If you already hold a passport book, your card will be issued with a different number. So passport book is an absolute must, and card is recommended. Passport book vs passport card difference and comparison. A passport card is cheaper than a passport book, but cant be used for air travel and.
I dont need to be busy looking for the passport, flight ticket and cash at. I previously had a regular passport holder, which was just a sleeve for my passport. As passport books allows more activities as compare to passport card so they tend to cost more as well. What is the difference between a passport book and passport card. Should americans have both a passport book and a passport card. In this case, you would apply for a passport renewal by mail. Both the book and the card are equally valid as proof of identity and citizenship, and can be used for domestic air travel. Sometimes it makes life more convenient to have both a passport book and a card, and carry them both on your international travel. A book allows you to travel anywhere else assuming you have all the other documents, visas etc. You do not need a valid passport book in order to apply for a passport id card, and you can apply for either the card only, or you can apply for a passport book and a passport card at the same time.
And again, applying for a passport book comes with higher fees. What is a us passport card, and how can you get one. Along with this, you need to submit your passport card, one passport photo and payment. Passport requirements for travel to jamaica getaway usa. Travel articles do you need a passport or a passport card. Below is a handy list of pros and cons to help you decide. If you dont want to spend the money for the full passport i would save what.
The passport book is valid for all international travel. These rules do not apply to cruises roundtrip from san juan, puerto rico, as the. If the passport card and passport book are applied for at different times, the applicant would need to. How to get a passport card when renewing your passport.
Conveniently, both the passport book and the passport card have the same renewal period. You can apply for a us passport card by mail if you already have a us passport book and eligible to use form ds82. Jan 23, 2019 should i choose a passport book or passport card. 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. Everything else about the application process is the same for each type of passport.
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. How to know if you need a passport book or passport card. It says i need to submit both documents at the same time if i m renewing both, but doesnt say if its required to renew. If you have a us passport book, there really is no need to get the passport card. One is a passport book, the traditional passport with the pages that get stamped. I f youve wondered what the difference is between a passport book and a passport card, youve come to the right place. The state departments website offers complete details and an online application form. Someone needing to take a flight to dubai, or hop a freighter to asia for work may consider applying for both a passport book and card at the same time and only take the one they need, leaving the other behind as a backup for their loved ones to forward in an emergency.
In a short period of time, passport services received over 350,000 applications for the passport card. Not only do they seem different, they serve different functions. If you can submit a passport book, but you lost your passport card, you cannot renew the passport card using form ds82. Difference between passport book and passport card. I drive between canada and the usa 36 times a year so having the card simplifies my trips. See passport fees for more information on the cost of a u. Here is a table showing the principal differences between a passport book and a passport card. Nov 04, 2014 conveniently, both the passport book and the passport card have the same renewal period. 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. Carry both the passport card and the passport book in case of an emergency and you need to fly home.
That being said, i recently got one simply because it is convenient to use in. My adult niece is taking a cruise with us to mexico from calif. The passport book and passport card are both proof of your citizenship and identity while traveling outside of the us. The other is the passport card, which is just like a drivers license. If you want to apply for a passport card and currently have a valid traditional passport, you can simply download and file form ds82. A passport book and a passport card serve the same purpose of attesting to your u. No one expects an emergency, and whether you plan or not plan to travel. How a passport card differs from a passport book dmv. Jul 05, 2018 the passport book is the traditional multipage document that border agents stamp as you travel through. Passport card is wallet sized document while passport book size is 5.
The passport card is a cheaper alternative to 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. Both passport books and cards are valid for 10 years, so if it fits your travel plans. If you lose your passport book you still have your passport card and vice. I recently got my very first united states passport, and i got a passport card at the same time. The passport publication has lots of pages for arrivaldeparture stamps and visas, while the passport card is a id card. 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. 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. What is the difference between a passport book and a. If you do not have a valid passport, you will need to apply for your new passport card with the government in person and you will need to file form ds11. To date, more than 17 million passport cards have been issued, according to the state department, representing about 10 percent of all passport holders. Both the passport card and passport book are proof of your u. The passport book and passport card are both proof of your.
Whats the difference between a passport book and a. Whats the difference between a passport book and a passport. Yes, passport cards can be renewed just like passport books. In this post, you will get the benefits of having both documents. The passport book is the traditional multipage document that border agents stamp as you travel through. Enhanced drivers license many people may not know but depending on the state that you live in a third option is available to you. Department of state passport services recently began issuing the passport card as an alternative to the traditional passport book. Jan 18, 2018 does a passport card work to go to canada by train. However, if youre going on a caribbean cruise departing from the u. The passport card is only valid for entry into the united states at land border crossings or sea ports of entry.
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. 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. A passport card fits in your wallet, making it a more convenient form of id to carry on certain trips. If you get a passport book and card at the same time, they will expire at the same time. The difference between a passport book or card getaway usa.
Cant see a reason youd need both other than another form of id that fits in your wallet. I leave my passport book locked up in canada when i drive between the 2 countries and have never had a problem at the border. Your old passport card will be marked cancelled by having one corner clipped off. If you have a valid passport book, you do not have to get a passport card as well. 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. I have a passport card but need a passport book to travel. If you are applying for both a book and a card at the same time, you only need to submit one passport photo. Enhanced drivers license many people may not know but depending on the. Passport card is also valid for international travel but by land or sea only.
The passport card can be used only to reenter the u. For many people, especially those who are not united states expats, having both is an advantage. Passport books are larger than cards and come with many pages for customs stamps. 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. 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. If you are applying for a passport, youll need to consider whether to get a passport book or a passport card. If you dont mind the expense, you may opt for both the passport book and the passport card. Differences between a passport book and passport card. Since john will be driving between buffalo, new york and toronto, canada at least once each quarter, he can use the passport card, but if he drives one way from buffalo to toronto and flies home, hell need a passport book for the flight. Aug 18, 2016 today, united states citizens need a passport to travel to neighboring countries such as mexico and canada. But given the card s restrictions, does it even make sense for a u.
Can i apply for a passport card and passport book using. While the book can still be used to cross by land into canada or mexico, it can be a little cumbersome to carry a full book when a card conveniently fits in any wallet. Do you know the difference between a passport and a passport card. While having a us passport card is great and affordable, if you need an emergency trip home, you may decide that a us passport book is more your liking. Adults will need to have their passport renewed every 10 years. Passport book vs passport card norwegian cruise line. Passport book vs passport card for kids the dis disney. Passports need a passport apply for a passport card. Please contact npic if you do not receive the second or third mailing within 10 business days of the previous mailing. Select both and you will pay additional fees for the passport book and passport card. Minor children will need to have their passports renewed every 5 years until they reach 16 years of age. If any of the above statements do not apply to you, you must apply in person using form ds11. Whether you get the passport book card both are valid for 10 years.
Violent crime, particularly theft, is common on the caribbean island so carry valuables like your passport in a money belt or pouch inside your clothing. You should always wear identification, so i would suggest bringing your passport its a must and carry you card in your pocket. Both forms ask you to check a box indicating whether youre applying for a passport book, card or both. One question we see a lot online is what is a passport card. Whats the difference between a passport book and a passport card. If youre renewing your passport book and passport card, you must submit both documents. Both passport books and cards are valid for 10 years. Youll need to submit the same documentation for getting a passport card as you do for a passport book, so getting them both at the same time makes things. Yes, you can use your passport card in order to apply for a passport book. These rules do not apply to cruises roundtrip from san juan, puerto rico.
You can definitely get both, but if you already have the passport book, theres no need to obtain the card. You only need to submit one photograph with your application for a passport renewal and passport card. You can use form ds82 to renew your passport book at the same time that your apply for your passport card. But, if you intend to travel outside those 20 nations or via plane within the next 10 years, the booklet proves necessary. Of course, in theory its only officially valid for international land or sea travel between the united states, canada, mexico, the caribbean and bermuda. 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. Jun 02, 2018 there are many americans especially based close to borders like those in seattle or new england who hold both a valid passport book and card. Youll need to submit both documents when you do your next renewal.
Passport books or passport cards are both valid for 10 years after issue for adults, and five years for travelers under age 16. Should americans have both a passport book and a passport. You may have heard about the passport card that the united states department of state now issues. If not you should carry your passport book around, but that would be very stressful. You can apply for both the book and card with the same application but it is not required that you obtain both.
There is no reason to ever get a passport card, unless you only travel to canada, mexico or caribbean. Does a passport card work to go to canada by train. If you already have a valid us passport book, then it is not required to also have a passport card to travel internationally. 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. Passport books or passport cards are both valid for 10 years after issue for adults, and five years for. Oct 07, 2017 whether you get the passport book card both are valid for 10 years. What is the difference between a passport book and.
The book covers all the international requirements you. Well clear that up in the article below, and give you a couple good reasons why you may want to have both at the same time. Get a passport card with your passport renewal g3passports. It may often be used as an identity card for purposes other than international travel, such as domestic air travel. An adult passport card looks similar to a drivers license, and is valid for ten years. Can i renew my usa passport book and passport card separately. 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. While a passport book is valid for all types of travel land, sea or air to any destination. Passport service guide for requirements, instructions and tips for expediting american passports as quickly as the same day. If youre planning a trip to any other destination, then you would need a u. The passport card is a wallet side document that will be used to expedite document processing from the u. 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 apply for or renew both the book and card, check the appropriate box at the top of the form to indicate that you would. I will be in this situation in two year and therefore have clicked want answer, but in the meantime here is something ive found in the instructions to the ds82 passport renewal form pdf submit your most recently issued emp.
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. Whether you choose a passport book or a passport card is up to you. All american citizens are required to present a valid passport to exit and reenter the united states. If you have a passport card, you can also use it to drive across the canadian border and to. You only need a passport book if you travel by air. I have a passport card but need a passport book to travel to. To apply for or renew both the book and card, check the appropriate box at the top of the form to indicate. Well help you determine whether you want or need to pay extra for the passport card. Both passport cards and books are also acceptable on shore excursions. Yes, 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 renewal. If you already only have the passport book, you can get the passport card as well when you apply for your next passport renewal.
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