The passport card can be used only to reenter the u. The passport card is walletsize while the passport book is 5x3 12 when closed. This is a privately owned website and not a government agency. Passport book the passport book is designed to be used for all types of international travel.
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. It may often be used as an identity card for purposes other than international travel, such as domestic air travel. May 06, 2010 we are going on vacation this summer to the foreign land of canada, to see the twodollar coin. When it comes to us passport card versus passport book.
Travel requirements with the growing threat of global terrorism, all traveling us citizens are required to possess more specific documentation than in the past. Passport card difference between passport book and passport card u. A passport book can be used for all international travel. What is the difference between a passport card number and. The passport card contains a radio frequency identification chip as well as the traditional photograph and personal information found in a passport book. We may be compensated if you make a purchase via a link on this site.
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 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. They have been available to us citizens since 2008, and are meant to be a convenient way to prove your identity and citizenship. If you still got any questions about us passport book and card, you can always contact travel visa pro. If you lose your passport book you still have your passport card and vice versa. Today, united states citizens need a passport to travel to neighboring countries such as mexico and canada. We realized that we now need passports, all 5 of us, to get across this heavily fortified border. All american citizens are required to present a valid passport to exit and reenter the united states.
A passport card be used for land and sea travel between the united states and canada, mexico, and the caribbean region. 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. A passport book is valid for all types of travel land, sea or air to any destination. I have a passport card but need a passport book to travel to. Otherwise, it carries the rights and privileges of the u. Passport book is a globally recognized travel document while passport card is not a globally recognized document. In this case, you would apply for a passport renewal by mail. Oct 16, 2017 the passport book and passport card are both proof of your citizenship and identity while traveling outside of the us. So now they have a passport card, which is not good for air travel. Whats the difference between a passport and a passport. Difference between passport book and passport card can be a new subject to you if you are not a citizen of the united states of america. Us passport books and us passport cards the differences. Aug 22, 2016 passport card is a walletsize travel document that can be used for land or sea travel to canada, mexico, bermuda, and the caribbean whereas a passport book can be used for international travel to all destinations by air, land, or sea. What is a us passport card, and how can you get one.
The card format passport is for international travel by u. What is the difference between a passport card number and a. A passport card is a smaller version of a passport book and fits inside a wallet. The passport book and passport card are both proof of your citizenship and identity while traveling outside of the us. Yes, you can use your passport card in order to apply for a passport book. Whats the difference between a us passport book and card. Passport book numbers are 9 numerals long, and passport cards start with the letter c followed by 8 numerals. 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. As of march 25, 2020, post offices which are still accepting applications are requiring customers to make an online appointment to apply in person for a u. There is also a more substantial passport available that offers travelers more pages to work with from the outset.
Passport card can be used to enter the united states from. The cardformat passport is for international travel by u. Whats the difference between a passport book and a passport card. 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. The passport book is the same as the original passport you need it when youre going to travel by airplane. Jun 16, 2016 will my passport card have the same number as my passport book. 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. Passport cards allow entry from canada, mexico, caribbean.
As of march 25, 2020, post offices which are still accepting applications are requiring customers to make an online appointment to apply in. The us passport card is a small passport card, about the size of a credit card, that contains your photo and identifying information. Passport cards are a form of us passport that are the size of a credit card or drivers license. Air travel tofrom these locations and all other international locations requires a full passport. You cannot use a passport card when traveling by air internationally. The united states passport card is an official identity and limited travel document issued by the. What is the difference between a passport book and passport card. What is the difference between a passport book and. 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. Whats the difference between a passport book and a passport. You can apply for both the book and card with the same application but it is not requried that. When you apply for a new passport, should you get a passport book or pass port card. In addition to this, we have passport card, this is a card which is used for only land and sea travel on the listed countries in italic on the card.
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. Passport book is widely used for international travel while passport card is used for united states citizens who live in border territories in the us. While the passport card is more convenient due to its size, it is far more restricted in use than the passport book. A passport card is the same size as a drivers license or credit card and conveniently fits in your wallet. It was designed for people who travel frequently between the us and canada, mexico, bermuda or the caribbean by land or sea. Feb 12, 2019 you can also apply for the passport book and the passport card at the same time when youre utilizing the ds11 new passport application for new passport. 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. 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.
Passport book vs passport card difference and comparison. Department of state since 2008, and can be used to enter and exit 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. However, the passport book is valid for all forms of travel. The traditional passport book is still required for most travel purposes. One of the most important differences between the two is that passport book has been in. My passport was issued to me when i was 17 years old and now 10 years later i believe i am eligible to renew it. What is the difference between a passport and a passport card. Oct 26, 2017 what is the differences between a passport book vs card with additional information and requirement for getting both a card and book. Sherry housley and her daughter whitney had planned to to take a motherdaughter vacation by the ocean in cozumel, mexico. I have a passport card but need a passport book to travel to barbados. Otherwise, the passport card carries the same rights and privileges as the u.
So it is a convenient alternative for, say, people who frequently take the cartrainbus into canada. Passport card is a walletsize travel document that can only be used to reenter the united states at land bordercrossings or sea portsofentry from canada, mexico, the caribbean, and bermuda. No, your book and card will have two completely different numbers. For example, if you can submit a passport book, but you lost your passport card, you cannot renew the passport card. The us state department uses different number formats for books and cards. A passport book and a passport card serve the same purpose of attesting to your u. The difference between the numbers is two digits and the letter c.
How a passport card differs from a passport book dmv. Passport books are valid for travel by united states. Select both and you will pay additional fees for the passport book and passport card. Additionally, the cost of the passport card is significantly less than the passport book. The us passport card can be useful in a number of situations. Passport card can be used to enter the united states from canada. You should know there are restrictions on a passport card. Nov 20, 2017 a passport book may not be a massive document by any means, but having something as small as the card to fit in your wallet is definitely less of a hassle. Wondering whats the difference between a passport book and a passport card.
Vip passports and visa services united states passport agency specializes in american passports, us passports, passport renewals, passport applications, passports forms, birth certificates, notary services, visas, and passports in less than 24 hours. What is the difference between a passport and a passport. It contains several pages like the passport details page which provides the holders name,date of birth, passport expiry date etc as well as other blank pages for visa and immigration stamping a passport card is a portable pocket sized card similar to a credit card that fits in your wallet. The state department never reuses them after a number has been used once, it is never used again. I will be needing to get a passport book within the next couple of years so i can travel to barbados. A passport book commonly called a passport, is used for travel anywhere in the world by air, land sea. Difference between passport book and passport card u. 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. You can carry your passport card with you at all times and leave the passport book safe in the hotel room locker. The other is the passport card, which is just like a drivers license. If you want to renew both a valid passport book and passport card, you must submit both documents. The passport card contains the same information as a passport book, with a size similar to a laminated stateissued drivers license. The passport card is not valid for international air travel. The walletsize passport card is convenient and less expensive than the passport book.
What is the differences between passport book vs passport card. The difference between passport and passport card us. A passport card can be used for surface travel land or sea tofrom mexico, canada and the caribbean. Getting a card only allows you to visit canada and mexico. Oct 16, 2014 to avoid issues while traveling, if your passport book is almost full, consider adding more pages to your passport, or apply for a renewal of the passport. In such situations, a passport card comes in handy because it is the size of a credit card and fits nicely in a wallet.
Passport card has the same period of validity as the u. The passport card facilitates entry and expedites document processing at u. Passport cards are valid for land and sea travel to and from canada, mexico and the countries of the caribbean. Passport book for reentry into the united states from any country. If you are traveling by air or to most countries, you will need a traditional passport book, with pages for your various visas. Here are the countries and territories where a us passport card is valid. Passport card is a walletsize travel document that can be used for land or sea travel to canada, mexico, bermuda, and the caribbean whereas a passport book can be used for international travel to all destinations by air, land, or sea.
You dont need to present a passport or the card when entering and exiting the ship. 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. The passport book is accepted for any form of international travel and is also the document that holds your visas. I f youve wondered what the difference is between a passport book and a passport card, youve come to the right place. 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.
Aug 18, 2016 today, united states citizens need a passport to travel to neighboring countries such as mexico and canada. Passport book booklet style id travel document standard passport book has 28 pages. Here is a table showing the principal differences between a passport book and a passport card. 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. Passport card can be used to enter the united states from canada, mexico, the caribbean, and bermuda at land border crossings or. Entering the united states at land border crossings and sea portsofentry from. A book allows you to travel anywhere else assuming you have all the other documents, visas etc. It is imperative to understand what the is the difference between a passport book vs card. You are not limited to how or where you travel if you obtain a passport book. Adult passport cards remain valid for 10 years and cards issued to children under 16 years of age for five years. Oct 07, 2017 wondering whats the difference between a passport book and a passport card. Difference between passport book and passport card.
Another difference between the passport card and passport book is the size of each document. I have a passport card but need a passport book to travel. Whats the difference between a passport book and a. You can also apply for the passport book and the passport card at the same time when youre utilizing the ds11 new passport application for new passport. 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.
Passport card frequently asked questions with answers. The passport card is a cheaper alternative to the passport book. A passport card can access the us database that has everything that a full passport has as far as information on the traveler. One is a passport book, the traditional passport with the pages that get stamped. I currently have a passport card that was issued in june 2009. Differences between a passport book and passport card. The us passport card is a credit card sized identification document. Difference between passport book and passport card compare. One instance could be, if you want to travel to jamaica, youll need a passport book. You only need a passport book if you travel by air. The passport card contains the same information as a passport book, with a. We are going on vacation this summer to the foreign land of canada, to see the twodollar coin. What you need to know about passport cards fastport passport.
It cannot be used for any international air travel. The difference between a passport book or card getaway usa. 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. Feb 21, 2008 the passport book is the same as the original passport you need it when youre going to travel by airplane. Each passport book and card has a completely unique number. For those of you who are about to get a us passport renewed or getting one for the first time, there is something called a passport card its biometric and usually only good between rail, boat and car in canadamexicobermuda etc but it is proof that you do own a us passport. If you are traveling outside the united states via air travel, you will still need a traditional passport book as a passport card is not valid for air travel. Passport card cannot be used for international air travel.