I f youve wondered what the difference is between a passport book and a passport card, youve come to the right place. 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. Jun, 2019 how to get a us passport book first time. How a passport card differs from a passport book dmv. In limited circumstances, we will issue a limitedvalidity, second passport book to you which will be valid for up to four years. It is a credit cardsized, laminated document that is less expensive than the passport book, and discounted further if the traveler also holds a valid passport book, but it is not necessary to have a passport book to get the passport card. I f you ve wondered what the difference is between a passport book and a passport card, you ve come to the right place.
In this case, you would apply for a passport renewal by mail. 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. If you are applying for both a book and a card at the. A passport card is cheaper to get but is only valid for travel to canada, mexico and the caribbean islands.
Can you use the passport card for travel to the bahamas. Passport renewal videos watch stepbystep instructional passport videos of how to renew a passport in 3 steps. A passport card can be used to enter the us states at land border crossing or seaportsofentry from canada, mexico, the caribbean and bermuda. I will be needing to get a passport book within the next couple of years so i can travel to barbados. About us do you want a company that can handle any problem in your visa and passport application process, whether your travel plans require you to be abroad in under 24 hours or you have weeks to prepare. If youve never had a us passport before, this article outlines how you go about getting a passport book not passport card for the first time if youre living in the us and are an adult. Should you choose a passport book or a passport card. Us passport book and passport card online application. I suggest you get the card since you are going on a cruise. Make your own passport photos use the online passport photo wizard tool to make your own passport photos in minutes. To get a passport more quickly, you need to make an appointment at a. The passport card can be used only to reenter the u. Because you can get one for far less than youll have to pay for a passport book. 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.
For complete instructions and a link to download the form, click the link below. It was introduced on july 18th, 2008 and over 7 million passport cards have been issued since then. United states citizens can get either a passport book or a passport card for their. Citizens who are only looking to visit certain foreign countries, and travel by land or sea, actually prefer this choice, but is the passport card actually worth the money. Why is there an execution fee for the passport and passport card. I will be in this situation in two year and therefore have clicked want answer, but in the meantime here is something ive found in the instructions to the ds82 passport renewal form pdf submit your most recently issued emp. Passport book allows you to travel by land, sea and air. When you get ready to renew your passport, make sure you have the actual physical book or card.
The use of the word may implies that applying for both at the same time is optional, ie, you may also not apply for a passport card renewal everything i see on form ds82 sounds like you can use this form to renew your passport book or your passport card or both. If you miss your ship or have an emergency and need to fly home, the card will do you no good. The passport card is also a valid form of id so it is useful to have it on you at all times when traveling abroad. What is a us passport card, and how can you get one. Keep in mind that if you do have the card, you will need to complete a new application for the book. Cancun passport requirements vary depending on how you enter mexico. The only time i ever need my passport is for international travel, so i dont see any reason to pay for a card, too. Do i need a passport book, passport card, or passport book. Travel articles do you need a passport or a passport card.
In a short period of time, passport services received over 350,000 applications for the passport card. If you already hold a passport book, your card will be issued with a different number. Nowadays, its best to carry a valid passport any time you leave the country. If you do not meet the requirements for renewal by. I have a passport card, but also need a passport book for overseas. 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. Well help you determine whether you want or need to pay extra for the. Does a passport card work to go to canada by train. For air travel, you do need a passport, but having a nexus card will generally get you through the airport more quickly. I have a passport card but need a passport book to travel to. If you have lost your passport, you may have to show some additional documentation such as a copy of your official birth certificate or other. Having an id for him that fits in my wallet is convenient, because he has no other kind of photo id. The passport book is valid for all international travel.
I believe getting the passport card is the same price as getting a passport book renewal. A passport book is required for all international travel by air. The ultimate jet lag survival guide jet lag is almost certain if you travel across several time. While having a us passport card is great and affordable, if you need an emergency trip home, you may decide that a us passport book is more your liking. You can use form ds82 to renew your passport book at the same time that your apply for your passport card.
You can apply for a passport card the same way as you apply for a passport book. In fact, on the ds11 application to renew or get a passport, at the top you can select whether you are applying for a passport book with pages for foreign visa entryexit stamps, visas, etc. The passport book has plenty of pages for visas and arrivaldeparture stamps, while the passport card is a onepiece credit card sized id card. I recently got my very first united states passport, and i got a passport card at the same time.
An adult passport card looks similar to a drivers license, and is valid for ten years. You do not need a valid passport book in order to apply for a passport id card, and you can apply for either the card only, or you can apply for a passport book and a passport card at the same time. Otherwise, if youre certain that youll only be traveling by land or sea, then the card should suit your needs. If you are applying for a passport, youll need to consider whether to get a passport book or a passport card.
If your travel plans take you to a country bordering the u. How to get a passport card when renewing your passport. For example, if you can submit a passport book, but you lost your passport card, you cannot renew the passport card. Your passport does not have to be expired for you to renew it. S citizens that want to travel by land or sea to canada, mexico, and the caribbean. Carry both the passport card and the passport book in case of an emergency and you need to fly home.
It can also be used for domestic air travel in the usa. They are valid for five years from the date of issue, just like a minor passport book. Passport book vs passport card for kids the dis disney. I am trying to figure out if i need a passport book. If you only applied for a passport card, the card will be sent to you via first class mail. You will also need a new passport photo, a completed ds82 if submitting by mail and the application fee. Differences between a passport book and passport card. 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. 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. In addition to a regular passport, the passport book, u.
How to apply for a new passport card rush my 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. I currently have a passport card that was issued in june 2009. Should americans have both a passport book and a passport card. If you have the passport card, you may want to get the book as well in case you need to make unexpected flights. It is a credit card sized, laminated document that is less expensive than the passport book, and discounted further if the traveler also holds a valid passport book, but it is not necessary to have a passport book to get the passport card. You can apply for both the book and card with the same application but it is not. 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. Do you want a company that can handle any problem in your visa and passport application process, whether your travel plans require you to be abroad in under 24 hours or you have weeks to prepare. A passport card is a wallet sized passport, similar to a state drivers license. If you already have a passport book, you might be able to apply for your very first passport card by mail. I have a passport card but need a passport book to travel.
As long as your passport is not significantly damaged, you should be able to apply for a. If you are applying for both a book and a card at the same time, you only need to submit one passport photo. A us passport card can only be used for land and sea travel to canada, mexico or the caribbean. A nexus card is all you need for proof of citizenship when you cross the uscanadian border by land or by sea. Passport cards can only be purchased as an addon feature when applying for a passport book. The passport book is a real passport, and allows you to fly internationally. Department of state passport services recently began issuing the passport card as an alternative to the traditional passport book. It depends on where youre traveling to, and how you plan to get there. You can carry your passport card with you at all times and leave the passport book safe in the hotel room locker. The passport card is designed to be a less expensive and more. I currently have a passport card and never hard use for it but not to sure if i should apply for a passport book. Should americans have both a passport book and a passport. Whats the difference between a passport book and a passport card.
You can apply by mail using form ds82 if you have a passport book or card that. Aug 10, 2012 in order to apply for your first passport card, you ll need the same documentation you need to apply for a passport book. In such situations, a passport card comes in handy because it is the size of a credit card and fits nicely in a wallet. The passport book has plenty of pages for visas and arrivaldeparture stamps, while the passport card is a onepiece creditcardsized id card. First, can you have both a passport and a passport card at the same time. You can use form ds82 to renew your passport book at the same time you apply for your first passport card. You can use your passport card in order to apply for a passport book. 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. If you re a citizen of the united states, and you re 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.
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. Application form ds11 can be used in order to apply for a passport book, passport card or both. The primary justification i had for doing so was tha. Jun 02, 2018 if you still got any questions about whether you need a passport book or card, please contact travel visa pro. Apr 15, 2019 so youve got your passport card, but can you just tuck it into your wallet and call it a day, or do you need that passport book you always see people using in movies.
If you already hold a valid passport book, you may apply for a passport card by mail with form ds82. Passport card department of foreign affairs and trade. Your passport book must have at least 3 months remaining validity. As stated, the passport book and the passport card are not the same. The passport card has benefits, but does not offer the same list of privileges as a traditional passport. Yes, you can use your passport card in order to apply for a passport book. For canada crossings, nexus card no longer beats a us passport. It is an easy to carry id for international travel by land or water to canada, mexico, the caribbean, and bermuda.
How do i get a diplomatic, official, or regular nofee passport. In order to apply for a passport book by mail, your current passport must meet the following requirements. Passport book vs passport card difference and comparison. Oct 02, 2010 passport book allows you to travel by land, sea and air.
It is smaller and more convenient to carry than a passport book, and it is less expensive to obtain. If you have a passport card and you are eligible to use form ds82. Otherwise if you never had a us passport book and you are not able to use form ds82 you then must apply in person with. To break it down simply, heres everything a card will cover on its own without. You can apply for a us passport card by mail if you already have a us passport book and eligible to use form ds82. You only need a passport book if you travel by air. In order to apply for your first passport card, youll need the same documentation you need to apply for a passport book. However, before you apply for a new passport card, consider carefully whether or not you might be better off getting a us passport book.
No one expects an emergency, and whether you plan or not plan to travel by air, you will require a us passport book. You can use this creditcardsized document to reenter the united states from mexico, canada, bermuda and the caribbean when traveling by land or sea. The card is for people who frequently drive across the border but dont intend to fly. Because you can get one for far less than you ll have to pay for a passport book. We do not use 12 day delivery services for passport cards. Can i renew my usa passport book and passport card separately. 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. To apply for or renew both the book and card, check the appropriate box at the top of the form to. If you want to renew both a valid passport book and passport card, you must submit both documents. If you still got any questions about whether you need a passport book or card, please contact travel visa pro.
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