The passport card is a variation of the regular passport. Traditional passports are valid for international travel by air, sea, and land. Key differences passport book is valid for international travel by air, sea, or land. The process of applying for or renewing a passport card is the same process thats used for the passport book. One of the most important differences between the two is that passport book has been in use for longer time than the passport card. This type of passport is limited to land and sea travel to bermuda, canada, the caribbean.
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. A passport book and a passport card serve the same purpose of attesting to your u. Passport book lets you travel by air internationally, but the card doesnt. Enhanced drivers license many people may not know but depending on the. A passport card is valid for travel to and from canada, mexico, the caribbean and bermuda at land border crossings and sea portsofentry. Difference between passport book and passport card compare. I need to get my us passport renewed and i was looking online on how to do so through the us embassy and they gave me the option in choosing a passport book, a passport card or both. Difference between a passport book and passport card. One is a passport book, the traditional passport with the pages that get stamped. Passport book vs passport card difference and comparison. In this article, well go over the differences between the u. The passport card is a cheaper alternative to the passport book.
Both types, passport books and passport cards, exist in the united states of america. The card is as small as a credit card it doesnt take as much to manufacture them. T here are a variety of united states passport books that are issued to travelers for specific reasons. 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. When it comes to the choice between a passport book vs passport card, it pays to know the key differences between each one.
Once you know the differences between these documents, you can decide between requesting a. How a passport card differs from a passport book dmv. 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. All american citizens are required to present a valid passport to exit and reenter the united states. Differences between passport book and passport card tweet key difference. The difference between passport and passport card us.
It is valid for 10 years for adults and 5 years for minors under 16. However, the passport card cannot be used for travel by plane. Whether you get the passport bookcard both are valid for 10 years. You can travel anywhere in the world with a passport book versus a passport card that only takes you to a handful of places. How a passport card differs from a passport book using passport books vs. However, there are restrictions on the type of travel and destinations for which the passport card can be used. What is the difference between passport book and passport card.
You can apply by mail using form ds82 if you have a passport book or card that. Whats the difference between a passport book and a. If you are flying by plane, a cape, a giant eagle, or anything for that matter, you have to get the passport book. Persons can apply for both the passport book and the passport card at the same time. Passport books, which are more common, are bigger and have a lot of blank pages used for departure and arrival stamps and visa stickers.
In july of 2008, due to requests from residents along us borders for a more portable and easier application process than a regular passport, the united states department of state began issuing passport cards, a wallet sized identity card usable for international travel by land and sea, valid only for travel to canada, mexico, the. As like the passport book, the card also must be renewed after validation gets completed. So, given the differences between a passport book vs passport card, which one is right for you. As mentioned, a passport card is basically one creditcardsized i. 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 fees are more than passport card fees. Differences between passport books and passport cards similar to a drivers license, a passport card is made of plastic material and something that you can easily put in your wallet. Oct 07, 2017 whether you get the passport book card both are valid for 10 years. A passport book is valid for all types of travel land, sea or air to any destination. Difference between passport book and passport card. The advantages and disadvantages will also be discussed and why we recommend you to have both. What is the difference between a passport book and passport.
However, keep in mind that the book is more expensive than the card. Passport book vs passport card for kids the dis disney. If you are traveling by air or to most countries, you will need a. 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. Passport book is valid for international travel by air, sea, or land. However, when they went to apply for new passports, the clerk steered them toward ordering one of the walletsized new passport cards. 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. A passport card costs less than a passport book, but it also has much more restrictions on its use.
There are very important differences between the passport card and the passport book. Some people are confused with the differences between a passport book and a passport card. Since we all know how to acquire passport booklets, lets learn how to get hold of a passport card. Us passport books and us passport cards the differences. What is the difference between a passport and a passport card. The good news is a passport card is generally valid for the same time and has the same application process as a 26 or 52page passport book. The traditional passport book is still required for most travel purposes. You are not limited to how or where you travel if you obtain a passport book. Here is a table showing the principal differences between a passport book and a passport card. 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 youve had a passport in the past one that was issued to you in the last 15 years and you meet a few other criteria, you can apply for your passport card by mail, using form ds82.
The difference between the numbers is two digits and the letter c. Differences between a passport book and passport card. Passport books are generally more convenient than passport cards, because they allow you to travel internationally without any worry of restrictions. If you need to travel internationally, you must have a passport book. Like the book, passport cards are good for 10 years if you are 16 or older. Sep 04, 2014 we need to understand the difference between a passport card and a passport book.
The major difference between a passport book and a passport card lies in the scope they offer for international travels. Passport book has been in use for a longer period than the 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. The other is the passport card, which is just like a drivers license. What is the difference between a passport book and passport card. You must have the original copies of all required documents. Also, you cannot expect to carry a card while traveling by air. The passport book allows the holder to travel worldwide with proper visa and documentation, while the passport card only allows the holder to travel to and fro neighboring countries such as canada, mexico, bahamas and the caribbean. Nov 22, 2019 when it comes to the choice between a passport book vs passport card, it pays to know the key differences between each one. 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.
Perhaps the biggest difference between a passport card and a traditional passport is that. Passport card is wallet sized document while passport book size is 5. Here is a table showing the principal differences between a. Can be used for international travel via land, sea, or air. The difference between a passport book or card getaway usa.
Passport card for a reduced fee if you only plan to travel by land or sea to and from canada, mexico, bermuda, or the caribbean nations. A passport book commonly called a passport, is used for travel anywhere in the world by air, land sea. What is the difference between a passport book and a passport. Aug 22, 2016 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. What are the benefits of the passport book vs passport card. They let you travel to canada, mexico, bermuda, and the caribbean by land and sea. We have three kids and there is a pretty big price difference between the types of passports.
Minors under 16 will need to renew their passport every 5 years. Whats the difference between a us passport book and card. 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. Aug 18, 2016 one is a passport book, the traditional passport with the pages that get stamped. Aug 24, 2017 the process of applying for or renewing a passport card is the same process thats used for the passport book. We need to understand the difference between a passport card and a passport book. Enhanced drivers license many people may not know but depending on the state that you live in a third option is available to you. Types of us passport books get your passport book today.
I called the passport agency at 8774872778 to confirm thistwice. To apply for or renew both the book and card, check the appropriate box at the top of the form to. A passport book is the standard passport you may think of. Renewal cost of the passport book and passport card.
Along with allowing for international travel, passports can be used to prove your identity and citizenship, especially when you need multiple forms of identification. Do not order the cheaper option simply because its there. What is the differences between passport book vs 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 more convenient and less expensive than a passport book. The us passport book vs passport card salon prive mag. There are distinct differences between the two, and it is important to understand what you are ordering. However, if youre considering a passport book vs passport card, just get both. However, they are more expensive to both apply for and renew, and are bulkier. See below the differences between a passport book vs. 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 is cheaper than a passport book, but cant be used for air travel and is only valid in canada, mexico, bermuda, and the caribbean. Differences between passport book and passport card. The us passport card is a small passport card, about the size of a credit card, that contains your photo and identifying information.
Whats the difference between a passport book and a passport. Passport cards are valid only for reentering the u. Apr 12, 2014 in july of 2008, due to requests from residents along us borders for a more portable and easier application process than a regular passport, the united states department of state began issuing passport cards, a wallet sized identity card usable for international travel by land and sea, valid only for travel to canada, mexico, the. The passport book allows the holder to travel worldwide with proper visa and documentation, while the passport card only allows the holder to travel to and fro neighboring countries such as. You cannot use a passport card when traveling by air internationally. 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. A passport book validity time limit is 10 years for people aged 16 and older and 5 years for those under 16 years old. Once you know the differences between these documents, you can decide between requesting a passport card vs passport book. It is similar to a drivers licence in terms of design as it is small, plastic and is designed to slip into purses and wallets like any other card. 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. Validity of a passport book is 10 years for adults, 5 years for minors under age 16 the size of a passport book is approximately 5 x 3. 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.
It has the same requirements and can be used for the same purposes. Nov 20, 2017 the good news is a passport card is generally valid for the same time and has the same application process as a 26 or 52page passport book. However, the passport book is valid for all forms of travel. Both documents are valid for 10 years for adults 16 and older, and 5 years for those under the age of 16. If you are traveling by air or to most countries, you will need a traditional passport book, with pages for your various visas. As passport books allows more activities as compare to passport card so they tend. A passport card is only good for travel by land and sea, not by plane. Passport cards also have the same time frames of validity. So as not to get confused anymore, here a few points to remember on how to distinguish use of each.
In contrast, a passport card is similar in purpose to a passport book but much more limited in scope. What is the difference between a passport card number and a. A passport book is valid for any international travel by air, sea or land. Apparently, neither the clerk nor the housleys was aware of one of the crucial differences between a passport book and a passport card. If you have a valid passport book, you do not have to get a passport card as well. You can apply for both the book and card with the same application but it is not requried that you obtain both.
While the passport card is more convenient due to its size, it is far more restricted in use than the 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. If you dont want to spend the money for the full passport i would save what. The passport book has lots of pages for visas and arrivaldeparture stamps. Passport card is also valid for international travel but by land or sea only.
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