Us passport book and passport card online application. The passport card contains a vicinityread radio frequency identification rfid chip. It may often be used as an identity card for purposes other than international travel, such as domestic air travel. One of the most important differences between the two is that passport book has been in use for longer time than the passport card. The passport card is only valid for land and sea travel to canada, mexico, and the caribbean. Here is a table showing the principal differences between a passport book and a passport card. These come in the form of a traditional passport book, along with a passport card.
Passport book is valid for international travel by air, sea, or land. Department of state of the views or products contained therein. Although, keep in mind, while both can be used as forms of id. I am in the process of getting passports for my kids and wondering if i should just get the card since it is cheaper. The passport book is valid for all international travel. Valid us passport cards will be accepted in place of the passport book at land and sea points of entry between the united states and canada, mexico and the caribbean. 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. The passport card cannot be used for international travel by air. A passport book is required for all international travel by air.
The us passport card can be useful in a number of situations. Carried with a xerox of a passport is good enough for me, and for the french policeman i stopped and asked today. Of course i plan on taking our regular ones, but if cards work in italy, i might decide to get one and carry that instead of a book. Adult passports are valid for 10 years and may be renewed by mail. What is a us passport card, and how can you get one. Passport book vs passport card difference and comparison.
It attests to your united states citizenship and your identity. You cannot use a passport card when traveling by air internationally. The passport card is the walletsize travel document that can only be used to reenter the united states at land bordercrossings and sea portsofentry from canada, mexico, the caribbean, and bermuda. A passport card is more convenient and less expensive than a passport book, but it cannot be used for international travel by air. In this video we explore should you use a passport book or a passport card when you travel. A passport card serves the same purpose as a passport book. As us passport card can be used to enter canada, mexico, the caribbean, and bermuda by road or by sea, and can allow you to reenter the united states after such a trip. There are very important differences between the passport card and the passport book. Passport card is wallet sized document while passport book size is 5. Well help you determine whether you want or need to pay extra for the passport card. You can apply for both the book and card with the same application but it is not requried that. Although, keep in mind, while both can be used as forms of id when traveling, the passport card has some restrictions.
What is the difference between a passport book and. A passport book is valid for any international travel by air, sea or land. Passport book numbers are 9 numerals long, and passport cards start with the letter c followed by 8 numerals. All american citizens are required to present a valid passport to exit and reenter the united states. You can mail your renewal application directly to the state department yourself. Currently, all citizens of the united states need a one or the other for international travel, even to. The pocket for holding boarding your boarding pass is questionable. The passport card is basically an individual credit cardsized id.
The passport card is a walletsize identification card with your picture, information, and barcode. 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. 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. There are several options when it comes to forms of identification for travel. Apply for a passport book if you plan on traveling abroad to countries that do not border the united states. Each passport book and card has a completely unique number. 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. Whats the difference between a passport book and a passport card. An adult applying for a us passport renewal or firsttime passport can receive a card valid for ten years.
The us state department uses different number formats for books and cards. They have been available to us citizens since 2008, and are meant to be a convenient way to prove your identity and citizenship. The state department never reuses them after a number has been used once, it is never used again. The passport card can be used only to reenter the u. 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. Us passport book vs us passport card the passport book and passport card are both proof of your citizenship and identity while traveling outside of the us. Whats the difference between a us passport book and card. Buy products related to passport book products and see what customers say about passport book products on free delivery possible on eligible purchases. How a passport card differs from a passport book dmv. What are the benefits of the passport book vs passport card.
They have been available to us citizens since 2008, and are meant. A passport book is valid for all types of travel land, sea or air to any destination. Passport card is also valid for international travel but by land or sea only. 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. I know by law we need to have them with us at all time. In contrast, a passport card is similar in purpose to a passport book but much more limited in scope. Passport card is a limited travel document issued by the united states federal government in the size of a credit card. The passport card is the walletsize travel document that can only be used to reenter the united states at land bordercrossings or sea portsofentry. Passport card frequently asked questions with answers.
Passport book vs passport card difference and comparison diffen. The difference between passport and passport card us. Passport book is a globally recognized travel document while passport card is not a globally recognized document. The passport card is only valid for entry into the united states at land border crossings or sea ports of entry. United states citizens can get either a passport book or a passport card for their travels abroad. The passport book is much larger and it contains a series of pages for arrival and departure stamps, along with visas and so on. The passport card is basically an individual credit card sized id card. Passport book for reentry into the united states from any country.
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. Passport cards are only valid for canada, mexico, and the caribbean. Now, in terms of a passport book vs passport card, if you happen to be applying for a passport, you will need to consider which to get. The difference between a passport book or card getaway usa. A passport card is valid for travel to and from canada, mexico, the caribbean and bermuda at land border crossings and sea portsofentry. It is valid for 10 years for adults and 5 years for minors under 16.
A passport book and a passport card serve the same purpose of attesting to your u. However, the passport card cannot be used for travel by plane. Apply for a passport card bureau of consular affairs us. 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 previously known as the people access security service card, or pass card was created as a result of the western. A passport card is more convenient and less expensive than a passport book. Also, contacted the charter company out of st thomas and they said the passport card would work fine. Passport books and cards are alternatives to a stateissued id. Passport cards are a form of us passport that are the size of a credit card or drivers license. 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. Apply for a us passport all information on requirements for u. While the card differs in several ways to the traditional u. 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. 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.
However, keep in mind that the book is more expensive than the card. Links to external websites are provided as a convenience and should not be construed as an endorsement by the u. Passport book is widely used for international travel while passport card is used for united states citizens who. Passport books or passport cards are both valid for 10 years after issue for adults, and five years for travelers under age 16. A passport card is also available for certain travel situations. The us passport book vs passport card salon prive mag. Whats the difference between a passport book and a. You must have the original copies of all required documents.
To apply for or renew both the book and card, check the appropriate box at the top of the form to. The passport card can be used for identification purposes. Differences between a passport book and passport card. 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.
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. A passport card can be used to enter the us states at land border crossing or seaportsofentry from canada, mexico, the caribbean and bermuda. The state departments website offers complete details and an online application form. These countries include canada, mexico, and the caribbean. The united states passport card is an official identity and limited travel document issued by the. Does anyone know if the usa passport card can be used for entry in to the dominican republic or does a visitor need the book. 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. Department of state website, including requirements for first time applicants, how to renew your passport and what the current fees and procedures are. Funny thing chris, but ive never seen a library card with a photo, my date of birth, my passport id number, my nationality, place of birth, and a seal of the united states and a statement united states department of state on it. Difference between passport book and passport card. It is also used for domestic travel to countries by land or sea.
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