Passport books or passport cards are both valid for 10 years after issue for adults, and five years for travelers under age 16. The passport book can be obtained as a new passport or if you currently have a passport book you will be eligible for renewal to make sure your passport book has six months of validity. In short, a person with a passport card can use it to travel to either canada, mexico, bermuda, or the caribbean so long as they are taking either a land route or a sea. The passport book and the passport card are both valid passport that will attest to your identity as well as citizenship. Our guide to us passport books will teach you about the different types of passport books so you will understand which one you need and why. 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. If you have a passport book already, getting a passport card is quite simple and not very expensive. In addition to a regular passport, the passport book, u. T here are a variety of united states passport books that are issued to travelers for specific reasons. 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. While the passport card is more convenient due to its size, it is far more restricted in use than the passport book. Since you are going to japan, you need to apply for a passport book, thus not necessary to get a card too. Difference between a passport book and passport card. Jun 20, 2019 passport book is a globally recognized travel document while passport card is not a globally recognized document.
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 use the passport card to keep in your wallet at all times, with the passport book at home and ready to go should the need to travel internationally by air arises. Cant see a reason youd need both other than another form of id that fits in your wallet. There is a place on the application to check whether you want to apply for a passport card, passport book or both.
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. For example, if you can submit a passport book, but you lost your passport card, you cannot renew the passport card. Only one execution fee is charged for an individual applying for both a card and book at the same time. Whether you get the passport bookcard both are valid for 10 years.
If you want to renew both a valid passport book and passport card, you must submit both documents. Infact for traveling abroad, one needs a passport for sure. You must use the book to fly internationally, and cross international borders outside north america, but the card is just as valid for proving identity and nationality within any country, including the us. The passport book vs card question is one you may have if you are a firsttime international traveler. 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. While there are similarities between a passport book and passport card, it is crucial that those holding either the passport book or card and individuals needing to obtain a passport for the first time know the differences. Here is a table showing the principal differences between a passport book and a passport card. To begin with, passport cards can not be used for air travel.
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. Whats the difference between passport book and passport card. The passport book and passport card are both proof of your citizenship and identity while traveling outside of the us. A passport card is cheaper than a passport book, but cant be used for air. If you have a passport book already, getting a passport card is quite simple. There are similarities as well as differences between the two options, which will be further discussed here. Another difference between the passport card and passport book is the size of each document. See the chart below to decide which is best for you. Passport book vs passport card difference and comparison. Your passport book allows you to travel by land, by sea, or by air. Passport cards are also only valid in mexico, bermuda, canada and the caribbean. How to know if you need a passport book or passport card. Although not required on closed loop sailings, which call at foreign ports but sail roundtrip from the u. I do take the passport card on overseas trips and keep it stashed in a location different than where the passport book is stored.
The passport book comes in both a standard, 24page version and a bigger, 52page version for those who travel frequently. 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. Department of state passport services recently began issuing the passport card as an alternative to the traditional passport book. There are very important differences between the passport card and the passport book. Getting a card only allows you to visit canada and mexico. The us passport book vs passport card salon prive mag.
By law, a valid passport, card or book, is conclusive proof of us nationality. Although, keep in mind, while both can be used as forms of id when traveling, the passport card has some restrictions. Nov 20, 2017 a passport card allows significantly fewer opportunities for the holder to travel, but often its enough for some. Should you choose a passport book or a passport card. A us passport allows you to travel anywhere in the world by plane, car, or boat. There are, however, some key differences that need to be considered. Do i need a passport book, passport card, or passport book. If you lose your passport book you still have your passport card and vice versa. The passport card contains a radio frequency identification chip as well as the traditional photograph and personal information found in a passport book. For many people, especially those who are not united states expats, having both is an advantage.
If you still got any questions about us passport book and card, you can always contact travel visa pro. Both the book and the card are equally valid as proof of identity and citizenship, and can be used for domestic air travel. Feb 11, 2020 i do take the passport card on overseas trips and keep it stashed in a location different than where the passport book is stored. A passport card fits in your wallet, making it a more convenient form of id to carry on certain trips. Passport book vs passport card while there are similarities between a passport book and passport card, it is crucial that those holding either the passport book or card and individuals needing to obtain a passport for the first time know the differences. All american citizens are required to present a valid passport to exit and reenter the united states. A us passport card is a passport product, much like a us passport book. For domestic travel, the passport card is easier to carry because its walletsized.
Whats the difference between a passport book and a. Both passport books and cards are valid for 10 years. Oct 07, 2017 whether you get the passport book card both are valid for 10 years. 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. The only distinction i can think of that might make you want to have both an edl and a passport card is the information on the face of the cards. If a passport book holder uses all 52 pages, the holder must purchase a new passport book. If issued for the full validity, they are both proof of your u.
In a short period of time, passport services received over 350,000 applications for the passport card. Types of us passport books get your passport book today. As stated, the passport book and the passport card are not the same. Your passport does not have to be expired for you to renew it. Us passport book vs us passport card us visa connection. If you need to travel internationally, you must have a passport book. Passport cardbasically a limiteduse passport enhanced drivers licenseacts both as a driver license and a travel document, but also with limits.
You can apply for both the book and card with the same application but it is not requried that you obtain both. However, if youre considering a passport book vs passport card, just get both. You can have both the us passport book and a passport card. Passport cardbasically a limiteduse passport enhanced drivers licenseacts both as a driver license and a travel document, but also with limits well walk you through the basic differences of each of these documents, and help you determine which one is right for you. 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. 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. The primary justification i had for doing so was tha. Note, passport cards can only be used for travel by land and sea. Can i renew my passport book to get a passport card and a. All american citizens are required to present a valid passport to exit and. Nov 22, 2019 the cost between passport book vs passport card. The passport publication has lots of pages for arrivaldeparture stamps and visas, while the passport card is a id card.
Us passport books and us passport cards the differences. Passport books are larger than cards and come with many pages for customs stamps. You can apply for both the book and card with the same application but it is not. But the passport book that most americans are familiar with isnt the only kind of travel document available in the us theres also the passport card, which is made of plastic and is about the.
Should americans have both a passport book and a passport card. What is the difference between passport book and card. Passport book is a globally recognized travel document while passport card is not a globally recognized document. 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 contains an rfid radio frequency identification chip which is able to be scanned electronically to speed up. How a passport card differs from a passport book dmv. A passport book and a passport card serve the same purpose of attesting to your u. They let you travel to canada, mexico, bermuda, and the caribbean by land and sea. Differences between a passport book and passport card. 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. The passport card is only valid for entry into the united states at land border crossings or sea ports of entry. What is a us passport card, and how can you get one. 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. A passport book is valid for all types of travel land, sea or air to any destination. The difference between passport and passport card us. Aug 10, 2012 passport cards and passport books are no exception. Due to this, each one possesses its own particular upsides and downsides, meaning that each one might be bettersuited to some people out there than the other. Passport book lets you travel by air internationally, but the card doesnt.
A passport book provides valid identification for any national or international travel. The us passport card is a credit card sized identification document. Passport is a document providing national identity and identification of an individual. Learn more about how a passport card differs from a passport book. Whats the difference between a passport book and a passport. 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. In general, everyone must have a passport book or a regular passport to travel from one country to another. Whether you choose a passport book or a passport card is up to you. The us passport card is a credit cardsized identification document. The united states passport card is an official identity and. Both of these documents give you the ability to travel outside of the country.
Oct 16, 2017 the passport book and passport card are both proof of your citizenship and identity while traveling outside of the us. Passport book vs passport card difference and comparison diffen. However, people find a passport card more convenient and accessible when carrying. Passport books are the ultimate travel document for visiting any foreign countries, american citizens can use this to travel everywhere outside of the us. 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 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. Any us citizen wishing to travel internationally via air must have a passport book. Well help you determine whether you want or need to pay extra for the passport card. Regardless, the passport card that is issued in the united states still has select uses under select circumstances. You cannot use a passport card when traveling by air internationally.
Many frequent travelers require a us passport book, since the book allows you to travel to more places and allows you to secure a visa when you need one. Should americans have both a passport book and a passport. Complete online and submit form ds82 available using the online passport wizard. The difference between a passport book or card getaway usa. Although, keep in mind, while both can be used as forms of id. Whats the difference between a passport book and a passport card.
So, given the differences between a passport book vs passport card, which one is right for you. A passport card is cheaper to get but is only valid for trav. The passport card can be used by us citizens and resident noncitizens and is considerably less expensive to obtain than a regular passport, although application documentation required is similar for both documents. I recently got my very first united states passport, and i got a passport card at the same time. United states citizens can get either a passport book or a passport card for their travels abroad. Check out the differences between the two types of passport using the. However, each of these items comes with certain restrictions regarding when you can use them.
However, the card was created to facilitate the frequent travel of. If you plan to travel by air, then you will need a passport book. Select both and you will pay additional fees for the passport book and passport card. Difference between passport book and passport card. Infact many people have both the passport card and the passport book and use as per need. The first version is the conventional passport book and the second one is in the form of passport card. You can renew your passport and change the name at the same time. Enhanced drivers license many people may not know but depending on the state that you live in a third option is available to you. Jan 04, 2020 should americans have both a passport book and a passport 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. Additionally, the cost of the passport card is significantly less than the passport book.
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. Passport books and cards are alternatives to a stateissued id. For most forms of international travel which you might wish to do in the future, a passport book is required. Passport book vs passport card i f youve wondered what the difference is between a passport book and. As far as i can tell, the edl and passport card give the same travel rights. Whats the difference between a us passport book and card. It may often be used as an identity card for purposes other than international travel, such as domestic air travel. A book allows you to travel anywhere else assuming you have all the other documents, visas etc.
State department issues two versions of a passport. Heres a look at the key differences and various other pieces of info which will prove very useful. The passport card is walletsize while the passport book is 5x3 12 when closed. S department of state offers two versions of a passport. A passport card is also available for certain travel situations. 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. The primary differences determine where and how the holder may travel. 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 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.
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