence. 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. The state department doesnt offer discounts to travelers who apply for both, though, so expect to pay full price for each document. A passport card is cheaper than a passport book, but cant be used for air travel and. Additionally, the passport card is a lot more economical than a traditional passport. Jun 23, 2009 i will be on the wonder s caribbean cruise in january 2010.
Can i renew my passport book to get a passport card and a. Nov 11, 2014 before traveling, be sure you know the differences between a passport and a visa because you may need both. If youre on a cruise and need to take an emergency flight somewhere, that passport card wont be valid and could leave. Whether you get the passport book card both are valid for 10 years. If youre thinking of going on a cruise, the passport card might be nice when you need a from of identification to get on and off the ship. The primary justification i had for doing so was tha. If any of the following apply to you, you may want to obtain a passport card. Passport cards are delivered separately from passport books. Us passport book vs us passport card us visa connection.
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. Secondly, they fit more comfortably in your wallet than a passport book does, so they are more convenient. Enhanced drivers license many people may not know but depending on the state that you live in a third option is available to you. From passport cards to global entry, which trusted. Say for example that you are on a cruise which would ordinarily only. A childs parent or legal guardian may sign the passport on the childs behalf. Adults will need to have their passport renewed every 10 years. Us passports vs enhanced drivers licenses rush my passport. To do so, you need to have a good sense of what youre going to.
A passport book may not be a massive document by any means, but having something as small as the card to fit in your wallet is definitely less of a hassle. If theres the slightest possibility that youre going to travel by air in the next 10 years, it would be better if you simply obtain the passport book. Real id to the airport with you, lets cover the basics first. You can get both, but you can just choose one, depending on what kind of travel you are planning to do. Were going to take this one step at a time to give you all the information you need to know about a passport vs. Oct 26, 2017 what is the differences between a passport book vs card with additional information and requirement for getting both a card and book. Passport cards and passport books are no exception. Well outline the differences between the two so youll know the correct answer. Both the passport book and passport card serve as proof of your u. What is the difference between a passport and a visa. Conveniently, both the passport book and the passport card have the same renewal period.
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. Getting a card only allows you to visit canada and mexico. I f youve wondered what the difference is between a passport book and a passport card, youve come to the right place. How a passport card differs from a passport book dmv. Travel articles do you need a passport or a passport card. It is an offence punishable with imprisonment or fine or both, to furnish false. A passport book is required for all international travel by air. 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.
Your passport book allows you to travel by land, by sea, or by air. Of course, in theory its only officially valid for international land or sea travel between the united states, canada, mexico, the caribbean and bermuda. Passports for applicants 16 and older are valid for 10 years. A passport is used to verify ones country of citizenship. Find uses and advantages of a passport book and a passport card and figure out which one is best for you, or if you should have both documents. If you still got any questions about whether you need a passport book or card, please contact travel visa pro. Living abroad, i keep my passport book tucked away in a safe location for when i need to travel. Oct 16, 2017 the passport book and passport card are both proof of your citizenship and identity while traveling outside of the us.
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. I recently got my very first united states passport, and i got a passport card at the same time. This will be the first time i leave the country and fly in an airplane. You do not need a valid passport book in order to apply for a passport id card, and you can apply for either the card only, or you can apply for a passport book and a passport card at the same time. While a passport book is valid for all types of travel land, sea or air to any destination. Passport books or passport cards are both valid for 10 years after issue for adults, and five years for. Whats the difference between a passport book and a passport. But, the passport card can only be used for international travel by land and sea. 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. Aug 10, 2012 passport cards and passport books are no exception.
Any us citizen wishing to travel internationally via air must have a passport book. Can you upgrade from a passport card to a passport book. Yes, passport cards can be renewed just like passport books. If you lose your passport book you still have your passport card and vice versa. If you are eligible to renew a passport by mail, you can use form ds82. The passport card is the size of a credit card and can easily fit in a wallet while the size of a passport is 5. Cant see a reason youd need both other than another form of id that fits in your wallet. For even more information, check out our detailed guide. There are very important differences between the passport card and the 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. The us passport book vs passport card salon prive mag. What is the difference between a passport book and. You only need a passport book if you travel by air.
Most applicants age 1617 must apply in person using form ds11. This isnt an answer, though, since im not positive. Passport card is the best option if you are travelling to canada, mexico and the caribbean by land or sea from us. I suspect that if you are applying for a passport card alone then they only care about the old card and not the book theyd also care about the book only if you were applying for both, so just not checking any of those options and not including the book with the application might work. What is the differences between passport book vs passport card. This isnt an answer, though, since i m not positive. The passport card is only valid for entry into the united states at land border crossings or sea ports of entry. 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. Passports should not be sent out to any country by post courier. 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. You can apply for both the book and card with the same application but it is not required that you obtain both.
I need to purchase my passport, but i dont know if i need just the book, or just the card, or both. We may be compensated if you make a purchase via a link on this site. It is also used for domestic travel to countries by land or sea. There is a place on the application to check whether you want to apply for a passport card, passport book or both. Someone needing to take a flight to dubai, or hop a freighter to asia for work may consider applying for both a passport book and card at the same time and only take the one they need, leaving the other behind as a backup for their loved ones to forward in an emergency. However, you can always get a passport card which is the same size as a drivers license. Youll find all the details youll need to apply for a passport card in our guide, including the requirements and how to get it fast. That depends on how long its been since your passport was issued and why you need to change it.
Check out the differences between the two types of passport using. The passport card is intended as a more portable, less expensive alternative to the standard passport book, primarily for u. Your old passport card will be marked cancelled by having one corner clipped off. Starting in june, 2009, travelers will have to show their passport card that denotes both their identity and citizenship when coming into the u. What are the benefits of the passport book vs passport card. Living abroad, i keep my passport book tucked away in a safe location for when i need to travel internationally. From passport cards to global entry, which trustedtraveler program is right for you. Jun 02, 2018 whether you need a passport book or card for your travels, come on down to the nearest travel visa pro to discuss your options. However, the passport book is valid for all forms of travel. However, if youre going on a caribbean cruise departing from the u. Before traveling, be sure you know the differences between a passport and a visa because you may need both. 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.
Send it in with one passport photo and legal documents to back up the name change. Get a passport card with your passport renewal g3passports. The passport book comes in both a standard, 24page version and a bigger, 52page version for those who. Yes, if you have a passport card, you can obtain a passport book. It takes just seconds to sign your own, but failing to do so can cause delays. The passport card can be used for identification purposes. Differences between a passport book and passport card. All you need to do is check mark passport card on the application and order form and well take. Sometimes it makes life more convenient to have both a passport book and a card, and carry them both on your international travel.
You can apply for both the book and card with the same application but it is not requried that you obtain both. What is the difference between a passport book and a. If you get a passport book and card at the same time, they will expire at the same time. However, if youre considering a passport book vs passport card, just get both. 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. The passport card is a walletsize card that can only be used for land and sea travel between the united states and canada, mexico, the caribbean, and bermuda. One instance could be, if you want to travel to jamaica, youll need a passport book. Well help you determine whether you want or need to pay extra for the passport card. 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. During my daytoday, i just carry around my passport card in my wallet like i would a drivers license back home, and it has never failed me as. Both passport books and cards are valid for 10 years.
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. 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. While the passport card is more convenient due to its size, it is far more restricted in use than the passport book. If you already hold a passport book, your card will be issued with a different number. Immigration visa or documents like green card, permanent residence card etc. Unfortunately, there isnt much straight shooting going on when a. Passport books or passport cards are both valid for 10 years after issue for adults, and five years for travelers under age 16.
A passport book provides valid identification for any national or international travel. Which passport forms do you need to change your name on your passport. Enhanced drivers license many people may not know but depending on the. A passport book is valid for all types of travel land, sea or air to any destination. What is the differences between a passport book vs card with additional information and requirement for getting both a card and book.
I recently read an article on facebook about a lady whose daughter booked her and four of her friends on a weeklong vacation to turks and caicos. 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. Whats the difference between a us passport book and card. Someone needing to take a flight to paris, or hop a freighter to new zealand may consider applying for both a passport book and card at the same time and only take the one they need. If you plan to travel by air, then you will need a passport book. The united states passport card is an official identity and limited travel document issued by the. 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.
If not you should carry your passport book around, but that would. The other is the passport card, which is just like a drivers license. If you dont want to spend the money for the full passport i would save what. Passport book vs passport card difference and comparison. There are two options to apply for a passport card. Do you know the difference between a passport and a passport card. Whats the difference between a passport book and a. These countries include canada, mexico, and the caribbean. Should americans have both a passport book and a passport. Passport cards can only be purchased as an addon feature when applying for a passport book. The daughter booked everything through an online travel agency ota, which i will not name, but an ota is continue reading passport card vs. The passport card or formally known as the people access security service card pass is small in size compared to a passport. If you do not have a social security number, you must submit a statement, signed and dated, that.
If the passport card and passport book are applied for at different times, the applicant would need to. Sample image of the front of the passport card sample image of the back of the passport card. However, people find a passport card more convenient and accessible when carrying. 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. It is intended to be used in place of the standard u. People who frequently cross the mexican or canadian border by car or train. You should always wear identification, so i would suggest bringing your passport its a must and carry you card in your pocket. Learn more about how a passport card differs from a passport book. The main difference between a passport and a visa is that a passport is issued to a countrys citizens for international travel and identification.
In fact, on the ds11 application to renew or get a passport, at the top you can select whether you are applying for a passport book with pages for foreign visa entryexit stamps, visas, etc. A passport card is cheaper than a passport book, but cant be used. 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. Select both and you will pay additional fees for the passport book and passport card. What is the differences between passport book vs 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. In this case, you would apply for a passport renewal by mail. You can also apply for both a passport card and book if you need both. Both documents are valid for 10 years for adults 16 and older, and 5 years for those under the age of 16. It may often be used as an identity card for purposes other than international travel, such as domestic air travel. Youll need to submit both documents when you do your next renewal.