How a passport card differs from a passport book dmv. However, each of these items comes with certain restrictions regarding when you can use them. Us passport books and us passport cards the differences. Whats the difference between passport book and passport card. Find out where and how to get a us passport card and decide whether a. Oct 16, 2017 the passport card is cheaper to obtain than the passport book. If you leave near the border, drive across frequently, and simply dont want to carry the slightly bulkier passport book, you may want to consider a passport card. Unless you use the mobile passport app, youll have to.
Passport book vs passport card difference and comparison. The us passport card is a credit cardsized identification document. You may apply for expedited processing if you are willing to pay an additional. 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.
Passport the application process is the same for either the passport book or card, even if you want both at the same time. Both of these documents give you the ability to travel outside of the country. The application process is the same for either the passport book or card, even if you want both at the same time. Since the passport card is apparently worthless, it is better to leave that than your actual passport. 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. What are the benefits of the passport book vs passport card. For most people, though, a passport book is the best bet. Expedited passport card us passport card services us. As such, the passport card is adjudicated to the exact standards as the passport book. The total amount will depend on the service you require and any additional services you might need or want. Any us citizen wishing to travel internationally via air must have a passport book.
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. There are some advantages to owning a passport card. Use the 2020 passport fees table to help you calculate the cost of getting your passport. The passport card is a walletsize card that can only be used for land.
However, the passport book is valid for all forms of travel. 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 us passport card is an important travel document. Normal processing times for a passport can range form 4 to 8 weeks. The passport book is the most common passport to carry.
Excellent form of official identification for children or nondrivers. Expedited processing is available in return for payment of additional fees. A passport book commonly called a passport, is used for travel anywhere in the world by air, land sea. Aug 10, 2012 passport cards and passport books are no exception. From passport cards to global entry, which trustedtraveler. To apply for or renew both the book and card, check the appropriate box at the top of the form to. Oct 05, 2018 if so, youve probably noticed the option for a passport card. 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.
On june 1st, 2009, the rules governing travel between the united states and canada, mexico and the caribbean will change. Private expeditors and regional passport agencies can provide one in 24 hours. A passport card is valid for travel to and from canada, mexico, the caribbean and bermuda at land border crossings and sea portsofentry. See all passport fees for more information only one valid passport can be held by individual citizens of the united states, unless authorized otherwise of the us department of state. The passport book vs card question is one you may have if you are a firsttime international traveler. This is the base fee and does not include any fees to expedite. If you already only have the passport book, you can get the passport card as well when you apply for your next passport renewal. However, with expedited processing, it will take 23 weeks. You are not limited to how or where you travel if you obtain a passport book. Differences between a passport book and passport card. Yes, you can request expedited passport service when you submit the application. If so, youve probably noticed the option for a passport card. The walletsize passport card is on that list, both the tsa and state department confirmed, and will work for domestic flights but not international. The passport card is only valid for land and sea travel to canada, mexico, and the caribbean.
Aug 18, 2016 one is a passport book, the traditional passport with the pages that get stamped. There are very important differences between the passport card and the passport book. If you plan on leaving the country and do not want to purchase a full passport book, the card is an option you may want to consider. Passport fees 2020 for routine and expedited services. Passport card facts expedited passport services online.
Suspended on march 20, 2020 due to covid19 public health concerns. Both documents are valid for 10 years for adults 16 and older, and 5 years for those under the age of 16. A passport book is required for all international travel by air. However, the passport card cannot be used for travel by plane. The passport card is a fully valid passport that attests to the u.
Our expedited service commitment is to process your passport application within 8 business days from the date we receive your application at a passport agency or center or from the date you request expedited service. Carry both the card and the passport book in case of an emergency and you need to fly home. I recently realized that i needed to replace a lost passport less than 48 hours before an international flight. Passport card department of foreign affairs and trade. Aside from the size, a passport book and a passport card difference is that the latter cannot be used when traveling abroad via air, the passport book is required. With a passport id card, you can travel to certain countries using specific forms of transportation. 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. What is the difference between a passport book and passport card. A passport card is more convenient and less expensive than a passport book, but it cannot be used for international travel by air. On the top of the ds82 application for passport renewal, you can select both. Passport card vs passport book carnival cruise lines. Furthermore, in terms of federal identification, if you wanted to visit a federal facility or military base but do not own a real id card, the facility will accept your passport or passport card as an alternative. Visa, mastercard, diners club international and american express cards are accepted.
Applicants must provide documents which attest to their u. Passport book vs passport card difference and comparison diffen. Passport cards are valid only for reentering the u. 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. 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. 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.
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. If you need an expedited passport in less than two weeks, you must visit a passport agency, which has stricter guidelines. The passport card shares the same validity period as the passport book. Your passport book allows you to travel by land, by sea, or by air. Whats the difference between a us passport book and card. Several, but not all, passport agencies also expedite passport cards if you need to get one in less than 2 weeks. The passport card is cheaper to obtain than the passport book. If youre traveling soon, you can expedite your passport. Passport book the following chart will give you a quick overview of the passport card versus the passport book. The us passport card can now be expedited by mail through the us department of state, with emergency processing available through some but not all regional passport agencies.
It may often be used as an identity card for purposes other than international travel, such as domestic air travel. You have to go in person to present your application. The passport book and passport card are both proof of your citizenship and. Us passport book and passport card online application. The passport card is also commonly used for travelers that wish to take a cruise but do not plan on ever traveling by plane. The passport book and the passport card have the same validity which is 10 years for children 15 years old or younger, the validity is only 5 years. It generally takes four to six weeks to receive a new passport book or card from an acceptance facility. The processing time of the passport card is also within 4 to 6 weeks. The passport card cannot be used for international travel by air. Both the passport book and passport card serve as proof of your u.
You must have the original copies of all required documents. The purpose of the passport book is to allow entry and exit to any country in the world. Traditional passports are valid for international travel by air, sea, and land. The passport card resembles any other card you might have in your wallet, and it contains similar important information as you might find on a passport book. The us passport card is a credit card sized identification document. 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. 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. A passport card provides valid identification for national travel, but only provides valid identification for certain types of international travel. On june 1st, 2009, the rules governing travel between the united states and canada, mexico and the. Also, if you get a passport card separately from your passport, it has a different number and expiration date also costs a bit more. Applying for a passport card by mail will take up to 8 weeks.
The passport card will match the expiry date of your passport book, if you have less than 5 years validity remaining. For more details, refer to the state departments guide to expedited passports. Can only be used in land and sea travels, not by air. A passport book provides valid identification for any national or international travel. 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. Can i apply for the passport card and passport book at the same time. Perhaps the biggest difference between a passport card and a traditional passport is that. A passport card can be used to enter the us states at land border crossing or seaportsofentry from canada, mexico, the caribbean and bermuda. 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 book is valid for any international travel by air, sea or land.
If you are also applying for a renewal of your passport book and you opt for expedited service by mail, your passport book will arrive in 23 weeks, but your passport card may arrive in a separate envelope several weeks later. The passport card contains a radio frequency identification chip as well as the traditional photograph and personal information found in a passport book. Only available for passport book applicants in the united states not canada. Enhanced drivers licenses edl as the name suggests, an enhanced drivers license edl is a driver license with a few extra perks. You cannot use a passport card when traveling by air internationally. It is valid for 10 years for adults and 5 years for minors under 16. You are able to get your passport card within 23 weeks guaranteed thanks to expedited passport card application process. One is a passport book, the traditional passport with the pages that get stamped. This service is not available for passport card applicants. Passport cards requested by mail are always shipped back. Learn more about how a passport card differs from a passport book. Much more recently, the passport card has been issued to residents looking to travel to selected countries. If expedited service is needed then an appointment with a passport agency is required.
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