Any us citizen wishing to travel internationally via air must have a passport book. Only available for passport book applicants in the united states not canada. You cannot use a passport card when traveling by air internationally. A passport book is valid for any international travel by air, sea or land. The passport card has benefits, but does not offer the same list of privileges as a traditional passport. Both documents are valid for 10 years for adults 16 and older, and 5 years for those under the age of 16. The passport card is designed to be a less expensive and more portable alternative to the passport book. To apply directly online, please visit covingtons cibt visas partner portal and automatically get a 20% discount. Differences between a passport book and passport card.
One is a passport book, the traditional passport with the pages that get stamped. Difference between passport book and passport card compare. For more information on applying for a new passport book or card, a renewal or other passport questions, please contact covingtons helpful business travel advisors. It was designed for people who travel frequently between the u. The passport book and passport card are both proof of your citizenship and identity while traveling outside of the us.
Passport cards are delivered separately from passport books. 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. The primary justification i had for doing so was tha. If im remembering correctly, you can use your passport card when travelling by land or sea. Should americans have both a passport book and a passport. I applied to renew my passport this past summer, and i had the option of applying for a just a passport book, or b both a passport book and also a passport card, which can be used in certain intercountry travel situations cant remember what situations either, but doesnt really matter as it is irrelevant to my question. The passport card will match the expiry date of your passport book, if you have less than 5 years validity remaining.
Mar 16, 20 the passport card is only good for land and sea travel to canada, mexico and approximately 17 islands in the caribbean. Applying for passport card wo giving up passport book. Find a period of time when im not going to be traveling internationally and apply for the renewal book, using the card as id for domestic trips in the interim. The passport card is available to all irish citizens who hold a valid irish passport book. A passport card can be used to enter the us states at land border crossing or seaportsofentry from canada, mexico, the caribbean and bermuda. Your personal details must be an exact match of the. It is valid for 10 years for adults and 5 years for minors under 16. When the book comes, resume my normal travel pattern.
Read on to learn how you can apply for your passport card and lighten your load for your next journey. The information you provide on the ds64, statement regarding a lost or stolen u. Jun 03, 2014 for more information on applying for a new passport book or card, a renewal or other passport questions, please contact covingtons helpful business travel advisors. Passport book numbers are 9 numerals long, and passport cards start with the letter c followed by 8 numerals. Aug 15, 2016 the passport book only covers land border crossings or seaport entry.
Jul 26, 2019 unfortunately, you cannot upgrade your passport card to a passport book. The passport card cannot be used for international travel by air. Jun 23, 2009 the walletsize passport card is convenient and less expensive than the passport book. The difference between passport and passport card us. The us passport book vs passport card debate has many of us confused as to which one we should apply. The most obvious difference between passport books and passport cards is the design, of course. 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. 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 already have a passport book, you do not need a passport card to travel internationally. 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.
There are several options when it comes to forms of identification for travel. Passport books are likely what you think of when you imagine a passport a bookletstyle identification and travel document. Can i renew my passport book to get a passport card and a. 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. Passport books and cards are alternatives to a stateissued id. Difference between passport book and passport card. So if someone gets sick on a cruise and only has the passport card, they cant fly them home. You can apply by mail using form ds82 if you have a passport book or card that.
What is the difference between a passport book and. Find a passport application acceptance facility card. If you have the book, you dont need the card unless youd like to have it as a walletsized id or you plan to travel frequently by car to canada andor mexicothe card gets you through quicker in those situations. 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 card is only for land and sea travel, which means there is no way travelers can use the passport card to board a plane. Does a passport card work to go to canada by train. Because of public health measures to prevent the spread of covid19, we have extremely limited u. I am trying to figure out if i need a passport book. Can i upgrade from a passport card to a passport book. The passport book only covers land border crossings or seaport entry. The difference between a passport book and passport card.
If you have the book, you dont need the card unless youd like to have it as a walletsized id or you plan to travel frequently by car to canada and or mexicothe card gets you through quicker in those situations. When you apply for a passport card, youll spend less money than you would when. Currently takes 6 weeks regular processing or 3 expedited. The state department never reuses them after a number has been used once, it is never used again. A passport card fits in your wallet, making it a more convenient form of id to carry on certain trips.
Please contact npic if you do not receive the second or third mailing within 10 business days of the previous mailing. Sep 30, 2015 the passport book only covers land border crossings or seaport entry. 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. Use the passport book to get the passport card, keeping the book in my possession. I have a passport card but need a passport book to travel to. However, if you get a passport card, it cannot be used for travel by air. Passport book and or card, will be placed int o our consular lost and stolen passport system. Both the passport book and passport card serve as proof of your u. What are the benefits of the passport book vs passport card. Passport card vs passport book sep 16 cruise forum. 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. The us passport card is a credit card sized identification document.
A passport card can provide a more convenient, cheaper alternative to carrying your passport book. To apply directly online, please visit covingtons cibt visas partner portal. In this case, you would apply for a passport renewal by mail. Travel articles do you need a passport or a passport card. However, if youd like to get a passport card still, you can apply by completing the ds82 passport renewal form. What is a us passport card, and how can you get one.
Can only be used in land and sea travels, not by air. The us passport card is a small passport card, about the size of a credit card, that contains your photo and identifying information. Us passport book and passport card online application. The traditional passport book is still required for most travel purposes. In this video we explore should you use a passport book or a passport card when you travel. How a passport card differs from a passport book dmv. The rear of the card features a bar code and other information that a computer can read. Visa, mastercard, diners club international and american express cards are accepted. Note, passport cards can only be used for travel by land and sea. Passport book for reentry into the united states from any country. Passport card vacation season is right around the corner, and as such, you will most likely be renewing or obtaining your us passport.
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. A passport card is valid for travel to and from canada, mexico, the caribbean and bermuda at land border crossings and sea portsofentry. Since we all know how to acquire passport booklets, lets learn how to get hold of a passport card. 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. A passport book commonly called a passport, is used for travel anywhere in the world by air, land sea. 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.
If you are thinking about applying for or renewing a u. Unfortunately, you cannot upgrade your passport card to a passport book. Complete online and submit form ds82 available using the online passport wizard. Because of public health measures to prevent the spread of covid19. The irish passport card is a travel document that irish citizens can use for certain travel instead of the standard passport book. 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. However, since passport cards arent valid for flying, again i dont see how theyre helpful in. Passport book andor card, will be placed int o our consular lost and stolen passport system.
The us state department uses different number formats for books and cards. If you have also lost your passport book, please see our lost passport or stolen passport pages for details on how to replace your passport. This is the busy time of year for us passport applicants wanting to prepare for summer traveling whether close to home destinations such as mexico or canada, or far away destinations such as. 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. The passport card is smaller when compared to the size of passport book. Passport cards can only be purchased as an addon feature when applying for a passport book. The front of the card features your photo, name, nationality and details such as your date of birth, city of birth and the issue date and expiration date of the card. No, you must simply apply for the passport book now. Should americans have both a passport book and a passport card. Effective march 24, 2020, the issuance of passport books and cards has been suspended until further notice.
Passport card frequently asked questions with answers. The us passport card is a credit cardsized identification document. If youre applying for a passport card for the first time, youll want to find a passport. 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. 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. 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. There is a place on the application to check whether you want to apply for a passport card, passport book or both. 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. The passport card is only good for land and sea travel to canada, mexico and approximately 17 islands in the caribbean. Of the internal pages, 17 are blank pages marked visas that are meant for travel visas and country entry and exit stamps. However, since passport cards arent valid for flying, again i dont see how theyre helpful in that region.
The fee to obtain a passport card and passport book also changes. Passport book vs passport card for kids the dis disney. This service is not available for passport card applicants. If you plan to travel by air, then you will need a passport book. The walletsize passport card is convenient and less expensive than the passport book. 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. If you are traveling by air or to most countries, you will need a traditional passport book, with pages for your various visas. 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. 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 currently have a passport card and never hard use for it but not to sure if i should apply for a passport book. I recently got my very first united states passport, and i got a passport card at the same time. 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. Ds11 only has options under have you ever had either a passport card book for no, loststolen, or submitted with application.
However, the passport card cannot be used for travel by plane. Us passport books and us passport cards the differences. 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. An adult passport card looks similar to a drivers license, and is valid for ten years. Most us passports have a dark blue cover, and contain 28 pages. There are very important differences between the passport card and the passport book. Passport card cannot be used for international air travel. 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 need to report the loss of your passport card by calling 8774872778 or by filling out the lost passport report form ds64 and mailing it to the address on the form. What is the difference between a passport book and passport card. Passport card department of foreign affairs and trade. The walletsized passport card is designed to be more convenient and less cumbersome than regular passports. Passport book vs passport card difference and comparison.
You can just slip it in your wallet, right behind your drivers license. You only need a passport book if you travel by air. Each passport book and card has a completely unique number. I have a passport card but need a passport book to travel. The other is the passport card, which is just like a drivers license. Yes, you can use your passport card in order to apply for a passport book. However, depending on where youre travelling, you might be ok with just the card. It may often be used as an identity card for purposes other than international travel, such as domestic air travel. You dont need to present a passport or the card when entering and exiting the ship. You are not limited to how or where you travel if you obtain a passport book. The only reason youd most likely need a passport is if you got missed he ship for whatever reason. However, the passport book is valid for all forms of travel.