Passport book is widely used for international travel while passport card is used for united states citizens who. However, it doesnt always make sense to have only the passport card. Department of state of the views or products contained therein. Passport card versus passport book a passport card will be cheaper than a regular passport for you to obtain. I have a passport card but need a passport book to travel to. Whats a passport card, and can it replace a real id.
Both of these documents give you the ability to travel outside of the country. However, if youre considering a passport book vs passport card, just get both. 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. The irish passport card is a travel document that irish citizens can use for certain travel instead of the standard passport book. 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. Any us citizen wishing to travel internationally via air must have a 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.
Passport card the standard passport book covers all the bases. To date, more than 17 million passport cards have been issued, according to the state department, representing about 10 percent of all passport holders. Your passport book allows you to travel by land, by sea, or by air. A passport card is valid for travel to and from canada, mexico, the caribbean and bermuda at land border crossings and sea portsofentry. Both passport books and cards are valid for 10 years, so if it fits your travel. In this video we explore should you use a passport book or a passport card when you travel. It will be a benefit when using it to travel this is a privately owned website and not a government agency. Please contact npic if you do not receive the second or third mailing within 10 business days of the previous mailing. The passport publication has lots of pages for arrivaldeparture stamps and visas, while the passport card is a id card. From passport cards to global entry, which trustedtraveler. Passport book booklet style id travel document standard passport book has 28 pages. The passport book has plenty of pages for visas and arrivaldeparture stamps, while the passport card is a onepiece creditcardsized id card. This is the busy time of year for us passport applicants wanting to prepare for summer traveling whether close to home destinations such as mexico or canada, or far away destinations such as.
Both documents are valid for 10 years for adults 16 and older, and 5 years for those under the age of 16. Aug 18, 2016 one is a passport book, the traditional passport with the pages that get stamped. What is the difference between validity of the passport book and passport card. Can be used for travel to canada, mexico, and the caribbean by land or sea.
Passport cards are wallet sized while the passport book is larger and thicker. Americans can get 2 types of passport, but one costs half the price and limits where they can go if you are applying for a passport, youll need to consider whether to get a passport book or a passport card. You can apply for both the book and card with the same application but it is not requried that you obtain both. If youre thinking of going on a cruise, the passport card might be nice when you need a. The card may not be used to travel by air outside the united states. Unless you use the mobile passport app, youll have to. Oct 23, 2017 passport card versus passport book a passport card will be cheaper than a regular passport for you to obtain. While the passport card is more convenient due to its size, it is far more restricted in use than the passport book. 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. The passport card will match the expiry date of your passport book, if you have less than 5 years validity remaining. Learn more about how a passport card differs from a passport book. 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 us passport card is a credit card sized identification document.
Passport book is a globally recognized travel document while passport card is not a globally recognized document. The use for a card is generally for land and sea travels, so you wouldnt be able to board an international flight using a passport card, tharp tells me. Also, if you get a passport card separately from your passport, it has a different number and expiration date also costs a bit more. What is the difference between a passport book and a passport. Passport card vacation season is right around the corner, and as such, you will most likely be renewing or obtaining your us passport. As with a passport book, a nonexpired passport card can serve as your proof of identity and citizenship. The passport card will facilitate entry and expedite document processing at u. You are not limited to how or where you travel if you obtain a passport book.
All american citizens are required to present a valid passport to exit and reenter the united states. Your passport number is at the top right corner of the page your photo is on. If you have a valid passport book, you do not have to get a passport card as well. A passport card is the size of a drivers license and can be used only for travel by land or sea to canada, mexico, bermuda, and parts of the caribbean. The card contains both humanreadable and machinereadable information. H ave you ever wished your passport could fit inside your wallet. A passport book and a passport card serve the same purpose of attesting to your u. What is a us passport card, and how can you get one. In this case, you would apply for a passport renewal by mail. Passport book vs passport card difference and comparison. What is the difference between a passport book and passport card. This case is an unfortunate example of what can go wrong if you decide to cruise with just a passport card. The passport card contains a radio frequency identification chip as well as the traditional photograph and personal information found in a passport book.
A citizen or national is allowed to hold both a passport card and a passport book. For more information about the california real id, visit the dmv website. Can only be used in land and sea travels, not by air. The passport book is your typical passport, a bound, paged booklet that is issued by the us department of state verifying your identity and nationality, usually for the purpose of traveling internationally all international air travel for us passport holders, regardless of origin or destination airport, must be accompanied by a valid us passport book. You can use the passport card when traveling in the european union, the european economic area which includes iceland, liechtenstein and norway and switzerland. Although, keep in mind, while both can be used as forms of id. The state departments website offers complete details and an online application form. Any time you board an international flight, you will need a valid us passport book. 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. Oct 05, 2018 if so, youve probably noticed the option for a passport card. There are very important differences between the passport card and the passport book. A passport book is valid for all types of travel land, sea or air to any destination. As passport books allows more activities as compare to passport card so they tend to cost more as well. That means you cannot use the passport card for air travel.
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. Passport books or passport cards are both valid for 10 years after issue for adults, and five years for travelers under age 16. You can travel anywhere in the world with a passport book versus a passport card that only takes you to a handful of places. Passport book the passport book is designed to be used for all types of international travel. The following chart will give you a quick overview of the passport card versus the passport book. 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. The other is the passport card, which is just like a drivers license. A passport card fits in your wallet, making it a more convenient form of id to carry on certain trips.
A passport card is cheaper to get but is only valid for travel to canada, mexico and the caribbean islands. Whats the difference between a passport book and a. As it turned out, he was the one in for the unpleasant surprise. Before we get into the details about bringing a passport vs.
Passport cards and passport books are no exception. Real id to the airport with you, lets cover the basics first. For more information about passports and passport cards, visit the u. Visa, mastercard, diners club international and american express cards are accepted.
Passport book vs passport card difference and comparison diffen. I f youve wondered what the difference is between a passport book and a passport card, youve come to the right place. Passport the application process is the same for either the passport book or card, even if you want both at the same time. 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. A passport book can also be used as your id for domestic air travel.
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. You can get a us passport card, whether or not you currently hold a passport book. 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. Passport cardbasically a limiteduse passport enhanced drivers licenseacts both as a driver license and a travel document, but also with limits. I have a passport card but need a passport book to travel. A passport book provides valid identification for any national or international travel. In contrast, a passport card is similar in purpose to a passport book but much more limited in scope. It was designed for people who travel frequently between the us and canada, mexico, bermuda or the caribbean by land or sea. The passport card is a cheaper alternative to the passport book.
We want you to know about a few differences between the book. Differences between a passport book and passport card. Difference between passport book and passport card. A passport card is cheaper than a passport book, but cant be used for air travel and is. The main difference between a passport card and a passport book other than the physical size and format is that the card can not be used for any international travel by air. It displays your photo, name, issuing and expiration dates and your place of birth. A nonexpired passport book can be used as valid proof of identity and citizenship. The passport card was created for people who live near american borders and frequently drive into canada or mexico. Be aware of the fact that a passport card is only valid for land and sea travel to canada, mexico, the caribbean and bermuda. Wouldnt be so bad if child passports lasted 10 years like the adult passport. You only need a passport book if you travel by air. 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. Here is a table showing the principal differences between a passport book and a passport card.
There are several options when it comes to forms of identification for travel. The traditional us passport book is what you would expect from a passport while the us passport card is the size of a credit card or regular sized drivers license. Oct 07, 2017 wondering whats the difference between a passport book and a passport card. In general, everyone must have a passport book or a regular passport to travel from one country to another. Just as the name suggests, a passport card is a walletsized laminated card that resembles the photo page of a passport book. It will otherwise carry the rights and privileges of the u. Passport card department of foreign affairs and trade. So, given the differences between a passport book vs passport card, which one is right for you. All you have to do is mark the passport application to show you are requesting both the passport book and passport card. Also, you cannot expect to carry a card while traveling by air.
If youre renewing your passport book and passport card, you must submit both documents. The passport book vs card question is one you may have if you are a firsttime international traveler. Vip passports and visa services united states passport agency specializes in american passports, us passports, passport renewals, passport applications, passports forms, birth certificates, notary services, visas, and passports in less than 24 hours. 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. Jan 06, 2009 if you apply for a passport card it will be issued valid for 10 years regardless of the expiration date of your passport book. Residency document rental or lease agreement, mortgage or utility bill, etc. To apply for or renew both the book and card, check the appropriate box at the top of the form to. Below is a handy list of pros and cons to help you decide. May 17, 2011 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. First of all, a passport card can be used for travel by sea to barbados.
However, each of these items comes with certain restrictions regarding when you can use them. Passport books are likely what you think of when you imagine a passport a bookletstyle identification and travel. Both may be applied for simultaneously by paying the respective fees for each. In conclusion, the passport book versus passport card is important to know. Passport book vs passport card for kids the dis disney. The major difference between a passport book and a passport card lies in the scope they offer for international travels. The passport book comes in both a standard, 24page version and a bigger, 52page version for those who. The biggest difference between a passport book and passport card is that passport cards are only valid to enter canada, mexico, bermuda, and. 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.
Difference between passport book and passport card compare. 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. From passport cards to global entry, which trusted. A passport book is valid for any international travel by air, sea or land. The passport card is only valid for land and sea travel to canada, mexico, and the caribbean. The passport book is valid for all international travel. 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. Passport card versus passport book should i get a passport.
A passport, passport card or california identification card is not a substitute for a drivers license. Whats the difference between a passport book and a passport card. But given the card s restrictions, does it even make sense for a u. Would like opinions on the difference and if we should go with the passport card. 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. Passport card is wallet sized document while passport book size is 5. List of differences between a passport book and a passport card.
Passport card is also valid for international travel but by land or sea only. Both the passport book and passport card serve as proof of your u. Whats the difference between a us passport book and card. It is required during the international travel via air, land or sea. However, the passport book is valid for all forms of travel. Ed perkins a nationally recognized reporter, writer, and consumer advocate, ed perkins focuses on how travelers can find the best deals and avoid. Feb 12, 2019 passport book the passport book is designed to be used for all types of international travel. You can now apply for a passport book and a passport card. Real id, so that you can stop worrying about airport formalities and start getting excited about your trip. Links to external websites are provided as a convenience and should not be construed as an endorsement by the u. 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. United states citizens can get either a passport book or a passport card for their travels abroad. If you need to travel internationally, you must have a passport book.
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. 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. United states citizens can get either a passport book or a passport card for their. 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. It is valid for 10 years for adults and 5 years for minors under 16. Proof of social security number ss card, a w2, or a pay stub with full ssn. Jun 20, 2019 passport book is valid for international travel by air, sea, or land. Unless you use the mobile passport app, youll have to stand in. A passport book commonly called a passport, is used for travel anywhere in the world by air, land sea. The 4 kids need their passports renewed before our fall cruise. Whats the difference between a passport book and a passport. They are valid for five years from the date of issue, just like a minor 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. Were going to take this one step at a time to give you all the information you need to know about a passport vs. Passport book vs passport card norwegian cruise line. A passport card is the same size as a drivers license, and is official proof of your identity and us citizenship. Since the passport card is apparently worthless, it is better to leave that than your actual passport. It may often be used as an identity card for purposes other than international travel, such as domestic air travel. The passport book is accepted for any form of international travel and is also the document that holds your visas. Difference between a passport book and passport card. After he confirmed that his spouse could cruise with just a passport card, he booked their tropical vacation. This is a privately owned website and not a government agency. The passport book is valid for travel anywhere and is. If you can submit a passport book, but you lost your passport card, you cannot. The difference between a passport book or card getaway usa.