The best thing about a passport book is there are no restrictions with where you can travel to or from. The us passport card is less expensive to get then passport book, and is much smaller. The passport card is walletsize while the passport book is 5x3 12 when closed. Make sure that you know which type of passport you need before purchasing your passport card or book. Passport books are likely what you think of when you imagine a passport a bookletstyle identification and travel document. Not so fastfor many travelers, passport cards have a fatal flaw in that they arent acceptable for air travel. They are valid for five years from the date of issue, just like a minor passport book. Us passport books and us passport cards the differences. When it comes to us passport card versus passport book, the winner will depend on your need.
If youre not inclined to take the time to get a real id, heres a lesserknown alternative. If your travel plans take you to a country bordering the u. 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. Your pas sport 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. Both the passport card and passport book are proof of your u. 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. Nov 20, 2017 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 the passport card is more convenient due to its size, it is far more restricted in use than the passport book. Comparing a passport book vs passport card concerning validity presents the same information. The passport book comes in both a standard, 24page version and a bigger, 52page version for those who travel frequently.
What is a us passport card, and how can you get one. Only available for passport book applicants in the united states not canada. Passport card is also valid for international travel but by land or sea only. Its just like having cash in your wallet, but its also used like a credit card, so it needs to be kept safe. They are both valid for 10 years for persons older than 16 years of age and valid for 5 years for those younger.
Passport cards are a form of us passport that are the size of a credit card or drivers license. If any of the following apply to you, you may want to obtain a passport card. Passport cards are easier to carry than a passport book and they have some hidden benefits. If you are applying for both a book and a card at the same time, you only need to submit one passport photo. Difference between a passport book and passport card. Apply for a passport card department of state travel. 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. Passport card is wallet sized document while passport book size is 5. The application fee for a passport card is also lower than the passport book. The passport card is valid for up to 10 years if you are an adult, and allows you virtually unlimited travel to the caribbean, bermuda, mexico, and. Unlike the passport book, the rfid chip in the passport card is designed to be readable at a greater distance, allowing border agents to access traveler information.
A passport book is valid for all types of travel land, sea or air to any destination. Passport cards are cheaper than passport books, and theyre also valid for 10 years. 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. Proof of social security number ss card, a w2, or a pay stub with full ssn. To learn more about the us passport book vs card, how much they cost and most importantly, which one is suitable for your case continue reading this informative article. The passport card contains a radio frequency identification chip as well as the traditional photograph and personal information found in a passport book. Mar 18, 2020 the passport book has plenty of pages for visas and arrivaldeparture stamps, while the passport card is a onepiece creditcardsized id card. If you are 16 or older, your passport book is good for 10 years.
Jan 11, 2019 processing times for passport cards and passport books routine processing times for the passport card or pass port book range from 46 weeks or longer. In regards to whats a passport card, the us has now created a passport in a 2nd physical form, that being a small card the size of a credit card, with a photo on it. You can apply for both the book and card with the same application but it is not requried that you obtain both. When applying for a passport, you need the appropriate documentation and cu. Minors under 16 will need to renew their passport every 5 years. Whats the difference between a passport book and a passport. There are so many credit cards available today that it can be hard to sort through them all to find the one for your needs. Therefore, youll need to find a passport office, provide proof of identity and citizenship and fill out an application. Passport cards cannot be used for international air travel, even within the 19 mostly caribbean countries that accept the cards at land or sea ports. If youre a border resident and want something small and manageable, a passport card is easy to carry and use. Types of us passport books get your passport book today. What is the differences between passport book vs passport.
Residency document rental or lease agreement, mortgage or utility bill, etc. The cost also depends on the age of holder adults pay more than minors but it costs the same amount to renew them. From passport cards to global entry, which trustedtraveler. 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. Here are more tips and information about how to best use a prepaid c. The us passport card cannot be used for any international air travel, but if you travel frequently to mexico, the caribbean, bermuda, and canada by land or water, the us passport card can actually make more sense than a passport book. If you are like my family and friends, you are curious as to the differences between the new us passport cards and the more traditional us passport books.
That makes them better than regular passports, right. The real difference between a us passport book vs passport card. 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. The card is made from plastic and contains your information and picture. 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. Home thorn tree country forums central america passport card vs passport book. This service is not available for passport card applicants. Apply for a passport card united states department of state. But, the passport card can only be used for international travel by land and sea. One of the most important differences between the two is that passport book has been in use for longer time than the passport card. Unless you use the mobile passport app, youll have to. Valid for travel via land or sea to and from the united states, canada, mexico, bermuda and the caribbean. However, the passport book is valid for all forms of travel.
Difference between passport book and passport card. Whats a passport card, and can it replace a real id. Difference between passport book and passport card compare. Many people are interested to know the difference between passport book and passport card. If you need to travel internationally, you must have a 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. What is a passport card, and what should you know when youre considering a passport book vs. This document proves your citizenship, holds visas issued to you by other countries and lets you reenter the u. In fact, an airline cant let you board an international flight if you dont have a valid passport. If i already have a passport book, can i use the ds82 to get a passport card. There are even certain situations where a credit card is essential, like many car rental businesses an. The result of an application is mostly based on your credit score, although other factors are. So, given the differences between a passport book vs passport card, which one is right for you. To apply for or renew both the book and card, check the appropriate box at the top of the form to. It was designed for people who travel frequently between the u. So, passport cards are cheaper and more convenient. How a passport card differs from a passport book dmv. Beyond these countries, you cannot use a passport card for reentry.
How passport books and passport cards are the same. There are several options when it comes to forms of identificatio. Like the book, passport cards are good for 10 years if you are 16 or older. To begin with, passport cards can not be used for air travel. But, if you intend to travel outside those 20 nations or via plane within the next 10 years, the booklet proves necessary. Here is a table showing the principal differences between a passport book and a passport card. Nov 22, 2019 the cost between passport book vs passport card. Choosing between the passport card vs book royal caribbean blog. Whats the difference between a passport book and a. The us passport card is a credit card sized identification document. Here we will look at what exactly a credit card is, what the benefits and detriments to having one are, what firstt. Be the first to discover secret destinations, travel hacks, and more.
There are, however, some key differences that need to be considered. Passport book vs passport card difference and comparison. If you lose your passport book you still have your passport card and vice versa. 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 passport book vs card question is one you may have if you are a firsttime international traveler. The main difference is that passport books are valid for international. A passport card is more convenient and less expensive than a passport book, but it cannot be used for international travel by air. There are very important differences between the passport card and the passport book.
The first is when you need to renew your book or card passport. Passport cards are particularly useful for some people. If a passport book holder uses all 52 pages, the holder must purchase a new passport book. 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. Another difference between the passport card and passport book is the size of each document. A passport card is less expensive than a traditional passport book. Passport book lets you travel by air internationally, but the card doesnt. As passport books allows more activities as compare to passport card so they tend to cost more as well. If your vacation or business plans take you out of the united states, you need a passport to travel. Most us passports have a dark blue cover, and contain 28 pages.
However, people find a passport card more convenient and accessible when carrying. A passport book allows international travel across air, sea and land. The passport card is about the size of any credit card, and fits easily into your wallet for frequent travel. The passport book has plenty of pages for visas and arrivaldeparture stamps, while the passport card is a onepiece creditcardsized id card. You arent borrowing money for the charges you make. Whats the difference between a us passport book and card.
Additionally, pricing sets these two options apart, with a passport book costing more than twice as much as a card. Passport card vs passport book difference between passport. 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. 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. A prepaid card is a great gift for yourself or someone else. However, each of these items comes with certain restrictions regarding when you can use them. A passport card is a document you would use to travel by land or sea. The card will provide a less expensive, smaller, and more convenient alternative to the passport book for those who travel frequently to these destinations by land or by sea. Passport books and cards are alternatives to a stateissued id. Wondering whats the difference between a passport book and a passport card. 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.
Differences between a passport book and passport card. Adults enjoy a validity of ten years while minors under age sixteen enjoy a validity of five years. In this episode of journey to the american passport we talk about. Additionally, the cost of the passport card is significantly less than the passport book. Entering the united states at land border crossings and sea portsofentry from. In this video we explore should you use a passport book or a passport card when you travel.
However, if youre considering a passport book vs passport card, just get both. Whether you are looking to apply for a new credit card or are just starting out, there are a few things to know beforehand. Although there are many differences between a us card and book style passport, there are also some similarities. Expedited processing of two weeks available for additional fee. If you are looking for a no annual fee credit card, one of these visa credit cards may be the perfect fit. They have been available to us citizens since 2008, and are meant to be a convenient way to prove your identity and citizenship. What is the differences between passport book vs passport card. Passport cards are wallet sized while the passport book is larger and thicker. If you do not have upcoming travel plans, you can visit your post office or county clerk to start the application process. The difference between passport and passport card us. 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. So, let us discuss the benefits of a passport card and a passport book. Of the internal pages, 17 are blank pages marked visas that are meant for travel visas and country entry and exit stamps.
Both of these documents give you the ability to travel outside of the country. All american citizens are required to present a valid passport to exit and reenter the united states. Dec 28, 2019 similarities between the passport book and passport card. Jun 20, 2019 passport book is valid for international travel by air, sea, or land. 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.
This means that they only cover you for crossing the border via land, or via sea. Feb 10, 2021 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. The real difference between a us 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. Any us citizen wishing to travel internationally via air must have a passport book. We compare the two to help you decide which type of id is best. Validity of a passport card is 10 years for adults, 5 years for minors under age 16. They let you travel to canada, mexico, bermuda, and the caribbean by land and sea. Unlike the passport book, the rfid chip in the passport card is designed to be readable at a greater distance, allowing border agents to access traveler information before they pull up to the inspection station. Feb, 2011 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. What is the difference between the passport card vs. Younger children will need to renew their passport after 5 years. The appeal of the passport card is it is cheaper than the book, while.
Firsttime passport applicants, as well as minor children, must apply for passports in person. Passport book vs passport card first time cruisers. Passport cards are wallet sized while the passport. The passport card is basically an id card, while the passport book is a normal passport that has enough pages for different stamps and visas. Getting a credit card is a fairly straightforward process that requires you to submit an application for a card and receive an approval or denial. Passport cards are also only valid in mexico, bermuda, canada and the caribbean. Select both and you will pay additional fees for the passport book and passport card. Credit cards allow for a greater degree of financial flexibility than debit cards, and can be a useful tool to build your credit history. The difference with using a debit card, though, is that the money you spend with a debit card is yours. However, the passport card cannot be used for travel by plane. A passport book and a passport card serve the same purpose of attesting to your u. Living abroad, i keep my passport book tucked away in a safe location for when i need to travel internationally.
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