I have a passport card but need a passport book to travel. Real id to the airport with you, lets cover the basics first. H ave you ever wished your passport could fit inside your wallet. 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. 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. A passport book commonly called a passport, is used for travel anywhere in the world by air, land sea. It may often be used as an identity card for purposes other than international travel, such as domestic air travel. They allow you to visit other countries and are also a form of photo identification. If you already have a passport book or passport card, you can renew by mail using form ds82.
The rules are ever changing and to have the smoothest trip possible youll need to know which identification is the right one for you and your traveling group. Apr 24, 2015 as the other two answers have hinted at, unless you live near the us border or youre traveling by sea vessel, the passport card is rubbish at its stated purpose. Difference between passport book and passport card. For example, a passport card will only allow you travel to the caribbean, canada, mexico and bermuda.
Passport card department of foreign affairs and trade. The passport card will facilitate entry and expedite document processing at u. Jun 20, 2019 passport book is a globally recognized travel document while passport card is not a globally recognized document. In a short period of time, passport services received over 350,000 applications for the passport card. The biggest difference between a passport book and passport card is that passport cards are only valid to enter canada, mexico, bermuda, and.
Differences between a passport book and passport card. Passport card is wallet sized document while passport book size is 5. Any us citizen wishing to travel internationally via air must have a passport book. 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. While less costly than the traditional passport book, this card is not valid for international flights. If you need to travel internationally, you must have a passport book. However, both are different in terms of what you can do with them. Tips on car buying, how to negotiate, and how to buy a car. Real id, so that you can stop worrying about airport formalities and start getting excited about your trip. Enhanced drivers license many people may not know but depending on the. Passport card valid when entering the united states from canada, mexico, the caribbean and bermuda at land border crossings or sea portsofentry.
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. The passport card is only valid for land and sea travel to canada, mexico, and the. The main advantages of the passport card are its cost and practicality. Us passport book vs us passport card us visa connection. A passport book provides valid identification for any national or international travel. Oct 16, 2017 the passport book and passport card are both proof of your citizenship and identity while traveling outside of the us. What are the benefits of the passport book vs passport card. However, i still have a passport card anyway, i use it as my primary form of id, an. On the form, you indicate that youre applying for a passport card. Can only be used in land and sea travels, not by air. The passport book has plenty of pages for visas and arrivaldeparture stamps, while the passport card is a onepiece creditcardsized id 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. 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.
Jan 11, 2019 the passport card is only accepted at land and sea border crossings between the u. The passport book vs card question is one you may have if you are a firsttime international traveler. Difference between passport book and passport card compare. Do i need a passport book, passport card, or 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. So, given the differences between a passport book vs passport card, which one is right for you. Any time you board an international flight, you will need a valid us 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. Applicants must provide documents which attest to their u. As such, the passport card is adjudicated to the exact standards as the passport book.
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. If you are traveling outside the united states via air travel, you will still need a traditional passport book as a passport card is not valid for air travel. Your passport book allows you to travel by land, by sea, or by air. You cannot use a passport card for international travel by plane ever. 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. In contrast, a passport card is similar in purpose to a passport book but much more limited in scope. Do i need a passport book, passport card, or passport book and card. You must have the original copies of all required documents. This means you cannot fly to canada, mexico, or the caribbean with a passport card. It will otherwise carry the rights and privileges of the u.
A passport book is required for all international travel by air. 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 purpose of the passport card is for travelers that are going to canada, mexico, or the caribbean by land or by sea. Passport cards and passport books are no exception. The passport card will match the expiry date of your passport book, if you have less than 5 years validity remaining. Your personal details must be an exact match of the details that appear in your passport book. Were going to take this one step at a time to give you all the information you need to know about a passport vs. The passport card is available to all irish citizens who hold a valid irish passport book. You are not limited to how or where you travel if you obtain a passport book. Mar 18, 2020 the passport card, meanwhile, is both less expensive and less flexible.
Us passport book and passport card online application. The biggest difference between a passport book and passport card is that passport cards are only valid to enter canada, mexico, bermuda, and caribbean countries and territories see the full list. They have been available to us citizens since 2008, and are meant to be a convenient way to prove your identity and citizenship. Youll use the same form that you would use to apply for a passport book either a ds11 or ds82. Passport book or passport card cancun forum tripadvisor. I am going to the bahamas in june, and need a passport, when i went to apply online, they gave me all three options, with the same criteria for each option, and no explantion of the difference between them. 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. 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. 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. Why cant i use the passport card to fly to canada, mexico, the caribbean, or bermuda. They can be used for land or sea travel to canada, mexico, bermuda. Passport cards are a form of us passport that are the size of a credit card or drivers license.
You should know that the passport card is only valid for travel by land and sea within mexico, canada, bermuda, and the caribbean, and you can. 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. 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. 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. Whether you get the passport book card both are valid for 10 years. Department of state passport services recently began issuing the passport card as an alternative to the traditional passport book. The walletsized passport card is designed to be more convenient and less cumbersome than regular passports. A passport card is valid for travel to and from canada, mexico, the caribbean and bermuda at land border crossings and sea portsofentry.
The difference between passport books and passport cards. Getting a card only allows you to visit canada and mexico. For example, an edl resembles a passport card in that it. Passport book booklet style id travel document standard passport book has 28 pages. Cant see a reason youd need both other than another form of id that fits in your wallet. I will be needing to get a passport book within the next couple of years so i can travel to barbados. 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. However, the card was created to facilitate the frequent travel of. Learn more about how a passport card differs from a passport book. Passport cards and books are both valid for 10 years. It is valid for 10 years for adults and 5 years for minors under 16. A passport card is the same size as a drivers license, and is official proof of your identity and us citizenship.
The passport card can be used only to reenter the u. Note the passport card cannot be used for international travel by air. Only available for passport book applicants in the united states not canada. I currently have a passport card that was issued in june 2009. 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. The correct form of identification is really important when you travel. There are very important differences between the passport card and the passport book. The most obvious difference between passport books and passport cards is the design, of course. 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. How a passport card differs from a passport book dmv. In general, everyone must have a passport book or a regular passport to travel from one country to another.
The passport card was designed for specific needs of northern and southern u. You cannot use a passport card when traveling by air internationally. The passport card is a fully valid passport that attests to the u. The passport card is also commonly used for travelers that wish to take a cruise but do not plan on ever traveling by plane. I have a passport card but need a passport book to travel to barbados. You will need a passport book if you plan to travel by airplane. Both of these documents give you the ability to travel outside of the country. The passport book is valid for all international travel. If youre a frequent traveler to canada or mexico by land or sea, then the passport card can be a budgetfriendly option. A passport card is cheaper to get but is only valid for travel to canada, mexico and the caribbean islands. What is a us passport card, and how can you get one.
The passport book and passport card are both proof of your citizenship and identity while traveling outside of the us. This new travel document can be used to enter the united states from canada, mexico, the caribbean, and bermuda at land border crossings or sea portsofentry. It is imperative to understand what the is the difference between a passport book vs card. The difference between the numbers is two digits and the letter c. 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. It can be used for travel to 31 countries in the european union eu and european economic area eea plus switzerland.
This service is not available for passport card applicants. However, the passport card cannot be used for travel by plane. However, people find a passport card more convenient and accessible when carrying. The passport card is a cheaper alternative to the passport book. You cannot use the passport book for international flights. The passport card is only valid for land and sea travel to canada, mexico, and the caribbean. Nov 20, 2017 a passport card allows significantly fewer opportunities for the holder to travel, but often its enough for some. Visa, mastercard, diners club international and american express cards are accepted. 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. As the name suggests, an enhanced drivers license edl is a driver license with a few extra perks. You should know that the passport card is only valid for travel by land and sea within mexico, canada, bermuda, and the caribbean, and you can not use it for air travel or for travel to other.
As the other two answers have hinted at, unless you live near the us border or youre traveling by sea vessel, the passport card is rubbish at its stated purpose. It is smaller and more convenient to carry than a passport book, and it is less expensive to obtain. The card may not be used to travel by air outside the united states. A passport card is more convenient and less expensive than a passport book, but it cannot be used for international travel by air. Before we get into the details about bringing a passport vs. Aug 10, 2012 passport cards and passport books are no exception. 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. What is the difference between a passport card number and.
To apply for or renew both the book and card, check the appropriate box at the top of the form to. 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 book is a globally recognized travel document while passport card is not a globally recognized document. 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.
The passport book and the passport card are both valid passport that will attest to your identity as well as citizenship. What is the diffference between a passport book and a. The difference between a passport book or card getaway usa. A passport book is valid for any international travel by air, sea or land. You should know there are restrictions on a passport card. However, if youre considering a passport book vs passport card, just get both. 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. 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 book allows you to travel anywhere else assuming you have all the other documents, visas etc. In addition to a regular passport, the passport book, u. However, each of these items comes with certain restrictions regarding when you can use them. Passport card the standard passport book covers all the bases. Before you start, make sure you have in hand your current and previous passports, previous visa, employment and education information dates, addresses and complete information about the place you will visit in the u. Whats the difference between a us passport book and card. You can get a us passport card, whether or not you currently hold a passport book. Our fees listed on this page are for those applying for or renewing their passport in the united states and renewing by mail from canada. 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. That means you cannot use the passport card for air travel.
Oct 07, 2017 wondering whats the difference between a passport book and a passport card. 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. If youre a citizen of the united states, and youre thinking about traveling to mexico, but you dont yet have a passport, you might consider getting a passport card instead of a regular passport book. Passport card cannot be used for international air travel. I just thought i would get your opinion on which one to get. 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. Passport book vs passport card difference and comparison.
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