All american citizens are required to present a valid passport to exit and reenter the united states. The passport book has plenty of pages for visas and arrivaldeparture stamps, while the passport card is a onepiece creditcardsized id card. The passport card is only valid for entry into the united states at land border crossings or sea ports of entry. How a passport card differs from a passport book dmv. Sometimes it makes life more convenient to have both a passport book and a card, and carry them both on your international travel.
Nowadays, its best to carry a valid passport any time you leave the country. Adults will need to have their passport renewed every 10 years. If i already have a passport book, do i have to send it in to get a passport card. Adults who already have a fully valid passport book may apply for the card as a. Although two documents have a huge difference, they also share some similarities. The card may not be used to travel by air outside the united states. Difference between a passport book and passport card. How to apply for a new passport card rush my passport. Jun 02, 2018 from an american perspective, passport cards are fairly unique. Here is a table showing the principal differences between a passport book and a passport card. A passport book and a passport card serve the same purpose of attesting to your u. Travel articles do you need a passport or a passport card. If you get a passport book and card at the same time, they will expire at the same time.
Only available for passport book applicants in the united states not canada. The application process for a passport card is very similar to applying for a passport. That being said, i recently got one simply because it is convenient to use in situations where the passport book is not needed namely, everywhere besides nonneighboring national borders. A nexus card is all you need for proof of citizenship when you cross the uscanadian border by land or by sea. The passport book allows for all travel, by air, land, and sea and youll need the passport book in order to receive a travel visa. 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. An adult passport card looks similar to a drivers license, and is valid for ten years. I have a passport card but need a passport book to travel to. Passport the application process is the same for either the passport book or card, even if you want both at the same time. Passport books or passport cards are both valid for 10 years after issue for adults, and five years for travelers under age 16.
Do you need a passport to go on a cruise to the bahamas. A passport card is more convenient and less expensive than a passport book, but it cannot be used for international travel by air. Feb 21, 2020 cancun passport requirements vary depending on how you enter mexico. Minor children will need to have their passports renewed every 5 years until they reach 16 years of age. If you have a us passport book, there really is no need to get the passport card. Youll need to submit both documents when you do your. It is for travelers who are not going to leave the country by airplane, and plan to only leave the united states via land or sea. Save yourself hassle with expedited passport services if you dont have the time or patience for applying for your u.
Jun 03, 2014 it is a credit card sized, laminated document that is less expensive than the passport book, and discounted further if the traveler also holds a valid passport book, but it is not necessary to have a passport book to get the passport card. Maarten that require you to show id because you will be crossing a land or sea border into a foreign country. Do americans need a passport to travel to the bahamas or. Department of state has a simpletoread list of facts.
A passport book is required for all international travel by air. The new passport form gives you the option to get a passport card. 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. Fill out the application using a black ink pen or use the state department online tool to fill out the application, and select 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.
You must have the original copies of all required documents. Should americans have both a passport book and a passport. However, it doesnt always make sense to have only the passport card, especially if you plan to travel by plane overseas. A passport card is a single sheet, a little larger than a drivers license, that has the same photo and personal information listed on the photo page of the passport book. You only need a passport book if you travel by air. Depending on where you are traveling outside of the u. Passport card department of foreign affairs and trade. 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.
Passports need a passport apply for a passport card. You can use the irish passport card for travel within the european union. If you are applying from outside ireland, there is an additional delivery cost of 5. The passport book is the traditional multipage document that border agents stamp as you travel through.
The adult passport bundle, which includes a 10year passport book and 5year passport card for people aged over 18, costs 100. Passport if you are thinking about applying for or renewing a u. Does a passport card work to go to canada by train. However, your new passport card may take longer to be issued, and will be sent to you under separate cover. I have a passport card but need a passport book to travel. The department of state is issuing this passport card in response to the needs of border resident communities for a less expensive and more portable alternative to the traditional passport book. I recently got my very first united states passport, and i got a passport card at the same time. The passport card is an option the united states government provides that is a lower cost alternative to the passport book.
Passport book vs passport card for kids the dis disney. We compare the two to help you decide which type of id is best for you. Here are more details about how to apply for a passport card. Should americans have both a passport book and a passport card. If you are applying for a passport, youll need to consider whether to get a passport book or a passport card. Whats the difference between a passport book and a. State department issues two versions of a passport. In conclusion, the passport book versus passport card is important to know. First of all, both passport documents have a validity of 10 years. Cancun passport requirements vary depending on how you enter mexico. 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. The passport card is a very handy tool to have in your vital document wallet. In a short period of time, passport services received over 350,000 applications for the passport card. What is the difference between a passport book and passport card.
Furthermore, both passport cards and books are also suitable for short trips that need you to show an id as youll be crossing a sea or land border into a foreign country. You should always wear identification, so i would suggest bringing your passport its a must and carry you card in your pocket. Nassau, bahamas if you are cruising to the bahamas from the u. I believe getting the passport card is the same price as getting a passport book renewal. What is the difference between a passport book and.
For air travel, you do need a passport, but having a nexus card will generally get you through the airport more quickly. 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. Department of state passport services recently began issuing the passport card as an alternative to the traditional passport book. Oct 05, 2018 if so, youve probably noticed the option for a passport card. They are valid for five years from the date of issue, just like a minor passport book. It will otherwise carry the rights and privileges of the u. Passport book allows you to travel by land, sea and air. Anyone who will travel internationally by air must have a passport book. A passport card fits in your wallet, making it a more convenient form of id to carry on certain trips. If so, youve probably noticed the option for a passport card. You can apply by mail using form ds82 if you have a passport book or card that. The passport card has benefits, but does not offer the same list of privileges as a traditional passport. Not only do they look different, they serve slightly different purposes. But if youre not worried about the money or youre just planning to travel more in the future internationally, then a passport book would always be a better option.
Yes, passport cards can be renewed just like passport books. Your passport book will be returned when your card is issued. The passport card is also commonly used for travelers that wish to take a cruise but do not plan on ever traveling by plane. International sailings cruises that begin outside the united states, u. However, the passport card cannot be used for travel by plane. However, before you apply for a new passport card, consider carefully whether or not you might be better off getting a us passport book. The passport publication has lots of pages for arrivaldeparture stamps and visas, while the passport card is a id card. It is a credit cardsized, laminated document that is less expensive than the passport book, and discounted further if the traveler also holds a valid passport book, but it is not necessary to have a passport book to get the passport card. 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. The card has the same period of validity as a passport book.
If you are applying for both a book and a card at the same time, you only need to submit one passport photo. Aug 10, 2012 a passport book is bigger than a passport card. United states citizens can get either a passport book or a passport card for their. The first step in obtaining a passport card is downloading and filling out the ds11 form. 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. Conveniently, both the passport book and the passport card have the same renewal period. All cruises to cuba require a passport book no passport cards or other forms of i. 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 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 a passport book and passport card.
The passport book is the most common passport to carry. What is a us passport card, and how can you get one. The card provides a smaller, more convenient, and less expensive alternative to the passport book for those who travel frequently to these destinations by land or sea. For canada crossings, nexus card no longer beats a us passport. If you have a passport card, you can also use it to drive across the canadian border and to. Yes, you will have to send in your passport book when you apply for a passport card. 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. Jan 11, 2019 the passport card is also commonly used for travelers that wish to take a cruise but do not plan on ever traveling by plane. If you have a valid passport book, you do not have to get a passport card as well. If you are cruising to the caribbean, you will need to enter with either your 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. Whats the difference between a passport book and a passport. I suggest you get the card since you are going on a cruise.
Visa, mastercard, diners club international and american express cards are accepted. This service is not available for passport card applicants. You will need to fill in an official form and present identification and proof of citizenship. However, if youre going on a caribbean cruise departing from the u. In this case, you would apply for a passport renewal by mail. 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. 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. When you apply for a passport card, youll spend less money than you would when. What are the benefits of the passport book vs passport card. A us passport card can only be used for land and sea travel to canada, mexico or the caribbean. The primary justification i had for doing so was tha. The department of state is issuing the passport card in response to the needs of border resident communities for a less expensive and more portable alternative to the traditional passport book. If you already have a passport book or passport card, you can renew by mail using form. You do not need a passport to enter the united kingdom, but airlines and.
The passport card is a walletsize travel document that can only be used to reenter the united states at land bordercrossings or portsofentry by sea from canada, mexico, the caribbean, and bermuda. We recommend putting a sticky note on the books cover that reads do not cancel passport card request. Passport book vs passport card difference and comparison. The passport card will match the expiry date of your passport book, if you have less than 5 years validity remaining. If not you should carry your passport book around, but that would be very stressful. If you dont want to spend the money for the full passport i would save what. It can also be used for domestic air travel in the usa. You cannot use a passport card when traveling by air internationally. The purpose of the passport book is to allow entry and exit to any country in the world. A passport card also might be pretty useful for alaska cruises, on condition that all border crossings into canada are done via sea or land.
1476 524 1080 1471 765 982 893 487 1541 1363 361 1588 780 93 99 435 191 306 760 1399 1217 113 554 1167 77 1482 1409 1078 86