Passport books or passport cards are both valid for 10 years after issue for adults, and five years for travelers under age 16. The best way to cover all bases is to get both a passport card and standard passport, which you can easily do the next time you renew your passport. I recently got my very first united states passport, and i got a passport card at the same time. 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. Difference between passport book and passport card. United states citizens can get either a passport book or a passport card for their travels abroad. While customers rarely have two passport books, they commonly have both a passport book and a passport card. If i apply for a passport card now, how long will it be valid. So get a passport card because it will make your travels slightly easier. Overall so, if you are a frequent flyer or will travel internationally, a passport book is the best choice. If your travel plans take you to a country bordering the u. You have to go in person to present your application. If you are unsure about the validity of your passport book or your passport card, you can. Department of state passport services recently began issuing the passport card as an alternative to the traditional passport book.
Jul 29, 2019 a passport book is what most people think of when you say a passport. You can apply for both the book and card with the same application but it is not requried that you obtain both. The application process is the same for either the passport book or card, even if you want both at the same time. While the passport card is more convenient due to its size, it is far more restricted in use than the passport book. Can i renew my usa passport book and passport card separately. Jun, 2019 standard processing takes 46 weeks, not including the time it takes for your new passport book to get to you. I have a passport card but need a passport book to travel to. Get a passport card with your passport renewal g3passports. This will be the first time i leave the country and fly in an airplane. Once i get it back im going to apply for a passport card. Once you know the differences between these documents, you can decide between requesting a. You can apply for both the book and card with the same application but it is not required that you obtain both. Differences between a passport book and passport card.
The us passport card is a credit cardsized identification document. Oct 05, 2018 if so, youve probably noticed the option for a passport card. Apr 06, 2016 getting a passport card for your child. The validity for both adults and children are the same as a passport card. Regardless if you are traveling by air, land, or sea, you can use a passport.
I applied for both a passport book and a passport card. Whats the difference between a passport book and a passport. Both are good for 10 years 16yo and up, 5 years if under. The other is the passport card, which is just like a drivers license. I just got my new passport book in the mail, but my passport card wasnt in the. The card is much cheaper, the full fees are below, but both documents are good for 10 years once youre over 16 years old and if you can. Having a passport card also gives you a quasiofficial backup passport. 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. What is the difference between a passport book and passport card.
The passport cards usefulness as an international travel identification document is so limited, its not adequate for most of its intended use. What is a us passport card, and how can you get one. Should i get a passport card to go along with my passport. In this case, you would apply for a passport renewal by mail. Consider using a passport card for your next border crossing by land or by sea. Applicants need to understand how to get a passport before they begin planning their international trips. Both documents are valid for 10 years for adults 16 and older, and 5 years for those under the age of 16. For children under the age of 16, both the passport card and the passport book are only valid for 5 years.
Us passport card faq get your passport in 24 hours. For example, if youre traveling on april 24, 2015, you should submit your application no later than february 27. As stated, the passport book and the passport card are not the same. As passport books allows more activities as compare to passport card so they tend to cost more as well.
We only issue second passport books not second passport cards. The passport book has plenty of pages for visas and arrivaldeparture stamps, while the passport card is a onepiece creditcardsized id card. Standard processing takes 46 weeks, not including the time it takes for your new passport book to get to you. Generally speaking, when someone is thinking about a passport, chances are good that they are thinking about a passport book. Yes, passport cards can be renewed just like passport books. Your new passport card will be valid for 10 years from the date that it is issued.
Oct 16, 2017 the passport book and passport card are both proof of your citizenship and identity while traveling outside of the us. The passport card is only valid for entry into the united states at land border crossings or sea ports of entry. If you already only have the passport book, you can get the passport card as well when you apply for your next passport renewal. If so, youve probably noticed the option for a passport card. If you have any intention of traveling internationally, say to europe, youll need a passport book. Us passport card faq passport and visa expeditor get. A passport card is cheaper than a passport book, but cant be used for air travel and is only valid in canada, mexico, bermuda, and the caribbean. The passport card contains a radio frequency identification chip as well as the traditional photograph and personal information found in a passport book.
The passport book is valid for all types of travel. This is because a passport book is the booklet containing information about the person to whom it has been issued, which is in addition to a number of blank pages that can be used for travel visas as well as the stamps when said individuals enters and exits a country. If you have a valid passport book, you do not have to get a passport card as well. One is a passport book, the traditional passport with the pages that get stamped. While a passport book is valid for all types of travel land, sea or air to any destination. Passport book vs passport card difference and comparison. I would get the passport book or nothing the birth certificate and the passport card seem equal in value to me you cant fly home with either, and that would be the point of getting the passport book if there is an emergency and you are in a foreign country, you cannot get on an airplane without a passport book, period, so it seems like a. I will be needing to get a passport book within the next couple of years so i can travel to barbados. The length of validity is the same for both documents, five years. Yes, you can use your passport card in order to apply for a passport book. Enhanced drivers license many people may not know but depending on the. For children, though, things are a little different. A passport book is what most people think of when you say a passport. Youll need to submit the same documentation for getting a passport card as you do for a passport book, so.
Aug 18, 2016 one is a passport book, the traditional passport with the pages that get stamped. You only need a passport book if you travel by air. Passport book is valid for international travel by air, sea, or land. 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. How to get a passport card when renewing your passport. Jun 16, 2016 if i apply for a passport card now, how long will it be valid. A passport book is valid for all types of travel land, sea or air to any destination. Whats the difference between a passport book and a. I have a passport card but need a passport book to travel to barbados. Getting your us passport as easily and quickly as possible.
Its a small booklet with a semirigid dark blue cover and it allows for reentry anywhere. To obtain a passport card, you will need to gather up the same forms, photos, and documents that are needed for applying for a us passport. You must also supply a copy of the proof of citizenship being used. The passport book comes in both a standard, 24page version and a bigger, 52page version for those who travel frequently.
These federal identification passport cards and passport books are the only documents that permit u. To apply for or renew both the book and card, check the appropriate box at the top of the form to. The us passport book vs passport card salon prive mag. Passport the application process is the same for either the passport book or card, even if you want both at the same time. 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 cards are particularly useful for some people. A passport card does not count as a second passport. Should you choose a passport book or a passport card.
How a passport card differs from a passport book dmv. What is the difference between a passport book and. I need to purchase my passport, but i dont know if i need just the book, or just the card, or both. For security purposes, the card contains a radio frequency identification chip rfid. May 17, 2011 i would get the passport book or nothing the birth certificate and the passport card seem equal in value to me you cant fly home with either, and that would be the point of getting the passport book if there is an emergency and you are in a foreign country, you cannot get on an airplane without a passport book, period, so it seems like a. May 10, 2010 the passport cards usefulness as an international travel identification document is so limited, its not adequate for most of its intended use. Passport card frequently asked questions with answers. Although not required on closed loop sailings, which call at foreign ports but sail roundtrip from the u. Its not tied to the validity of your passport book. Passport card is wallet sized document while passport book size is 5. I have a passport card but need a passport book to travel. Both passport books and cards are valid for 10 years.
Carry both the passport card and the passport book in case of an emergency and you need to fly home. Mar 18, 2020 the passport book has plenty of pages for visas and arrivaldeparture stamps, while the passport card is a onepiece credit card sized id card. Your passport book can be used in any situation where a passport card could be used, but you may find that it is convenient for you to also have a passport card. Carry both the card and the passport book in case of an emergency and you need to fly home. Once you know the differences between these documents, you can decide between requesting a passport card vs passport book. Since a passport book comes with multiple pages, the cost is more than a passport card. Should americans have both a passport book and a passport.
The primary justification i had for doing so was tha. Keep your passport card and your passport book in separate places when you travel, and if you lose one, hopefully you will still have the other one. I currently have a passport card that was issued in june 2009. If you get a passport book and card at the same time, they will expire at the same time. Although, keep in mind, while both can be used as forms of id when traveling, the passport card has some restrictions. Passport card is also valid for international travel but by land or sea only.
Jun 20, 2019 passport book is valid for international travel by air, sea, or land. The passport card is a wallet side document that will be used to expedite document processing from the u. A passport card is more convenient and less expensive than a passport book, but it cannot be used for international travel by air. I should have gotten both because ive put off visiting canada and mexico while my passports been in the mail applying for visas. Sometimes it makes life more convenient to have both a passport book and a card, and carry them both on your international travel. In a short period of time, passport services received over 350,000 applications for the passport card. The chip acts as a security measure to help protect against identity theft.
Find uses and advantages of a passport book and a passport card and figure out which one is best for you, or if you should have both documents. It was designed for people who travel frequently between the u. 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. Youll need to submit both documents when you do your next renewal. However, keep in mind that the book is more expensive than the card. Your local drugstore or photo print lab likely will take it for a few bucks. Due to this, each one possesses its own particular upsides and downsides, meaning that each one might be bettersuited to some people out there than the other. There is no reason to ever get a passport card, unless you only travel to canada, mexico or caribbean. With standard processing, you should submit your application no later than 8 weeks before your travel date. You can imagine my surprise when i found myself putting an x in the checkbox on my u. Whether you get the passport bookcard both are valid for 10 years. Both a passport book and a passport card are valid for 10 years after being issued to adults. The passport book and passport card are both proof of your citizenship and identity while traveling outside of the us.
The passport card cannot be used for international air travel. Card is good from the us to canada, mexico, and the caribbean by land or sea, but not air travel. All you have to do is mark the passport application to show you are requesting both the passport book and passport card. Your old passport card will be marked cancelled by having one corner clipped off. Passport cards cannot be used for international air travel, even within the 19 mostly caribbean countries that accept the cards at land or sea ports.
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