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. It may often be used as an identity card for purposes other than international travel, such as domestic air travel. Just as the name suggests, a passport card is a walletsized laminated card that resembles the photo page of a passport book. That price difference can be significant for trips across the different borders. 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. The passport card contains a radio frequency identification chip as well as the traditional photograph and personal information found in a passport book. A passport book and a passport card serve the same purpose of attesting to your u. What is the differences between passport book vs passport. 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. In this post, well cover the main differences so you know exactly which passport option is. My wife and i are planning a trip to mexico in the fall of 2014, and i am trying to figure this out.
The us passport card cannot be used for international air travel. We want you to know about a few differences between the book. The difference between the two is that one is a card and one is a book. Passport books are valid for all international travel, no matter what the mode of transit is.
The passport book is the same as the original passport you need it when youre going to travel by airplane. What is the difference between passport book and card. Differences between a passport book and passport card. The most obvious difference between passport books and passport cards is the design, of course. 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. If your cruise departs from florida but stops in jamaica before returning to florida, youll need your passport card. Passport card can be used to enter the united states from canada, mexico, the caribbean, and bermuda at land border crossings or sea portsofentry and is. What is the difference between a passport card or book. The cardformat passport is for international travel by u.
A us passport card can be used for ground border crossings between the us and canada and the us and mexico, and for some water entries between the us, canada, and some nearby sovereign islands. Today, united states citizens need a passport to travel to neighboring countries such as mexico and canada. 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. 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. Unless you use the mobile passport app, youll have to.
One is a passport book, the traditional passport with the pages that get stamped. Any time you board an international flight, you will need a valid us passport book. I f youve wondered what the difference is between a passport book and a passport card, youve come to the right place. Us passport books and us passport cards the differences. The us passport card is a credit cardsized identification document. 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. Difference between passport book and passport card. Rush my passport the trusted partner in expedited u. There are very important differences between the passport card and the passport book. If you ever want to fly to another country or even do a cruise outside of the countries where the cards are valid, get the book. As with a passport book, a nonexpired passport card can serve as your proof of identity and citizenship. United states citizens can get either a passport book or a passport card for their travels abroad. A passport card is also available for certain travel situations.
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. Difference between passport book and passport card u. You can use this creditcardsized document to reenter the united states from mexico, canada, bermuda and the caribbean when traveling by land or sea. I have a passport card but need a passport book to travel. The walletsize passport card is convenient and less expensive than the passport book. The biggest difference between a passport book and passport card is that. Passport card the standard passport book covers all the bases. What are the differences between a passport book vs. United states citizens can get either a passport book or a passport card for their. But, whats the difference between a passport book vs card. It was designed for people who travel frequently between the us and canada, mexico, bermuda or the caribbean by land or sea.
Passport book is a globally recognized travel document while passport card is not a globally recognized document. The united states passport card is an official identity and limited travel document issued by the. The passport card can be used only to reenter the u. The traditional passport book is still required for most travel purposes. The difference between passport and passport card us. It is smaller and more convenient to carry than a passport book, and it is less expensive to obtain. In general, everyone must have a passport book or a regular passport to travel from one country to another. 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. 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.
What is a us passport card, and how can you get one. The passport book is much larger and it contains a series of pages for arrival and departure stamps, along with visas and so on. Select both and you will pay additional fees for the passport book and passport card. Both the passport book and passport card serve as proof of your u. Although, keep in mind, while both can be used as forms of id when traveling, the passport card has some restrictions.
To apply for or renew both the book and card, check the appropriate box at the top of the form to. If you are traveling by air or to most countries, you will need a traditional passport book, with pages for your various visas. Passport book is widely used for international travel while passport card is used for united states citizens who. One instance could be, if you want to travel to jamaica, youll need a passport book. All american citizens are required to present a valid passport to exit and reenter the united states. The passport card is basically an individual credit cardsized id card.
The passport cards usefulness as an international travel identification document is so limited, its not adequate for most of its intended use. In the united states, travelers have two options to use for international travel. I will be needing to get a passport book within the next couple of years so i can travel to barbados. The us passport book vs passport card salon prive mag.
You can just slip it in your wallet, right behind your drivers license. If you still got any questions about us passport book and card, you can always contact travel visa pro. I have a passport card but need a passport book to travel to barbados. The passport book is valid for all international travel. I currently have a passport card that was issued in june 2009. The walletsized passport card is designed to be more convenient and less cumbersome than regular passports.
Apply for a passport card bureau of consular affairs us. The difference between the numbers is two digits and the letter c. The us passport card can be useful in a number of situations. The other is the passport card, which is just like a drivers license. Now, in terms of a passport book vs passport card, if you happen to be applying for a passport, you will need to consider which to get. It displays your photo, name, issuing and expiration dates and your place of birth. Us passport book and passport card online application. From passport cards to global entry, which trusted. What is the difference between a passport card number and. Passport book booklet style id travel document standard passport book. Like the passport, the passport card is valid for 10 years for adults and for 5 years for minors under the age of 16. In this video we explore should you use a passport book or a passport card when you travel. If you lose your passport book you still have your passport card and vice versa. 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.
The difference between a passport book or card getaway usa. Difference between a passport book and passport card. What is the difference between a passport book and. Passport card cannot be used for international air travel. What is the difference between a passport book and a. What is the difference between a passport and a passport. See below the differences between a passport book vs.
Whats the difference between a passport book and a. 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. 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 passport card is a cheaper alternative to the passport book. Here is a table showing the principal differences between a. Passport card difference between passport book and passport card u.
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. You can also use it as your id for domestic air travel. A passport card is cheaper than a passport book, but cant be used for air. Whats the difference between a passport book and a passport card. A passport book is required for all international travel by air. 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 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. The passport card was created for people who live near american borders and frequently drive into canada or mexico. Whats the difference between a us passport book and card. Passport card can be used to enter the united states from canada. Wondering whats the difference between a passport book and a passport card.
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