May 17, 2011 i want to get my 3 kids passports for our cruise in october. 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. Aug 10, 2012 passport cards and passport books are no exception. The us passport card is a small passport card, about the size of a credit card, that contains your photo and identifying information. Your passport book allows you to travel by land, by sea, or by air.
It was introduced on july 18th, 2008 and over 7 million passport cards have been issued since then. In this case, you would apply for a passport renewal by mail. Both passport books and cards are valid for 10 years. The daughter booked everything through an online travel agency ota, which i will not name, but an ota is continue reading passport card vs. Passport book is valid for air, land and sea travel. Learn more about how a passport card differs from a passport book. 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. There are very important differences between the passport card and the passport book.
You dont need to present a passport or the card when entering and exiting the ship. Many foreign countries require nothing more for entry than a u. The difference between a passport book or card getaway usa. What is the difference between a passport book and. 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. Passport book for reentry into the united states from any country. If you are entering jamaica by sea, you may use a passport card or a passport book, but passport books are preferred because entry officials may not be familiar with the us passport card. If you are traveling by air or to most countries, you will need a. Enhanced drivers license many people may not know but depending on the state that you live in a third option is available to you. First of all, a passport card can be used for travel by sea to barbados. A passport book commonly called a passport, is used for travel anywhere in the world by air, land sea. Passport, and those not eligible to use the form ds82, should apply for a passport card using form ds11. However, since passport cards arent valid for flying, again i dont see how theyre helpful in that region. If you already have a passport book, you do not need a passport card to travel internationally.
I have a passport card but need a passport book to travel to. Whats the difference between a passport book and a. Enhanced drivers license many people may not know but depending on the. If you are flying by plane, a cape, a giant eagle, or anything for that matter, you have to get the passport book.
You can just slip it in your wallet, right behind your drivers license. For more information view our passport first time issuances and renewal instructions. S citizens that want to travel by land or sea to canada, mexico, and the caribbean. I want to get my 3 kids passports for our cruise in october. You can apply by mail using form ds82 if you have a passport book or card that. Do i need a passport book, passport card, or passport book. 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 ports of entry. However, if youd like to get a passport card still, you can apply by completing the ds82 passport renewal form. If you are flying to jamaica, you must have a passport book with one blank page marked visas.
Excellent form of official identification for children or nondrivers. Any us citizen wishing to travel internationally via air must have a passport book. Carry both the card and the passport book in case of an emergency and you need to fly home. Oct 16, 2017 the passport book allows for all travel whether by air, land, or sea. Here is a table showing the principal differences between a passport book and a passport card. Effective march 24, 2020, the issuance of passport books and cards has been suspended until further notice. Difference between passport book and passport card compare. The card has the same period of validity as a passport book.
Passport requirements for visiting popular countries. The difference between passport and passport card us. A passport card is less expensive than a traditional passport book. I bet they will tell me to get the book but i think i will ask anyhow. Some people are confused with the differences between a passport book and a passport card. A passport book provides valid identification for any national or international travel. Although not required on closed loop sailings, which call at foreign ports but sail roundtrip from the u. 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. Us passport book vs us passport card us visa connection. A passport card can only be used to travel by land or sea. Ds11 only has options under have you ever had either a passport cardbook for no, loststolen, or submitted with application. Whether you get the passport bookcard both are valid for 10 years. The passport book allows for all travel whether by air, land, or sea.
All american citizens are required to present a valid passport to exit and reenter the united states. I recently read an article on facebook about a lady whose daughter booked her and four of her friends on a weeklong vacation to turks and caicos. Passport book vs passport card for kids the dis disney. 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. Passport card vs passport book canada immigration forum.
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. It is valid for 10 years for adults and 5 years for minors under 16. Start today by applying for or renewing your passport. Save yourself hassle with expedited passport services if you dont have the time or patience for applying for your u. What is a us passport card, and how can you get one. What is the difference between a passport and a passport card. Oct 07, 2017 whether you get the passport book card both are valid for 10 years. The most obvious difference between passport books and passport cards is the design, of course. You only need a passport book if you travel by air. How a passport card differs from a passport book dmv.
Should americans have both a passport book and a passport card. Yes, you can use your passport card in order to apply for a passport book. 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. Passport book vs passport card difference and comparison. You are not limited to how or where you travel if you obtain a passport book. The walletsize passport card is convenient and less expensive than the passport book. The passport card or formally known as the people access security service card pass is small in size compared to a passport. 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. If youre leaving for an international trip, your passport is the one essential item you cant leave home. The difference between a passport book and passport card.
Passport card vs passport book americas central america. What is the difference between a passport and a passport. 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. But later it does talk about needed it to gain citizenship. Difference between passport book and passport card. 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. Passport books are too fragile, and birth certificates lack photos or expiration dates. Should americans have both a passport book and a passport. 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. For the love of physics walter lewin may 16, 2011 duration. A previous passport book holder, eligible to use form ds82, may apply for a passport card as a renewal. The us passport card does not contain any travel history and therefore officers should request a us passport book unless they are otherwise satisfied that the applicant continues to satisfy the residence requirement. 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.
I have a passport card but need a passport book to travel. A passport book and a passport card serve the same purpose of attesting to your u. I called the passport agency at 8774872778 to confirm thistwice. Differences between a passport book and passport card. Since we all know how to acquire passport booklets, lets learn how to get hold of a passport card. 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. A passport card is valid for travel to and from canada, mexico, the caribbean and bermuda at land border crossings and sea portsofentry. The walletsized passport card is designed to be more convenient and less cumbersome than regular passports. While an enhanced drivers license does prove citizenship, the passport card is better because its more authoritative. As far as restrictions go, there are none with the passport book.
Here is a table showing the principal differences between a. If you are traveling by air or to most countries, you will need a traditional passport book, with pages for your various visas. Your us passport must be valid at the time of entry. Since the passport card is apparently worthless, it is better to leave that than your actual passport. Passport card cannot be used for international air travel. The passport card is a cheaper alternative to the passport book. The passport card is designed to be a less expensive and more. Us passport books and us passport cards the differences. Is it worth it to get a passport card if you are already. I recently got my very first united states passport, and i got a passport card at the same time.
However, the passport card cannot be used for travel by plane. Can only be used in land and sea travels, not by air. What are the benefits of the passport book vs passport card. So as not to get confused anymore, here a few points to remember on how to distinguish use of each. If your travel plans take you to a country bordering the u. The only reason youd most likely need a passport is if you got missed he ship for whatever reason. The fee to obtain a passport card and passport book also changes. 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.
Passport card is a walletsize travel document that can only be used to reenter the united states at land bordercrossings or sea portsofentry from canada, mexico, the caribbean, and bermuda. Whats the difference between a us passport book and card. Additionally, the passport card is a lot more economical than a traditional passport. However, the passport book is valid for all forms of travel. Jun 23, 2009 the walletsize passport card is convenient and less expensive than the passport book. The primary justification i had for doing so was tha. Also, if you get a passport card separately from your passport, it has a different number and expiration date also costs a bit more. Whats the difference between a passport book and a passport. 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. I lost my passport card, and i would like to apply for a new one to make use of the expedited rfid lanes at the mexican border. You will also need the passport book in order to receive a travel visa from countries that require an issue them. Ds11 only has options under have you ever had either a passport card book for no, loststolen, or submitted with application. 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. The traditional passport book is still required for most travel purposes.
957 433 1092 1312 821 770 892 46 1336 700 180 269 354 349 739 1325 329 191 1133 371 1328 1307 151 572 283 34 449 1495 1271 1139 1226 1196 664 22 602 845 1000 1289 419 1250 842