The us passport card is a credit card sized identification document. Valid only for travel by land and by sea to canada, mexico, bermuda, and the caribbean. Get a passport card with your passport renewal g3passports. In fact, an airline cant let you board an international flight if you dont have a valid passport. I have a passport card but need a passport book to travel to. Whats a passport card, and can it replace a real id.
It was designed for people who travel frequently between the u. The purpose of the passport book is to allow entry and exit to any country in the world. If you already have a passport book or passport card, you can renew by mail using form ds82. In this case, you would apply for a passport renewal by mail. There are very important differences between the passport card and the passport book. Given the lingering coronavirus threat and the ongoing travel restrictions, it may be a while before your next international getaway. It attests to your united states citizenship and your identity. Learn how to get ahead so you can enjoy your summer travel plans passport renewal isnt an issue until you dig your paperwork out the night before you have an internatio. Having a passport can be your ticket to travel to places out of the country.
The passport card is smaller when compared to the size of a passport book. Information on how to apply for and receive a passport or u. If the passport card and passport book are applied for at different times, the applicant would need to. Difference between passport book and passport card. When a passport card might be just what you need for travel. Passport cards have been an option for us citizens since 2008, but they are still not as well known or well understood as the traditional passport books. What is the differences between passport book vs passport. The major difference between a passport book and a passport card lies in the scope they offer for international travels. 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. Adults will need to have their passport renewed every 10 years. If you have a passport book and you are eligible to use form ds82, you may apply for a passport card as a renewal by mail even if it is your first passport card. Nov 07, 2016 its as easy as checking a box on your passport renewal application to indicate you want a passport card along with your passport book. The united states passport book has been around for decades, but the passport card was introduced in 2008. Why and how to renew your passport now even if youre.
How passport books and passport cards are the same. See below the differences between a passport book vs. If you can submit a passport book, but you lost your passport card, you cannot renew the passport card using form ds82. Passport renewal applications can be mailed to a national passport processing center to complete the process. Each has different form factors, and purposes for using. The passport book is the most common passport to carry. Can i renew my usa passport book and passport card separately. You were 16 or older when you applied for your most recent passport. 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. If youre renewing your passport book and passport card, you must submit both documents. First of all, a passport card can be used for travel by sea to barbados.
You cannot use the passport card for international air travel, even when you reenter the u. 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. When applying for a passport, you need the appropriate documentation and cu. Visa, mastercard, diners club international and american express cards are accepted. The walletsized passport card is designed to be more convenient and less cumbersome than regular passports. However, the passport book is valid for all forms of travel. The fee to obtain a passport card and passport book also changes. A traditional passport book comes with pages for stamps and important documents to be. Traditional passports are valid for international travel by air, sea, and land. Since it can be used at any border crossing and some countries require a visa for entry, the pages are used for visa stamps.
Mar 18, 2020 you cannot use the passport card for international air travel, even when you reenter the u. 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 contains a radio frequency identification chip as well as the traditional photograph and personal information found in a passport book. What is the differences between passport book vs passport card. To apply for or renew both the book and card, check the appropriate box at the top of the form to. There are several options when it comes to forms of identificatio. Renewal cost of the passport book and passport card. This document proves your citizenship, holds visas issued to you by other countries and lets you reenter the u. Dec 29, 2020 if you already have a passport book, you can apply for the passport card using form ds82 must be eligible as a renewal by mail even if its your first time.
The passport book can be obtained as a new passport or if you currently have a passport book you will be eligible for renewal to make sure your passport book has six months of validity. You only need a passport book if you travel by air. A passport card is less expensive than a traditional passport book. 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. Your valid passport card will be returned with your new passport book. Hello, currently i have an expired passport book that im trying to renew as well as a passport card that is still valid. 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.
Dec 07, 2020 a passport book is a globally recognized travel document while passport card is not a globally recognized document. Passport card renewal for adults international visa service. Be the first to discover secret destinations, travel hacks, and more. Feb, 2011 the passport card is smaller when compared to the size of passport book.
Otherwise if you never had a us passport book and you are not able to use form ds82 you then must apply in person with form ds11. The passport card will match the expiry date of your passport book, if you have less than 5 years validity remaining. Passport book vs passport card difference and comparison. Gone are the days when you used to have to go to the local courthouse to renew them. Difference between passport book and passport card compare. How a passport card differs from a passport book dmv. What is a us passport card, and how can you get one. Additionally, pricing sets these two options apart, with a passport book costing more than twice as much as a card. A passport card serves the same purpose as a passport book. Read on to see exactly how to streamline the passport renewal process. Oct 05, 2017 the passport card is a cheaper alternative to the passport book.
Choosing between the passport card vs book royal caribbean blog. You still have your most recent us passport, and it is undamaged and in good condition. In this video we explore should you use a passport book or a passport card when you travel. Documents you need for caribbean, bermuda, mexico and canada trave.
Like the book, passport cards are good for 10 years if you are 16 or older. Passport cards are cheaper than passport books, and theyre also valid for 10 years. However, each of these items comes with certain restrictions regarding when you can use them. Passport card for land and sea travel between the caribbean, bermuda, mexico and canada and the united states. Conveniently, both the passport book and the passport card have the same renewal period. Perhaps the biggest difference between a passport card and a traditional passport is that. Passport the application process is the same for either the passport book or card, even if you want both at the same time. 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. Yes, you can use your passport card in order to apply for a passport book. Feb 10, 2021 a passport card is more convenient and less expensive than a passport book, but it cannot be used for international travel by air. If you want to avoid being left without a passport on your next trip, dont wait.
If i already have a passport book, can i use the ds82 to get a passport card. If you are 16 or older, your passport book is good for 10 years. Also, learn how to get a passport for a child, check the status of your application, and how much. Difference between a passport book and passport card.
Feb 12, 2019 the passport book can be obtained as a new passport or if you currently have a passport book you will be eligible for renewal to make sure your passport book has six months of validity. If your travel plans take you to a country bordering the u. If your vacation or business plans take you out of the united states, you need a passport to travel. But that doesnt mean you should wait to apply for or renew your passport, because there may be a long li.
Find out how to renew your adult us passport by mail, which documents you must send and how much your new passport will cost. The application fee for a passport card is also lower than the passport book. Why you should renew your passport during the pandemic. Adults enjoy a validity of ten years while minors under age sixteen enjoy a validity of five years. By proceeding, you agree to our privacy policy and terms of use. Feb 11, 2016 the procedure and requirements to get a passport book would be just like a passport renewal, except you will submit your valid us passport card instead of an expired or expiring passport book. Passport card vs passport book difference between passport. The cost also depends on the age of holder adults pay more than minors but it costs the same amount to renew them. If you find yourself frequently traveling to canada or mexico but not so much the rest of the world, a passport card is one way to help pinch some pennies. Also, you cannot expect to carry a card while traveling by air. What is a passport card, and what should you know when youre considering a passport book vs. The procedure and requirements to get a passport book would be just like a passport renewal, except you will submit your valid us passport card instead of an expired or expiring passport book. Younger children will need to renew their passport after 5 years.
However, people find a passport card more convenient and accessible when carrying. I have a passport card but need a passport book to travel. These documents both contain information about your identity such as your photograph. Minors under 16 will need to renew their passport every 5 years. If you meet all of the qualifications listed below, you can renew your passport instead of having to apply for a new one. There are few travelers in this world who arent interested in trying to save money while on vacation.
For an adult, the card is valid for ten years and five years for a child. To download or read more about the online application form, please visit the state departments website. 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. Difference between a passport book and a united states passp. If you are a previous passport book holder and you are eligible to submit form ds82, you may apply for a passport card as a renewal by mail even if it is your first passport card. But the passport card cannot be used to travel to all countries in the world, whereas the book type passport can. As like the passport book, the card also must be renewed after validation gets completed.
Department of state expedite fee paid per application, in addition to. The biggest difference between a passport book and passport card is that passport cards are only valid to enter canada, mexico, bermuda, and. Both of these documents give you the ability to travel outside of the country. You can travel anywhere in the world with a passport book versus a passport card that only takes you to a handful of places. Can be used for international travel via land, sea, or air. Apply for a passport card department of state travel. Im filling out the passport renewal form and it says i have to send in my most recently issued passport along with the form, but im not sure if that means the book, which is what im trying to get, or the card, which is still valid and i will be needing soon. Passport cards are valid only for reentering the u. Differences between a passport book and passport card.
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. Comparing a passport book vs passport card concerning validity presents the same information. 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. Updated 120419 joe daniel price getty images if your passport is still valid or has expired within the last 15. Minor children will need to have their passports renewed every 5 years until they reach 16 years of age. A passport card is more convenient and less expensive than a passport book, but it cannot be used for international travel by air. You can just slip it in your wallet, right behind your drivers license. 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. Excellent form of official identification for children or nondrivers. Besides the traditional passport book, there is a passport card that looks different and is used for different purposes. The difference between a passport book or card getaway usa. 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. 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. Whats the difference between a us passport book and card.
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