The united states passport card is an official identity and limited travel document issued by the. 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. Effective march 24, 2020, the issuance of passport books and cards has been suspended until further notice. Whats the difference between passport book and passport card. However, there are restrictions on the type of travel and destinations for which the passport card can be used. We want you to know about a few differences between the book and card so you can decide if you want to apply for one or both documents. The advantages and disadvantages will also be discussed and why we recommend you to have both. Passport card department of foreign affairs and trade. What is the difference between a passport and a passport card. Here is a table showing the principal differences between a passport book and a passport card. You can only get a passport card with a passport book as part of a bundle which is an option you can select when renewing your childs passport online. However, if you already have a passport even if its a passport book instead of a card and you would be eligible to use form ds82 for a renewal, you can use it to apply for a passport card by mail. The traditional passport book is still required for most travel purposes.
Aug 18, 2016 today, united states citizens need a passport to travel to neighboring countries such as mexico and canada. What is the difference between a passport book and a. Difference between passport book and passport card u. Difference between passport book and passport card. A passport book and a passport card serve the same purpose of attesting to your u. 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.
The significant difference between visa and passport is that visa is an official permission which temporarily authorizes us to stay in a foreign country and the passport is a document that certifies our identity during our travels. The difference between the numbers is two digits and the letter c. Although there are many differences between a us card and book style passport, there are also some similarities. If you are traveling by air or to most countries, you will need a traditional passport book, with pages for your various visas.
Here is a table showing the principal differences between a. So as not to get confused anymore, here a few points to remember on how to distinguish use of each. Your passport book allows you to travel by land, by sea, or by air. You cannot use the passport card for international air travel, even when you re enter the u. 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. 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. To protect yourself against emergency situations, go with a passport book, which covers all international travel by air, sea or land. Similarities between the passport book and passport card. Whats the difference between a us passport book and card.
In addition to this, we have passport card, this is a card which is used for only land and sea travel on the listed countries in italic on the card. The validity of the passport card is 10 years for an adult applicant and 5 years for minors under age 16. 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. The passport card is a variation of the regular passport. Learn more on our covid19 update page and our frequently asked questions page. What is the difference between passport book and card answers. You cannot use the passport card for international air travel, even when you reenter the u.
The passport book and passport card are both proof of your citizenship and identity while traveling outside of the us. Passport is a document which is used for personal identification during abroad travels. Passport book booklet style id travel document standard passport book has 28 pages. That price difference can be significant for trips across the different borders. T here are a variety of united states passport books that are issued to travelers for specific reasons. In addition to a regular passport, the passport book, u.
Minors age 16 or younger can present evidence of u. Passport card basically 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. The passport book comes as either 28 or 52 pages and is valid for five years. Whats the difference between a passport book and a passport card. Passport cards and passport books are no exception. Nov 20, 2017 a passport card allows significantly fewer opportunities for the holder to travel, but often its enough for some. What is the difference between a passport book and.
The passport book and the passport card are two different unique documents with unique number. 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. How do you know if you need a passport book versus passport card. What is the differences between passport book vs passport. Apply for a passport card bureau of consular affairs us. The cardformat passport is for international travel by u. United states citizens can get either a passport book or a passport card for their travels abroad.
Passport card difference between passport book and passport card u. Difference between passport book and passport card compare. They can be used for land or sea travel to canada, mexico, bermuda. Both the passport book and passport card serve as proof of your u. Types of us passport books get your passport book today. See below the differences between a passport book vs. So youre looking to travel internationally but there are these options between a passport vs passport card. They are both valid for 10 years for persons older than 16 years of age and valid for 5 years for those younger. How a passport card differs from a passport book dmv. Passport card the standard passport book covers all the bases.
A passport book provides valid identification for any national or international travel. There is also a difference in price between passport books and passport cards. One is a passport book, the traditional passport with the pages that get stamped. For children age 15 and under, the passport is valid for 5 years and for adults 16 and older it is valid for 10 years. Passport cards are not valid for international air travel. The us passport card can be useful in a number of situations. A passport book is valid for all types of travel land, sea or air to any destination. The other is the passport card, which is just like a drivers license.
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. 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. You can apply for both the book and card with the same application but it is not requried that you obtain both. The passport card is a walletsize card and is meant to be used only when reentering the united states from canada, mexico, the caribbean. Only countries like canada, mexico, bermuda, and the caribbean accepts a passport card. If you applied for expedited service for your passport book, you might have a longer time between the receipt of your passport book and your passport card. Feb 12, 2019 in this blog post we will discuss the difference between the two documents. Passport card frequently asked questions with answers. All you have to do is mark the passport application to show you are requesting both the passport book and passport card. To apply for or renew both the book and card, check the appropriate box at the top of the form to. I travel between the us and mexico every week, and my passport book is expiring in about a year.
Difference between visa and passport difference between. The adult and minor passport card fees are about the same. What is the difference between a passport book and passport card. Check out the differences between the two types of passport. Frequent travelers between the united states and canada can apply for different documents that allow them to cross from one country to the other without a passport book. A passport card can only be used to travel by land or sea. The passport card is a cheaper alternative to the passport book. 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. April 15, 2020 update because of public health measures to prevent the spread of covid19, effective march 20, we have limited u. Whats the difference between a passport book and a passport. If youre taking a cruise between these destinations, you need to hold the book in case you have to return to.
While the card differs in several ways to the traditional u. I f youve wondered what the difference is between a passport book and a passport card, youve come to the right place. What is the difference between a passport card number and a. What is the difference between a passport card number and. 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. Air travel tofrom these locations and all other international locations requires a full passport. Whats the difference between a passport book and a. As with a passport book, a nonexpired passport card can serve as your proof of identity and citizenship. Us passport books and us passport cards the differences. Whats the difference between a passport book and passport card. Because the passport card has more limited uses, its less expensive than the passport book. We want you to know about a few differences between the book. You are not limited to how or where you travel if you obtain a passport book.
It displays your photo, name, issuing and expiration dates and your place of birth. All american citizens are required to present a valid passport to exit and reenter the united states. Some people are confused with the differences between a passport book and a passport card. The difference between passport and passport card us. Passport cards for under 18s will be valid for the same period as the passport book. 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. Passport book vs passport card difference and comparison. 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. The passport book comes in both a standard, 24page version and a bigger, 52page version for those who.
Minors under 16 will need to renew their passport every 5 years. They have been available to us citizens since 2008, and are meant to be a convenient way to prove your identity and citizenship. 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. Fees vary based on age, the speed of service you request and whether you already have a passport. You need to be a citizen of the united states to apply for a us passport card. A passport book commonly called a passport, is used for travel anywhere in the world by air, land sea.
What is the difference between validity of the passport book and passport card. You can now apply for a passport book and a passport card. A passport card can access the us database that has everything that a full passport has as far as information on the traveler. You may apply if you have a regular passport, but you can also follow the passport card application process if you do not have a regular passport. Differences between passport book and passport card tweet key difference. You can also use it as your id for domestic air travel. While the passport card is more convenient due to its size, it is far more restricted in use than the passport book. Wondering whats the difference between a passport book and a passport card. Oct 07, 2017 wondering whats the difference between a passport book and a passport card. It may often be used as an identity card for purposes other than international travel, such as domestic air travel. A passport card is not accepted in every country like the passport book even though it serves the same purposes.
However, for a minor, it may be permissible to travel with birth certificates only. Well help you determine whether you want or need to pay extra for the passport card. 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. What is the difference between a passport and a visa. What is the difference between a passport book and a passport. Passport books are generally more convenient than passport cards, because they allow you to travel internationally without any worry of. Only one execution fee is charged for an individual applying for both a card and book at the same time. To be considered as an adult you must be 16 or older, and to be considered a minor, you must be 15 or less. 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 the difference between the passport book and the passport card. There are very important differences between the passport card and the passport book. Passport book vs passport card difference and comparison diffen.
The us passport card application must be filled out by yourself. Can be used for international travel via land, sea, or air. Passport book is widely used for international travel while passport card is used for united states citizens who. Most us passports have a dark blue cover, and contain 28 pages. 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 canada. In this article, well go over the differences between the u.
Find uses and advantages of a passport book and a passport card and figure out which one. I called the passport agency at 8774872778 to confirm thistwice. Difference between a passport book and passport card. Differences between passport book and passport card. The passport card was created for people who live near american borders and frequently drive into canada or mexico. What is the differences between passport book vs passport card. Learn more about how a passport card differs from a passport book. What is the difference between a passport card or book answers. The passport card cannot be used for international travel by air. The first is when you need to renew your book or card passport. A passport book includes the persons photo, name, date of birth, gender, and physical characteristics. A us passport allows you to travel anywhere in the world by plane, car, or boat. Passport book booklet style id travel document standard passport book.
There is a supplementary fee for adults and children. 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. Sailors and other boatmen who travel international seas between the unites states, canada, the caribbean, or bermuda may also use a passport card. 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. The passport book enables travelers to travel internationally using any method land, sea, or air and to any acceptable destination. The us passport card is less expensive to get then passport book, and is much smaller. Just as the name suggests, a passport card is a walletsized laminated card that resembles the photo page of a passport book. 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. Whats the difference between a passport and a passport.
A passport is also required for any cruise with ports outside of the us and crossing us borders by land. It is required during the international travel via air, land or sea. It has the same requirements and can be used for the same purposes. Differences between a passport book and passport card. The difference between a passport book or card getaway usa. 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. A passport card can be used for surface travel land or sea tofrom mexico, canada and the caribbean. Feb 21, 2008 the passport book is the same as the original passport you need it when youre going to travel by airplane. Since the pass card lasts for 10 years, it might be a good investment for the whole family as it makes it easier to travel for us citizens.
Like the book, passport cards are good for 10 years if you are 16 or older. A passport card is cheaper to get but is only valid for trav. If your cruise departs from florida but stops in jamaica before returning to florida, youll need your passport card. The difference between a passport book and passport card. They are valid for five years from the date of issue, just like a minor passport book. One instance could be, if you want to travel to jamaica, youll need a passport book. This type of passport is limited to land and sea travel to bermuda, canada, the caribbean. In this blog post we will discuss the difference between the two documents. The passport card looks very similar to a drivers license and although valid for the same amount of time for adults and minors, the passport card only allows land or sea travel to canada, mexico, caribbean, and bermuda. If you are flying by plane, a cape, a giant eagle, or anything for that matter, you have to get the passport book. Passport cards are a form of us passport that are the size of a credit card or drivers license. The passport card is about the size of any credit card, and fits easily into your wallet for frequent travel.
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