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. The passport card will match the expiry date of your passport book, if you have less than 5 years validity remaining. 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. Passport books are generally designed for serious international travelers, who will travel by air and may need to hold supporting documents.
Although, keep in mind, while both can be used as forms of id. It contains several pages like the passport details page which provides the holders name,date of birth, passport expiry date etc as well as other blank pages for visa and immigration stamping a passport card is a portable pocket sized card similar to a credit card that fits in your wallet. Whats the difference between a passport book and a. Both types can be used in certain circumstances, but the difference.
All american citizens are required to present a valid passport to exit and reenter the united states. United states citizens can get either a passport book or a passport card for their travels abroad. However, the passport book is valid for all forms of travel. The passport card is a walletsize card that can only be used for land and sea travel between the united states and canada, mexico, the caribbean, and bermuda. Nov 22, 2019 the cost between passport book vs passport card. The passport book and passport card are both proof of your citizenship and identity while traveling outside of the us. Your passport book allows you to travel by land, by sea, or by air. Does a passport card work to go to canada by train. 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. One of the most important differences between the two is that passport book has been in use for longer time than the passport card. Apr 12, 2014 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. The us passport book vs passport card salon prive mag. Will my passport card have the same number as my passport book. All travelers are required to present a passport or other document that denotes identity and citizenship when entering the united states.
Jan 06, 2009 the passport card is the 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. 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. A passport book and a passport card serve the same purpose of attesting to your u. Passport cards are a cardsized version of a us passport. Difference between passport book and passport card. Here is a table showing the principal differences between a passport book and a passport card. Passport book for reentry into the united states from any country. When to carry both sometimes it makes life more convenient to have both a passport book and a card, and carry them both on your international travel. Besides passports in booklet form, limited use passport cards are issued by the same government agency subject to the same requirements. Passport cards and passport books are no exception. To begin with, passport cards can not be used for air travel. United states passports are passports issued to citizens and nationals of the united states of america. The passport book is your typical passport, a bound, paged booklet that is issued by the us department of state verifying your identity and nationality, usually for the purpose of traveling internationally all international air travel for us passport holders, regardless of origin or destination airport, must be accompanied by a valid us passport book. You must have the original copies of all required documents.
It may often be used as an identity card for purposes other than international travel, such as domestic air travel. Enhanced drivers license many people may not know but depending on the. 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 and passport card online application. This is perhaps unsurprising, seeing as how a passport card lacks the blank pages of the passport book because it is nothing more than the size of a standard id card.
A passport card is more convenient and less expensive than a passport book, but it cannot be used for international travel by air. 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. Passport book vs passport card difference and comparison. 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. In this post, well cover the main differences so you know exactly which passport option is right for you. 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. 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. Passport card is valid when entering or leaving the united states to and from canada, mexico, the caribbean and bermuda at land border crossings or sea portsofentry.
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. There are very important differences between the passport card and the passport book. But the passport book that most americans are familiar with isnt the only kind of travel document available in the us theres also the passport. Passport card frequently asked questions with answers. Your passport acts as your identification when you travel outside of the united states. A passport card is also available for certain travel situations. The passport card is a cheaper alternative to the passport book. A passport card serves the same purpose as a passport book. You should know that the passport card is only valid for travel by land and sea within mexico, canada, bermuda, and the caribbean, and you can. You are not limited to how or where you travel if you obtain a passport book. It is not globally recognized document for travel and used in some areas of united states only. There are, however, some key differences that need to be considered. In this video we explore should you use a passport book or a passport card when you travel. Regardless, the passport card that is issued in the united states still has select uses under select circumstances.
Oct 07, 2017 whether you get the passport book card both are valid for 10 years. 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. The us passport book vs passport card debate has many of us confused as to which one we should apply. In the united states, travelers have two options to use for international travel. Can only be used in land and sea travels, not by air. The card will provide a less expensive, smaller, and more convenient alternative to the passport book for those who travel frequently to these destinations by land or by sea. Be aware of the fact that a passport card is only valid for land and sea travel to canada, mexico, the caribbean and bermuda. Differences between a passport book and passport card. 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.
Here are the differences between a passport book and a passport card so you can determine which one youll need for your upcoming trip. 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. However, keep in mind that the book is more expensive than the card. Jun 16, 2016 passport cards are a card sized version of a us passport. It can be used for land or sea travel to canada, mexico, and many caribbean islands, but it is not valid for any international travel by air. The difference between passport and passport card us. A passport book commonly called a passport, is used for travel anywhere in the world by air, land sea. The us passport card is less expensive to get then passport book, and is much smaller. The passport card contains a vicinityread radio frequency identification rfid chip. While both passport book and card are valid to cross into canada by train, united states citizens over the age of 16 also have several alternative options. It is imperative to understand what the is the difference between a passport book vs card.
Any us citizen wishing to travel internationally via air must have a passport book. If you are traveling outside the united states via air travel, you will still need a traditional passport book as a passport card is not valid for air travel. Aug 10, 2012 passport cards and passport books are no exception. You should know there are restrictions on a passport card. Most us passports have a dark blue cover, and contain 28 pages. In this post, well cover the main differences so you know exactly which passport option is. Its also the key to your reentry back into the country. The passport card is only valid for entry into the united states at land border crossings or sea ports of entry. A passport book provides valid identification for any national or international travel. If you apply for a passport card it will be issued valid for 10 years regardless of the expiration date of your passport book. Apr 02, 2020 the united states and some other nations have begun a policy of issuing passport cards as well as passport books. However, the passport card cannot be used for travel by plane.
May, 2019 in this video we explore should you use a passport book or a passport card when you travel. To apply for or renew both the book and card, check the appropriate box at the top of the form to. Passport books and cards are alternatives to a stateissued id. If youre a citizen of the united states, and youre thinking about traveling to mexico, but you dont yet have a passport, you might consider getting a passport card instead of a regular passport book. Passport card was first issued by united states to its citizens for land and sea travel within north america canada, mexico, the caribbean, and bermuda. You should know that the passport card is only valid for travel by land and sea within mexico, canada, bermuda, and the caribbean, and you can not use it for air travel or for travel to other.
Whether you get the passport bookcard both are valid for 10 years. These documents can also hold visas and other related materials that are required for legal travel between and residence in certain nations. 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. You cannot use a passport card when traveling by air internationally. The passport book provides identification and citizenship information about the passport holder. Difference between passport book and passport card compare. Passport cards are also only valid in mexico, bermuda, canada and the caribbean.
Nov 20, 2017 a passport card allows significantly fewer opportunities for the holder to travel, but often its enough for some. 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. But, whats the difference between a passport book vs card. Passport card the standard passport book covers all the bases. Entering the united states at land border crossings and sea portsofentry from. Apply for a passport book if you plan on traveling abroad to countries that do not border the united states. If issued for the full validity, they are both proof of your u. The passport card is about the size of any credit card, and fits easily into your wallet for frequent travel. Of the internal pages, 17 are blank pages marked visas that are meant for travel visas and country entry and exit stamps. What are the benefits of the passport book vs 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 likely what you think of when you imagine a passport a bookletstyle identification and travel document. 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.
Enhanced drivers license many people may not know but depending on the state that you live in a third option is available to you. A passport card serves as official identification and proof of your us citizenship. 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. There are several options when it comes to forms of identification for travel. Whats the difference between a us passport book and card. 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. Therefore, it can be used for all forms of travel air, land, and sea to and from any destination outside of. Passport card department of foreign affairs and trade. Apply for a passport card united states department of state.
Passport book is valid for international travel by air, sea, or land. Check the appropriate boxes on the top of the application form ds82. 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. It attests to your united states citizenship and your identity. The difference between a passport book or card getaway usa. How a passport card differs from a passport book dmv. Visa, mastercard, diners club international and american express cards are accepted.
Us passport books and us passport cards the differences. The passport card can be used only to reenter the u. Oct 16, 2017 the passport book and passport card are both proof of your citizenship and identity while traveling outside of the us. A passport book is, most commonly, a legal document that is used to allow a citizen of one country to travel to and from another country. Although, keep in mind, while both can be used as forms of id when traveling, the passport card has some restrictions. 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. Learn more about how a passport card differs from a passport book. In short, a person with a passport card can use it to travel to either canada, mexico, bermuda, or the caribbean so long as they are taking either a land route or a sea route. Passport book vs passport card difference and comparison diffen. Here is a table showing the principal differences between a. For flight travel abroad you will need a new passport book by mid 2009.
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