Passport books are likely what you think of when you imagine a passport a bookletstyle identification and travel document. Valid for all forms of travel by land, sea, and air. I would get the passport book or nothing the birth certificate and the passport card seem equal in value to me you cant fly home with either, and that would be the point of getting the passport book if there is an emergency and you are in a foreign country, you cannot get on an airplane without a passport book, period, so it seems like a. It is valid for 10 years for adults and 5 years for minors under 16. While an enhanced drivers license does prove citizenship, the passport card is better because its more authoritative.
How to get a passport card if i already have a passport book. Valid for 10 years for an adult and 5 years for a minor. A passport book is valid for any international travel by air, sea or land. A century of strength fighting for federal employees. It may often be used as an identity card for purposes other than international travel, such as domestic air travel. Should americans have both a passport book and a passport. However, the passport card cannot be used for travel by plane. Applications for a passport or passport card may be submitted at any of 9,300 passport application acceptance facilities, which typically include u. Passport card can be used to reenter the united states at land borders or sea portsofentry from canada, mexico, the caribbean, and bermuda, according to the u.
The passport card was really meant to be a cheaper form of identification for people who live near the border and drive across frequently, to make it easier for them to comply with the western hemisphere travel initiative that requires passports for border. When the book comes, resume my normal travel pattern. A us passport card is used as a federal id and is only good for travel to canada, mexico, the caribbean, and bermuda at land border crossings or sea portsofentry and is more convenient and less expensive than a passport book. Otherwise, it carries the rights and privileges of the u. Use the passport book to get the passport card, keeping the book in my possession. Oct 03, 2012 this month the government began to produce u. The passport card is the size of a credit card and can easily fit in a wallet while the size of a passport is 5. Most us passports have a dark blue cover, and contain 28 pages. The passport card will match the expiry date of your passport book, if you have less than 5 years validity remaining. There is no reason to ever get a passport card, unless you only travel to canada, mexico or caribbean.
Passport book vs passport card difference and comparison. Passport books are too fragile, and birth certificates lack photos or expiration dates. I applied to renew my passport this past summer, and i had the option of applying for a just a passport book, or b both a passport book and also a passport card, which can be used in certain intercountry travel situations cant remember what situations either, but doesnt really matter as it is irrelevant to my question. Should i get a passport card to go along with my passport. 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. You are not limited to how or where you travel if you obtain a passport book. 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. Passport books a guide on all united states passport books. If you are traveling by air or to most countries, you will need a.
I have a passport card but need a passport book to travel. The traditional passport book is still required for most travel purposes. Additionally, the passport card is a lot more economical than a traditional passport. If you have also lost your passport book, please see our lost passport or stolen passport pages for details on how to replace your passport. Only one execution fee is charged for an individual applying for both a card and book at the same time. Passport, and those not eligible to use the form ds82, should apply for a passport card using form ds11. The primary justification i had for doing so was tha. 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. Find a period of time when im not going to be traveling internationally and apply for the renewal book, using the card as id for domestic trips in the interim. Use the 2020 passport fees table to help you calculate the cost of getting your passport.
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. National federation of federal employees, affiliated with the international association of machinists and aerospace workers, aflcio. Start today by applying for or renewing your passport. You dont need to present a passport or the card when entering and exiting the ship. What are the benefits of the passport book vs passport card. Standing strong and working together for dignity and fairness.
Differences between a passport book and passport card. Payable to the county of san diego, is paid separately from the passport fee. I recently got my very first united states passport, and i got a passport card at the same time. This book gives you all of the countries by region in which you could gain a second passport legally. The passport book and passport card are both proof of your citizenship and identity while traveling outside of the us.
In this case, you would apply for a passport renewal by mail. The us passport card is a small passport card, about the size of a credit card, that contains your photo and identifying information. Etsy is the home to thousands of handmade, vintage, and oneofakind products and gifts related to your search. The total amount will depend on the service you require and any additional services you might need or want. There is a mandatory passport application fee for most services. 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. Travel articles do you need a passport or a passport card. Passport fees 2020 for routine and expedited services. The passport card contains the same information as a passport book, with a size similar to a laminated stateissued drivers license. Department of state expedite fee paid per application, in addition to. For more information view our passport first time issuances and renewal instructions.
One is a passport book, the traditional passport with the pages that get stamped. 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. Department of state since 2008, and can be used to enter and exit 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 passport card is designed to be a less expensive and more portable alternative to the passport book. So if someone gets sick on a cruise and only has the passport card, they cant fly them home. Passport books are valid for travel by united states citizens. The complete guide to offshore residency, dual citizenship and second passports. Do i need a passport book, passport card, or passport book. I want a card so i can frequently travel to mexico while my passport book is on hold for getting a visa to travel to china. How do i get a diplomatic, official, or regular nofee passport. Jan 18, 2019 no, if your passport card is valid for 10 years it will just be a renewal passport and on your ds 82 please select passport book.
Passport card vs passport book americas central america. Can you use the passport card for travel to the bahamas. If you are traveling by air or to most countries, you will need a traditional passport book, with pages for your various visas. The form for renewing a passport or passport card is ds82. The bahamian government only requires proof of citizenship e. The passport application fee and the execution fee are nonrefundable. For complete instructions and a link to download the form, click the link below.
The other is the passport card, which is just like a drivers license. The complete guide to offshore residency, dual citizenship and second passports robert e. You can get a passport card with your passport book if you like. 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. You will need to report the loss of your passport card by calling 8774872778 or by filling out the lost passport report form ds64 and mailing it to the address on the form. What is the difference between a passport book and.
This new travel document can be used to enter the united states from canada, mexico, the caribbean, and bermuda at land border crossings or sea portsofentry. Americans may enter the unites states from the bahamas by sea using a passport, passport card, or other western. Of the internal pages, 17 are blank pages marked visas. Us passport book and passport card online application. The goal is to enjoy as much visafree travel as possible, especially to those countries you wish to visit regularly. You only need a passport book if you travel by air. Dec 22, 2014 united states passport book or card fee.
See the chart below to decide which is best for you. Applying for passport card wo giving up passport book. Any us citizen wishing to travel internationally via air must have a passport book. What is the difference between a passport book and passport card. If you are thinking about applying for or renewing a u. Both documents are valid for 10 years for adults 16 and older, and 5 years for those under the age of 16. The passport card or formally known as the people access security service card pass is small in size compared to a passport. Adult passport cards remain valid for 10 years and cards issued to children under 16 years of age for five years. A passport card can be used to enter the us states at land border crossing or seaportsofentry from canada, mexico, the caribbean and bermuda. However, if you get a passport card, it cannot be used for travel by air.
How a passport card differs from a passport book dmv. Sep 02, 2010 there is no reason to ever get a passport card, unless you only travel to canada, mexico or caribbean. Passport card cannot be used for international air travel. This option means getting both a passport book and passport card with just one application.
The passport card is not valid for international air travel. I applied to renew my passport this past summer, and i had the option of applying for a just a passport book, or b both a passport book and also a passport card, which can be used in certain intercountry travel situations cant remember what situations either. A passport card is valid for travel to and from canada, mexico, the caribbean and bermuda at land border crossings and sea portsofentry. What if i want both a passport book and a passport card. If i already have a passport book, can i use the ds82 to get a passport card. If issued for the full validity, they are both proof of your u. No, if your passport card is valid for 10 years it will just be a renewal passport and on your ds 82 please select passport book. The passport card is a wallet side document that will be used to expedite document processing from the u. Oct 16, 2017 the passport book and passport card are both proof of your citizenship and identity while traveling outside of the us. Can only be used in land and sea travels, not by air. Both the passport book and passport card serve as proof of your u. Application form ds11 can be used in order to apply for a passport book, passport card or both. A passport book commonly called a passport, is used for travel anywhere in the world by air, land sea. The card has the same period of validity as a passport book.
Visa, mastercard, diners club international and american express cards are accepted. A previous passport book holder, eligible to use form ds82, may apply for a passport card as a renewal. The passport card cannot be used for international travel by air. The passport book only covers land border crossings or seaport entry. The only reason youd most likely need a passport is if you got missed he ship for whatever reason. Yes, you can use your passport card in order to apply for a passport book. A most important consideration when seeking another citizenship is how easily you can travel using that countrys passport. Should americans have both a passport book and a passport card. The passport card facilitates entry and expedites document processing at u. I have a passport card but need a passport book to travel to. Aug 18, 2016 one is a passport book, the traditional passport with the pages that get stamped. 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. However, since passport cards arent valid for flying, again i dont see how theyre helpful in that region. To calculate the total cost of your new passport, select the passport types and the method of processing you would like to use.
Passport card department of foreign affairs and trade. The united states passport card is an official identity and. I have a passport book for about five years now, but i wanted to obtain a passport card. Both forms are available for download on the state departments passport website. The walletsize passport card is convenient and less expensive than the passport book. An adult passport card looks similar to a drivers license, and is valid for ten years. The passport book is only type of passport that is accepted for international air travel. The difference between passport and passport card us. Passport books and cards are alternatives to a stateissued id. What you need to know about passport cards fastport passport. No matter what youre looking for or where you are in the world, our global marketplace of sellers can help you find unique and affordable options. The passport services information card is different from another walletsized card, called a u.