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