How a passport card differs from a passport book dmv. Difference between passport book and passport card compare. While the passport card is more convenient due to its size, it is far more restricted in use than the passport book. Passport card is also valid for international travel but by land or sea only. The passport card can be used for entering the united states at land border crossings and sea portsofentry from canada, mexico, the caribbean, and bermuda. Whats the difference between a passport book and a passport card. The walletsized passport card is designed to be more convenient and less cumbersome than regular passports.
Passport card is wallet sized document while passport book size is 5. We compare the two to help you decide which type of id is best. Many frequent travelers require a us passport book, since the book allows you to travel to more places and allows you to secure a. The difference between passport and passport card us. 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.
Both of these documents give you the ability to travel outside of the country. Although there are many differences between a us card and book style passport, there are also some similarities. Since a passport book comes with multiple pages, the cost is more than a passport card. A passport book is a product of the federal government.
Passport cards are easier to carry than a passport book and they have some hidden benefits. Types of us passport books get your passport book today. 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. The us passport card is an important travel document. Feb 12, 2019 do i need a passport book or a passport card. Its just like having cash in your wallet, but its also used like a credit card, so it needs to be kept safe. Dec 28, 2019 similarities between the passport book and passport card.
Regardless, the passport card that is issued in the united states still has select uses under select circumstances. The first is when you need to renew your book or card passport. Passport cards these are kind of us passport only, which are in the size of a drivers license or credit card. You may request a larger passport book with 52 pages at no additional cost by checking the 52 page box at the top of the ds82. With a passport id card, you can travel to certain countries using specific forms of transportation. If you plan on leaving the country and do not want to purchase a full passport book, the card is an option you may want to consider.
Be the first to discover secret destinations, travel hacks, and more. Adults enjoy a validity of ten years while minors under age sixteen enjoy a validity of five years. If the passport card and passport book are applied for at different times, the applicant would need to. The passport card can be used only to reenter the u. The biggest difference between a passport book and passport card is that passport cards are only valid to enter canada, mexico, bermuda, and caribbean countries and territories see the full list. The passport card is walletsize while the passport book is 5x3 12 when closed. Both the passport book and passport card serve as proof of your u. The difference with using a debit card, though, is that the money you spend with a debit card is yours. Passport card vs passport book difference between passport. A passport book is valid for all types of travel land, sea or air to any destination. Passport book the following chart will give you a quick overview of the passport card versus the passport book. Infact many people have both the passport card and the passport book and use as per need and convenience.
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. At about the size of a credit card, the passport card is handier, smaller, and more durable than the passport. You arent borrowing money for the charges you make. Furthermore, both passport cards and books are also suitable for short trips that need you to show an id as youll be crossing a sea or land border into a foreign country. Difference between passport book and passport card. Both of these items are valid for adults for 10 years. The real difference between a us passport book vs passport. 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. The major difference between a passport book and a passport card lies in the scope they offer for international travels. State department issues two versions of a passport. In fact, an airline cant let you board an international flight if you dont have a valid passport.
Jan 11, 2019 however, it is possible to damage a passport book so its best to carry a passport protector or wallet to keep it safe. Here are more tips and information about how to best use a prepaid c. A passport card fits in your wallet, making it a more convenient form of id to carry on certain trips. Many people are interested to know the difference between passport book and passport card. Another difference between the passport card and passport book is the size of each document.
If youre not inclined to take the time to get a real id, heres a lesserknown alternative. In this video we explore should you use a passport book or a passport card when you travel. The current standard us passport has 28 pages, 18 of them blank. The us passport card does not cost as much as the traditional us passport book making it a favorite for those individuals that benefit from a us passport card because of its features and abilities. Here we will look at what exactly a credit card is, what the benefits and detriments to having one are, what firstt. You must complete all pages of the form and sign and date it. 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. Passport cards are particularly useful for some people. In 2008, the united states government introduced a passport card, which can be used to travel to some countries. You can apply for both the book and card with the same application but it is not. Passport book has been in use for a longer period than the passport card. If you have a valid passport book, you do not have to get a passport card as well. The passport book comes in both a standard, 24page version and a bigger, 52page version for those who travel frequently.
A citizen or national is allowed to hold both a passport card and a passport book. We want you to know about a few differences between the book. You can just slip it in your wallet, right behind your drivers license. Whats the difference between a us passport book and card. Hello, currently i have an expired passport book that im trying to renew as well as a passport card that is still valid. The difference between a passport book or card getaway usa. There are several options when it comes to forms of identificatio.
The standard passport is 28 pages, and the nonstandard book is 52 pages. However, candidates who cannot decide if they prefer the passport cards vs book can choose to apply for both documents. As passport books allows more activities as compare to passport card so they tend to cost more as well. The processing time of the passport book will be within 4 to 6 weeks. Nov 22, 2019 the cost between passport book vs passport card.
Credit cards allow for a greater degree of financial flexibility than debit cards, and can be a useful tool to build your credit history. To begin with, passport cards can not be used for air 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. You can also use your passport card, just as you use your passport book, as a form of identification. The biggest difference between a passport book and passport card is that passport cards are only valid to enter canada, mexico, bermuda, and.
Not only do they look different, they serve slightly different purposes. The main difference is that passport books are valid for international. 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 book vs card question is one you may have if you are a firsttime international traveler.
The application fee for a passport card is also lower than the passport book. Firsttime passport applicants, as well as minor children, must apply for passports in person. Regardless if you are traveling by air, land, or sea, you can use a passport. Passport books are larger than cards and come with many pages for customs stamps. In short, a person with a passport card can use it to travel to either canada, mexico, bermuda, or the caribbean so long as they are taking either a land route or a sea route. The passport book is your typical passport, a bound, paged booklet that is issued by the us department of state verifying your identity and nationality, usually for the purpose of traveling internationally all international air travel for us passport holders, regardless of origin or destination airport, must be accompanied by a valid us passport book. Both a passport card or a passport book is a valid form of identification for domestic cruises. Passport cards are also only valid in mexico, bermuda, canada and the caribbean. Nov 12, 2010 when renewing our passports this year, i opted to get both the passport and the passport card for my wife and myself. If you want a 52page passport book, be sure to check the appropriate box on form ds82. How passport books and passport cards are the same when talking about a passport vs. Whats a passport card, and can it replace a real id. They are both valid for 10 years for persons older than 16 years of age and valid for 5 years for those younger.
Passport card is convenient to carry, costs less than a traditional u. Also, you cannot expect to carry a card while traveling by air. If you are looking for a no annual fee credit card, one of these visa credit cards may be the perfect fit. What is a passport card, and what should you know when youre considering a passport book vs. Additionally, keep in mind that there are some similarities between the us passport card and book. United states passports are now available to residents as either a passport book or a passport card. Dec 07, 2020 notable distinctions between passport book and card 1. 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. However, each of these items comes with certain restrictions regarding when you can use them. The passport book comes as either 28 or 52 pages and is valid for five years. 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. The result of an application is mostly based on your credit score, although other factors are. Passport card or passport book which should you get. You can travel anywhere in the world with a passport book versus a passport card that only takes you to a handful of places.
Likewise, the card is smaller than the passport book. Passport the application process is the same for either the passport book or card, even if you want both at the same time. You can apply for both the book and card with the same application but it is not requried that you obtain both. The length of validity is the same for both documents, five years. If a passport book holder uses all 52 pages, the holder must purchase a new passport book. Getting a 52page passport international travel news. Unlike the passport book, the rfid chip in the passport card is designed to be readable at a greater distance, allowing border agents to access traveler information. People, who are living us border communities, can make use of the passport card. Apply for a passport card united states department of state. Jun 20, 2019 passport book is valid for international travel by air, sea, or land.
Passport card has certain limitations that affect your ability for foreign travel. 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. First of all, both passport documents have a validity of 10 years. 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. Passport cards are cheaper than passport books, and theyre also valid for 10 years.
When applying for a passport, you need the appropriate documentation and cu. 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. Passport book and does many of the same things that a passport book allows you to do. Conversely, childrens passports can be valid for a maximum of five years. Whats the difference between a passport book and a passport. The card is shaped like a stateissued drivers license and can fit inside a standard wallet. 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.
You can renew a passport book, a passport card, or both documents. Passport book vs passport card first time cruisers. Difference between a passport book and passport card. Comparing a passport book vs passport card concerning validity presents the same information. Processing time of passport book and passport card passport book. 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. Both the book and the card are equally valid as proof of identity and citizenship, and can be used for domestic air travel. Apply for a passport card department of state travel. The cost also depends on the age of holder adults pay more than minors but it costs the same amount to renew them. 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 additional cost isnt significant when compared to the convenience. Now that the size and price is out of the way, lets explore other major difference when it comes to passport card vs. Oct 05, 2017 the passport card is a cheaper alternative to the passport book. Both types contain identifying information such as the photograph, name, date of birth and home address of the passport holder.
How to know if you need a passport book or passport card. These passport cards have been made available to us citizens since the year. This document proves your citizenship, holds visas issued to you by other countries and lets you reenter the u. May 27, 2020 both a passport card or a passport book is a valid form of identification for domestic cruises.
Choosing between the passport card vs book royal caribbean blog. Passport book vs passport card difference and comparison. The passport card, meanwhile, is both less expensive and less flexible. The real difference between a us passport book vs passport card. Differences between a passport book and passport card. Although two documents have a huge difference, they also share some similarities. Whether you are looking to apply for a new credit card or are just starting out, there are a few things to know beforehand. Whats the difference between a passport book and a. A passport book is an acceptable document for international travels. Feb, 2011 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. There are even certain situations where a credit card is essential, like many car rental businesses an. If you still cannot decide which document is right for you, remember that you can always purchase both.
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. Therefore, youll need to find a passport office, provide proof of identity and citizenship and fill out an application. They contain similar information, such as document number, first and last name surname, nationality, date of birth, and document issue and expiration dates. You can have both the us passport book and a passport card. A prepaid card is a great gift for yourself or someone else. There are, however, some key differences that need to be considered.
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