Passport book vs card do i need both

You must have the original copies of all required documents. Enhanced drivers license many people may not know but depending on the state that you live in a third option is available to you. Passport book is valid for international travel by air, sea, or land. Enhanced drivers license many people may not know but depending on the. The passport card is both less costly and less flexible. Both the passport book and passport card serve as proof of your u. In this case, you would apply for a passport renewal by mail. The primary justification i had for doing so was tha. A passport book provides valid identification for any national or international travel. Passport books or passport cards are both valid for 10 years after issue for adults.

This will be the first time i leave the country and fly in an airplane. The length of validity is the same for both documents, five years. First of all, a passport card can be used for travel by sea to barbados. Currently, all citizens of the united states need a one or the other for. However, the passport book is valid for all forms of travel. The us passport book vs passport card debate has many of us confused as to which one we should apply. Whats the difference between a passport book and a passport card. Yes, you can use your passport card in order to apply for a passport book. Oct 07, 2017 whether you get the passport book card both are valid for 10 years. But you can also get a passport card if you are a frequent traveler by land or sea to canada, mexico, or the caribbean. Passport card department of foreign affairs and trade. Learn more about how a passport card differs from a passport book.

If you have a us passport book, there really is no need to get the passport card. What is the difference between a passport book and passport card. 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. 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. This is because a passport book is the booklet containing information about the person to whom it has been issued, which is in addition to a number of blank pages that can be used for travel visas as well as the stamps when said individuals enters and exits a country. The most obvious difference between passport books and passport cards is the design, of course.

If you are applying for a passport, youll need to consider whether to get a passport book or a passport card. Passport card is also valid for international travel but by land or sea only. 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. Do you need a passport book, a passport card, or an enhanced drivers license.

Us passports vs enhanced drivers licenses rush my passport. Both passport books and cards are valid for 10 years. Conveniently, both the passport book and the passport card have the same renewal period. If so, youve probably noticed the option for a passport card. The passport book vs card question is one you may have if you are a firsttime international traveler.

As like the passport book, the card also must be renewed after validation gets completed. I need to purchase my passport, but i dont know if i need just the book, or just the card, or both. Getting a card only allows you to visit canada and mexico. How to know if you need a passport book or passport card. Whats the difference between a us passport book and card. The passport card, meanwhile, is both less expensive and less flexible. If your travel plans take you to a country bordering the u. What is the difference between a passport book and passport. In a short period of time, passport services received over 350,000 applications for the passport card.

However, each of these items comes with certain restrictions regarding when you can use them. Minor children will need to have their passports renewed every 5 years until they reach 16 years of age. The passport book and passport card are both proof of your citizenship. A passport book is required for all international travel by air. For domestic travel, the passport card is easier to carry because its walletsized. You cant make use of the passport card for global aviation, even once you reenter the u. A book allows you to travel anywhere else assuming you have all the other documents, visas etc. Unless you use the mobile passport app, youll have to. The other is the passport card, which is just like a drivers license. With a passport id card, you can travel to certain countries using specific forms of transportation.

The us passport book vs passport card salon prive mag. 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. Service commitment our expedited service commitment is to process your passport application within 8 business days from the date we receive your application at a passport agency or. Consider using a passport card for your next border crossing by land or by sea. Sometimes it makes life more convenient to have both a passport book and a card, and carry them both on your international travel. If you do not wish to use a third party, visit the u. Oct 05, 2018 if so, youve probably noticed the option for a passport card. 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. Since a passport book comes with multiple pages, the cost is more than a passport card. The passport book and the passport card are both valid passport that will attest to your identity as well as citizenship. You cannot use a passport card when traveling by air internationally. How to know if you need a passport book or passport card updated as of jan 23, 2019. Whether you get the passport bookcard both are valid for 10 years. The passport card will match the expiry date of your passport book, if you have less than 5 years validity remaining.

I recently got my very first united states passport, and i got a passport card at the. Us passport book vs us passport card us visa connection. Should americans have both a passport book and a passport. To get a passport more quickly, you need to make an appointment at a. However, the card was created to facilitate the frequent travel of.

If issued for the full validity, they are both proof of your u. 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. What is the difference between passport book and card answers. 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 and passport card are both proof of your citizenship and identity while traveling outside of the us. 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. Someone needing to take a flight to paris, or hop a freighter to new zealand may consider applying for both a passport book and card at the same time and only take the one they need. Before we get into the details about bringing a passport vs. Both of these documents give you the ability to travel outside of the country. There are very important differences between the passport card and the passport book. The us passport card is an important travel document. I have a passport card but need a passport book to travel to. Both documents are valid for 10 years for adults 16 and older, and 5 years for those under the age of 16. Cant see a reason youd need both other than another form of id that fits in your wallet.

Should americans have both a passport book and a passport card. If you opt for both the card and the book, you can get them both at a discounted. United states citizens can get either a passport book or a passport card for their. Jan 23, 2019 how to know if you need a passport book or passport card updated as of jan 23, 2019. For most forms of international travel which you might wish to do in the future, a passport book is required. 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. 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. As passport books allows more activities as compare to passport card so they tend to cost more as well. What are the benefits of the passport book vs passport card. You can just slip it in your wallet, right behind your drivers license.

A passport book is valid for all types of travel land, sea or air to any destination. 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. Both a passport book and a passport card are valid for 10 years after being. Whats the difference between a passport book and a. Living abroad, i keep my passport book tucked away in a safe location for when i need to travel internationally. Passport card is wallet sized document while passport book size is 5. You can apply for both the book and card with the same application but it is not requried that you obtain both. The visa laws are constantly changing, but in general, the most popular countries. 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. The federal government offers passport books for all types of travel. Were going to take this one step at a time to give you all the information you need to know about a passport vs. Mar 18, 2020 the passport card, meanwhile, is both less expensive and less flexible. Which passport is more powerful the american or canadian passport.

The walletsized passport card is designed to be more convenient and less cumbersome than regular passports. I recently got my very first united states passport, and i got a passport card at the same time. Oct 16, 2017 the passport book and passport card are both proof of your citizenship and identity while traveling outside of the us. Both fees are collected and retained by law even if a passport is not issued. A passport card is the size of a drivers license and can be used only for travel by land or sea to canada, mexico, bermuda, and parts of the caribbean. See the chart below to decide which is best for you. Many overseas countries need nothing more for entrance compared to a u.

Aug 18, 2016 one is a passport book, the traditional passport with the pages that get stamped. Photocopy of your drivers license or other stateissued id front and back. Whats the difference between a passport book and a passport. 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. Select both and you will pay additional fees for the passport book and passport card. 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. 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 book vs passport card difference and comparison. However, if youre considering a passport book vs passport card, just get both. 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. You will need to specify on the application whether you are applying only for the passport card or for both a passport book and a passport card. Both firsttime applicants and renewing applicants pay more for passports than they do for passport cards. Renewal cost of the passport book and passport card. Nov 20, 2017 someone needing to take a flight to paris, or hop a freighter to new zealand may consider applying for both a passport book and card at the same time and only take the one they need. Both passport cards and books are also acceptable on shore excursions such as the white. Adults will need to have their passport renewed every 10 years. Real id to the airport with you, lets cover the basics first. Department of state passport services recently began issuing the passport card as an alternative to the traditional passport book. The passport card is only valid for entry into the united states at land border crossings or sea ports of entry. While the passport card is more convenient due to its size, it is far more restricted in use than the passport book.

Aug 10, 2012 passport cards and passport books are no exception. From passport cards to global entry, which trustedtraveler. However, the passport card cannot be used for travel by plane. Generally speaking, when someone is thinking about a passport, chances are good that they are thinking about a passport book. You only need a passport book if you travel by air.

Difference between passport book and passport card. The passport card can be used only to reenter the u. If you lose your passport book you still have your passport card and vice versa. Service commitment our expedited service commitment is to process your passport application within 8 business days from the date we receive your application at a passport agency or center or from the date you request expedited service. Minors under age 16 will need to submit copies of both parents passports or drivers licenses. Your passport book allows you to travel by land, by sea, or by air. Jun 20, 2019 passport book is valid for international travel by air, sea, or land. While a passport book is valid for all types of travel land, sea or air to any. 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. During my daytoday, i just carry around my passport card in my wallet like i would a drivers license back home, and it has never failed me as. Differences between a passport book and passport card. Although not required on closed loop sailings, which call at foreign ports but sail roundtrip from the u. Nov 23, 2018 were going to take this one step at a time to give you all the information you need to know about a passport vs. Depending on where you are traveling outside of the u.