While both the passport card and passport book are proof of your identity and u. The difference with using a debit card, though, is that the money you spend with a debit card is yours. Department of state is now issuing a passport card in addition to the passport book which is a less expensive, smaller, and a more convenient alternative for travel by land and sea, between the u. First of all, the passport book contains many pages designated for visa stickers and stamps, while the passport card, on the other hand, is a credit cardlike id. If you have a valid passport book, you do not have to get a passport card as well. Whats the difference between a passport book and a passport card. Firsttime passport applicants, as well as minor children, must apply for passports in person. Credit cards allow for a greater degree of financial flexibility than debit cards, and can be a useful tool to build your credit history. 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. A passport book is valid for all types of travel land, sea or air to any destination. When getting a passport, is it better to get both a passport book and a passport card. Below is a comparison of the features of the california real idcompliant drivers license, real id identification card, u. A passport book is required for all international travel. Can you use the passport card for travel to the bahamas.
Jun 20, 2019 passport book is valid for international travel by air, sea, or land. Customers will now have the option to apply for a passport book, a passport card, or both on the ds11. Choosing between the passport card vs book royal caribbean blog. In part, this is because the passport card is the size of a standard id card, meaning that it can be carried with the same convenience as any other. Many countries require you to keep your passport on your. It gives you access to travel anywhere even within the u. The passport card is more suitable for people who frequently cross the canadian or mexican border by land, for nondrivers who. But if your international travel consists entirely of surface trips in the limited.
In my opinion, it is better to get both, provided you can afford it. A passport book can be used for international travel by air, sea or land. I applied for both a passport book and a passport card. Whats the difference between a passport book and a passport. If youre renewing your passport book and passport card, you must submit both documents. The passport card is basically an id card, while the passport book is a normal passport that has enough pages for different stamps and visas. It was designed for people who travel frequently between the u. Can i renew my usa passport book and passport card separately. Both a passport card or a passport book is a valid form of identification for domestic cruises.
Asking yourself should i get a passport book or a card or even both. Getting a 52page passport international travel news. You can also choose how many pages the book hasbetween 28 standard and 52 large with no. Feb 12, 2019 do i need a passport book or a passport card. A passport book can be used for international travel by land, sea or air. Its just like having cash in your wallet, but its also used like a credit card, so it needs to be kept safe. United states citizens can get either a passport book or a passport card for their travels abroad. Passport books and cards are alternatives to a stateissued id. We want you to know about a few differences between the book and card so you can decide if you want to apply for one or both documents. Difference between passport card and passport book. When you are ready to travel, you can take the first steps by applying for a passport at the birmingham public library. How to know if you need a passport book or passport card. Whats the difference between a us passport book and card. 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.
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. You can apply for a passport book, a passport card, or both documents. 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. You must also select how many pages youd like the book to have.
Both documents serve the same purpose of attesting to your u. If your travel plans take you to a country bordering the u. Feb 10, 2021 a passport card is more convenient and less expensive than a passport book, but it cannot be used for international travel by air. Mar 06, 2019 however, a passport card is only a valid form of id for travel within the u. Both forms are compliant with real id regulations and can be used for domestic air travel. The current standard us passport has 28 pages, 18 of them blank. The passport book vs card question is one you may have if you are a firsttime international traveler. By proceeding, you agree to our privacy policy and terms o. If you are renewing your passport using passport renewal application form ds82.
In fact, an airline cant let you board an international flight if you dont have a valid passport. Passport cards are a form of us passport that are the size of a credit card or drivers license. Original or certified birth certificate or old passport children under 16 must have birth certificate and expired passport card if applicable. A passport book is valid for all types of travel land. The passport card contains a radio frequency identification chip as well as the traditional photograph and personal information found in a passport book.
The standard passport is 28 pages, and the nonstandard book is 52 pages. The passport card will only be accepted for domestic flights in the us and to visit 20 foreign nations including mexico, canada, bermuda, and 17 islands in the caribbean. Both the passport book and passport card serve as proof of your u. Here are more tips and information about how to best use a prepaid c. This way, you can carry the card when you are in countries where you are expected to always carry your passport. The validity of both the passport book and passport card is 10 years for adults 16 years and older, 5 years for minors under 16. Nov 04, 2014 conveniently, both the passport book and the passport card have the same renewal period.
If you want to travel internationally by air you must get a large passport book. How passport books and passport cards are the same when talking about a passport vs. Minor children will need to have their passports renewed every 5 years until they reach 16 years of age. Consider using a passport card for your next border crossing by land or by sea. The passport card is optional, while the passport book is necessary for travelling. They let you travel to canada, mexico, bermuda, and the caribbean by land and sea. The us passport card is a credit card sized identification document. Passport book lets you travel by air internationally, but the card doesnt. For complete instructions and a link to download the form, click the link below. The passport book comes in both a standard, 24page version and a bigger, 52. Jan 23, 2019 42% of americans hold a passport book, the kind with your identification portion and the pages to stamp and 60% of american does not know if a passport book or pass port card is good for internetional traveling. I just got my new passport book in the mail, but my passport card wasnt in the. For children age 15 and under, the passport is valid for 5 years and for adults 16 and older it is valid for 10 years.
There are several options when it comes to forms of identificatio. Since it can be used at any border crossing and some countries require a visa for entry, the pages are used for visa stamps. Passport the application process is the same for either the passport book or card, even if you want both at the same time. Oct 22, 2020 keep the card and the book widely separated so you dont lose both at the same time. Whats the difference between a passport book and a. You can apply for both the book and card with the same application but it is not requried that you obtain both. So the main difference between passport and passport card is where it allows you to travel. A passport card is less expensive than a traditional passport book.
Here we will look at what exactly a credit card is, what the benefits and detriments to having one are, what firstt. The passport book comes in both a standard, 24page version and a bigger, 52page version for those who travel frequently. Its not tied to the validity of your passport book. If you run out of pages before your passport expires, you must apply for another passport. If your vacation or business plans take you out of the united states, you need a passport to travel. Passport card is also valid for international travel but by land or sea only. You may request a larger passport book with 52 pages for your child, at no additional cost, by checking the 52 page box at. Adults will need to have their passport renewed every 10 years. In 2008, the united states government introduced a passport card, which can be used to travel to some countries. Not only do they look different, they serve slightly different purposes. This document proves your citizenship, holds visas issued to you by other countries and lets you reenter the u.
My wife and i carry a copy of each others whenever we travel together. The passport card is real id compliant and can be used for domestic air travel. Be the first to discover secret destinations, travel hacks, and more. Only one execution fee is charged for an individual applying for both a card and book at the same time. 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. Your new passport card will be valid for 10 years from the date that it is issued.
When applying for a passport, you need the appropriate documentation and cu. They contain similar information, such as document number, first and last name surname, nationality, date of birth, and document issue and expiration dates. The united states passport card is an official national. Information needed for both the passport book and passport card. Passport book vs passport card difference and comparison. Passport card vs passport book difference between passport. Application form ds11 can be used in order to apply for a passport book, passport card or both. A passport book is a product of the federal government. Getting a credit card is a fairly straightforward process that requires you to submit an application for a card and receive an approval or denial. If you can submit a passport book, but you lost your passport card. The biggest difference between a passport book and passport card is that passport cards are only valid to enter canada, mexico, bermuda, and. If you can submit a passport book, but you lost your passport card, you. Although, keep in mind, while both can be used as forms of id when traveling, the passport card has some restrictions. Passport cards are particularly useful for some people.
However, each of these items comes with certain restrictions regarding when you can use them. If you have a passport book, you do not need to get a passport card. The difference between passport card and book still stands, but if you can afford it, you may want to get both documents if you travel frequently. We spoke with the state department to get the skinny on this inexpensive alternative to a traditional passport. Why would you want both passport book and passport card when traveling overseas. You may request a larger passport book with 52 pages for your child, at no additional cost, by checking the 52 page box at the top of the ds11. Therefore, youll need to find a passport office, provide proof of identity and citizenship and fill out an application. To learn more about the us passport book vs card, how much they cost and most importantly, which one is suitable for your case continue reading this informative article.
A a passport book can be used for international travel by land, sea or air. While the passport card is more convenient due to its size, it is far more restricted in use than the passport book. The passport card is a cheaper alternative to the passport book. Difference between passport book and passport card. The large book option is for those who frequently travel abroad during the passport validity period, and is recommended for applicants who have previously required the addition of visa pages. Also, always keep a color photocopy of the photo page of the passport in a separate place. Passport card is wallet sized document while passport book size is 5.
Passport books or passport cards are both valid for 10 years after issue for adults. Both of these documents give you the ability to travel outside of the country. Customers now have the option to apply for a passport book, a passport card or both. Consumers also have the option of obtaining both a passport card and a regular passport.
Passport card frequently asked questions with answers. Passport card uses a different passport number, and a rfid chip with your biometric data, but cannot by itself be used to fly intoout of the usa. We compare the two to help you decide which type of id is best. If you are looking for a no annual fee credit card, one of these visa credit cards may be the perfect fit. Excellent form of official identification for children or nondrivers. Still, note that it is recommended to hold both the passport book if you are planning a cruise. The result of an application is mostly based on your credit score, although other factors are. If the passport card and passport book are applied for at different times, the applicant would need to. Which one you must get completely depends on how you are going to travel and how much you are willing to pay for this travel document. Jun 16, 2016 if i apply for a passport card now, how long will it be valid. If you want a 52page passport book, be sure to check the appropriate box on form ds82. The passport book is real id compliant and can be used for domestic air travel. Be sure to select a box at the top of the form to indicate whether youd like the passport book, passport card, or both.
A prepaid card is a great gift for yourself or someone else. A passport card is also available for certain travel situations. Second, a good argument can be made that the passport card is more useful than the passport book for the limited circumstances in which it can be used. How a passport card differs from a passport book dmv. State department issues two versions of a passport. Whether you are looking to apply for a new credit card or are just starting out, there are a few things to know beforehand. The passport book comes as either 28 or 52 pages and is valid for five years. The difference between a passport book or card getaway usa. What is a us passport card, and how can you get one. 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.
In this video we explore should you use a passport book or a passport card when you travel. Passport card or passport book which should you get. Apply for a passport card department of state travel. There are so many credit cards available today that it can be hard to sort through them all to find the one for your needs. Differences between a passport book and passport 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. You arent borrowing money for the charges you make. The validity for both adults and children are the same as a passport card. Dec 07, 2020 passport books can be used for international travel to all destinations by air, land, or sea. If you have a passport book and you are eligible to use form ds82, you may apply for a passport card as a renewal by mail even if it is your first passport card. There are even certain situations where a credit card is essential, like many car rental businesses an. Even if you do not have a passport card, you can use the passport book. Both the passport card and passport book are proof of your u. Nov 20, 2017 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 book can simplify your international travel.
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