May, 2019 in this video we explore should you use a passport book or a passport card when you travel. 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. All passport cards will be mailed using first class mail only. First of all, the passport book contains many pages designated for visa stickers and stamps, while the passport card, on the other hand, is a credit card like id. A passport card is a smaller version of a passport book and fits inside a wallet. Passport card department of foreign affairs and trade.
I recently got my very first united states passport, and i got a passport card at the same time. The good news is a passport card is valid for the same time and has the same application process as a standard passport book. Nov 07, 2016 however, your new passport card may take longer to be issued, and will be sent to you under separate cover. It is a credit cardsized, laminated document that is less expensive than the passport book, and discounted further if the traveler also holds a valid passport book, but it is not necessary to have a passport book to get the passport card. Get a passport card with your passport renewal g3passports. In this video we explore should you use a passport book or a passport card when you travel. A us passport card can only be used for land and sea travel to canada, mexico or the caribbean. Both documents are valid for 10 years for adults 16 and older, and 5 years for those under the age of 16. First of all, the passport book contains many pages designated for visa stickers and stamps, while the passport card, on the other hand, is a credit cardlike id. Can you upgrade from a passport card to a passport book. It contains several pages like the passport details page which provides the holders name,date of birth, passport expiry date etc as well as other blank pages for visa and immigration stamping a passport card is a portable pocket sized card similar to a credit card that fits in your wallet.
Adults applying for a passport the first timeand children under age 16must use form ds11 and apply in person. It will otherwise carry the rights and privileges of the u. I suggest you get the card since you are going on a cruise. The passport card will match the expiry date of your passport book, if you have less than 5 years validity remaining. Should i get a passport card to go along with my passport. However, the passport card cannot be used for travel by plane. The forms and the submission process is the same for the passport card and book. If so, youve probably noticed the option for a passport card. 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. You must have the original copies of all required documents. Visa, mastercard, diners club international and american express cards are accepted.
Here are more details about how to apply for a passport card. 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. Jun, 2019 how to get a us passport book first time. There are several options when it comes to forms of identification for travel. 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. A single 2by2inch passport photo must be submitted with each application. Adult passports are valid for 10 years and may be renewed by mail. 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 fits in your wallet, making it a more convenient form of id to carry on certain trips. In this case, you would apply for a passport renewal by mail. You will need to fill in an official form and present identification and proof of citizenship. One is a passport book, the traditional passport with the pages that get stamped.
Yes, if you have a passport card, you can obtain a passport book at any time. Us passport book and passport card online application. Reasons to get a passport book or card a passport card and book are both considered us passports. If, however, you do have current or future plans for air travel internationally, then you should opt to get a full passport book to support your trip. Adults who already have a fully valid passport book may apply for the card as a. A passport card is more convenient and less expensive than a passport book, but it cannot be used for international travel by air.
It can also be used for domestic air travel in the usa. An adult applying for a us passport renewal or firsttime passport can receive a card valid for ten years, while a child under the age of 16 would have one valid for five years. Passport cards are valid for land and sea travel to and from canada, mexico and the countries of the caribbean. If you are traveling to canada or mexico or bermuda or the caribbean or within the united states, it can come in handy, especially if you dont want to carry around your actual passport. The card may not be used to travel by air outside the united states. How a passport card differs from a passport book dmv. Adults applying for a passport the first time and children under age 16must use form ds11 and apply in person.
May 10, 2010 the passport cards usefulness as an international travel identification document is so limited, its not adequate for most of its intended use. Below, weve summarized the differences between a passport card and the standard passport book. You will also need a new passport photo, a completed ds82 if submitting by mail and the application fee. However, if youd like to get a passport card still, you can apply by completing the ds82 passport renewal form. Applying for a passport card by mail will take up to 8 weeks. Passport cards are particularly useful for some people. 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 passport book has plenty of pages for visas and arrivaldeparture stamps, while the passport card is a onepiece credit card sized id card. 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. Nov 04, 2014 when you get ready to renew your passport, make sure you have the actual physical book or card. I have a passport card but need a passport book to travel to.
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. What is the difference between a passport book and passport. United states citizens can get either a passport book or a passport card for their travels abroad. 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. If you have a valid passport book, you do not have to get a passport card as well. If none of these apply to you, then you must apply for a passport in person. Just a few years later, the number of passport cards issued rose to over one million.
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. Aug 10, 2012 a passport book is bigger than a passport card. Yes, you can use your passport card in order to apply for a passport book. You have to go in person to present your application. Not only do they look different, they serve slightly different purposes. Due to this growth, more and more questions are sent to use about this travel document. Should americans have both a passport book and a passport card. Although, keep in mind, while both can be used as forms of id. Passport photos must be in color and taken within the past six months in front of a white or off. What are the benefits of the passport book vs passport card. The adult passport bundle, which includes a 10year passport book and 5year passport card for people aged over 18, costs 100. If you already have a passport book, you do not need a passport card to travel internationally. The new passport form gives you the option to get a passport card.
A passport card can be used to enter the us states at land border crossing or seaportsofentry from canada, mexico, the caribbean and bermuda. All you have to do is mark the passport application to show you are requesting both the passport book and passport card. You can use the irish passport card for travel within the european union. Department of state passport services recently began issuing the passport card as an alternative to the traditional passport book. What is a us passport card, and how can you get one. The passport cards usefulness as an international travel identification document is so limited, its not adequate for most of its intended use.
You can imagine my surprise when i found myself putting an x in the checkbox on my u. The passport book has plenty of pages for visas and arrivaldeparture stamps, while the passport card is a onepiece creditcardsized id card. 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. Youll find all the details youll need to apply for a passport card in. But, the passport card can only be used for international travel by land and sea. 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. Which one you must get completely depends on how you are going to travel and how much you are willing to pay for this travel document. You can mail your renewal application directly to the state department yourself. In an effort to assist our visitors in obtaining the information they need as. The other is the passport card, which is just like a drivers license. Passport book vs passport card difference and comparison. Passport card faq get answers to your passport card questions.
To apply for or renew both the book and card, check the appropriate box at the top of the form to. There is no reason to ever get a passport card, unless you only travel to canada, mexico or caribbean. Both the passport book and passport card serve as proof of your u. 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. I believe getting the passport card is the same price as getting a passport book renewal.
Mar 05, 2018 a passport card is a smaller version of a passport book and fits inside a wallet. How to apply for a new passport card rush my passport. Passport book allows you to travel by land, sea and air. Passport cards are wallet sized while the passport book is larger and thicker.
Fill out the application using a black ink pen or use the state department online tool to fill out the application, and select passport card. Its easy to get a passport card for your child when you apply for their minor passport book. The application process is the same for either the passport book or card, even if you want both at the same time. However, before you apply for a new passport card, consider carefully whether or not you might be better off getting a us passport book. You can use form ds82 to renew your passport book at the same time you apply for your first passport card. If you are also applying for a renewal of your passport book and you opt for expedited service by mail, your passport book will arrive in 23 weeks, but your passport card may arrive in a separate envelope several weeks later. The passport book has plenty of pages for visas and arrivaldeparture. If you are applying for a passport, youll need to consider whether to get a passport book or a passport card.
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. Yes, passport cards can be renewed just like passport books. This card provides a smaller, less expensive alternative for people who frequently travel between the united states and these countries. You cannot use a passport card when traveling by air internationally. Passport the application process is the same for either the passport book or card, even if you want both at the same time. Apr 06, 2016 getting a passport card for your child. 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.
Mar 18, 2020 the passport book has plenty of pages for visas and arrivaldeparture stamps, while the passport card is a onepiece credit card sized id card. Save yourself hassle with expedited passport services if you dont have the time or patience for applying for your u. If you are applying from outside ireland, there is an additional delivery cost of 5. You will also need a new passport photo, a completed ds82 if.
The passport card is a wallet side document that will be used to expedite document processing from the u. If you get a passport book and card at the same time, they will expire at the same time. Do not sign the passport form until asked to sign the form in front of an acceptance agent. The passport card will facilitate entry and expedite document processing at u. Which one you must get completely depends on how you are going to travel and how much you. In a short period of time, passport services received over 350,000 applications for the passport card. However, your new passport card may take longer to be issued, and will be sent to you under separate cover. Department of state has a simpletoread list of facts comparing the passport card with the passport book and providing links to applications for both. Passport if you are thinking about applying for or renewing a u. When you get ready to renew your passport, make sure you have the actual physical book or card. When you apply for a passport card, youll spend less money than you would when.
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