It displays your photo, name, issuing and expiration dates and your place of birth. The purpose of the passport card is for travelers that are going to. 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. Nov 20, 2017 a passport card allows significantly fewer opportunities for the holder to travel, but often its enough for some. That price difference can be significant for trips across the different borders. Wondering whats the difference between a passport book and a passport card. The difference between passport and passport card us. What is the difference between a passport book and a passport. This is a privately owned website and not a government agency. What is the difference between passport book and card answers. Also, you cannot expect to carry a card while traveling by air. You are not limited to how or where you travel if you obtain a passport book. Any time you board an international flight, you will need a valid us passport book. A passport card is cheaper to get but is only valid for travel to canada, mexico and the caribbean islands.
You can also use it as your id for domestic air travel. A passport book and a passport card serve the same purpose of attesting to your u. If your travel plans fit the limitations of the passport card, then it is a budgetfriendly option to obtaining a 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. The passport card was specifically designed for persons in the northern and southern u. Jun 20, 2019 passport book is a globally recognized travel document while passport card is not a globally recognized document. You can now apply for a passport book and a passport card. An overview there are two versions of a passport issued by the u. While the passport card is more convenient due to its size, it is far more restricted in use than the passport book. The other is the passport card, which is just like a drivers license. The passport card is far more convenient and cheaper due to its credit card size.
The irish passport card is a travel document that irish citizens can use for certain travel instead of the standard passport book. What is the difference between a passport book and passport card. 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. What is the difference between a passport card or book answers. What are the benefits of the passport book vs passport card. The passport book is much larger and it contains a series of pages for arrival and departure stamps, along with visas and so on. The major difference between a passport book and a passport card lies in the scope they offer for international travels. The passport book is accepted for any form of international travel and is also the document that holds your visas. The passport card is not valid for any air travel, including to canada and mexico. There are very important differences between the passport card and the passport book. Do john and mary need a passport book or a passport card.
What is the difference between a passport card number and a. State department issues two versions of a passport. If you need to travel internationally, you must have a passport book. The us passport card is a small passport card, about the size of a credit card, that contains your photo and identifying information. You can just slip it in your wallet, right behind your drivers license. The passport card is optional, while the passport book is necessary for travelling. Your personal details must be an exact match of the details that appear in your passport book. In general, everyone must have a passport book or a regular passport to travel from one country to another. Between passports, passport cards, mobile passports and a constellation of trustedtraveler programs such as global entry, sentri and nexus, international travelers have a lot to choose from this. All american citizens are required to present a valid passport to exit and reenter the united states. 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. Dec 14, 2011 the passport book is used for all air travel. As with a passport book, a nonexpired passport card can serve as your proof of identity and citizenship. Passport card faq get answers to your passport card.
The passport book is proof of citizenship that a country issues to its own citizens to identify them to foreign countries and allow them reentry back. Passport book vs passport card difference and comparison. It can be used for travel to 31 countries in the european union eu and european economic area eea plus switzerland. The passport card is far more convenientand cheaper due to its credit card size. Validity of a passport book is 10 years for adults, 5 years for minors under age 16 the size of a passport book is approximately 5 x 3. This is perhaps unsurprising, seeing as how a passport card lacks the blank pages of the passport book because it is nothing more than the size of a standard id card. Feb 21, 2008 the passport book is the same as the original passport you need it when youre going to travel by airplane. May, 2019 in this video we explore should you use a passport book or a passport card when you travel. So as not to get confused anymore, here a few points to remember on how to distinguish use of each.
Both the passport book and passport card serve as proof of your u. Otherwise, it carries the rights and privileges of the u. 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. Just a few years later, the number of passport cards issued rose to over one million. The passport card is basically an individual credit card sized id card.
Passport card is wallet sized document while passport book size is 5. The passport card is a walletsize card and is meant to be used only when reentering the united states from canada, mexico, the caribbean, and bermuda at landborder crossings or sea portsofentry. 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. If you have a valid passport book, you do not have to get a passport card as well. I f youve wondered what the difference is between a passport book and a passport card, youve come to the right place.
You can apply for both the book and card with the same application but it is not requried that. Just as the name suggests, a passport card is a walletsized laminated card that resembles the photo page of a passport book. Passport book has been in use for a longer period than the passport card. 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. If your cruise departs from florida but stops in jamaica before returning to florida, youll need your passport card. United states citizens can get either a passport book or a passport card for their. 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.
Passport books or passport cards are both valid for 10 years after issue for adults, and five years for travelers under age 16. What is the differences between passport book vs passport. The passport book is a thin cardboard cover with your picture and information inside it. The passport book and the passport card are two different unique documents with unique number. In contrast, a passport card is similar in purpose to a passport book but much more limited in scope. Also, any country accepts passport books while passport cards have a more limited use. A passport book is valid for all types of travel land. Differences between passport books and passport cards similar to a drivers license, a passport card is made of plastic material and something that you can easily put in your wallet. However, the card was created to facilitate the frequent travel of. The united states passport card is an official identity and limited travel document issued by the. 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.
Aug 18, 2016 one is a passport book, the traditional passport with the pages that get stamped. We want you to know about a few differences between the book. First of all, a passport card can be used for travel by sea to barbados. But, whats the difference between a passport book vs card. 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. From passport cards to global entry, which trusted. A passport book commonly called a passport, is used for travel anywhere in the world by air, land sea. If youve had a passport in the past one that was issued to you in the last 15 years and you meet a few other criteria, you can apply for your passport card by mail, using form ds82.
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. One instance could be, if you want to travel to jamaica, youll need a passport book. Passport books can be accepted in any country unless theyve barred us citizens from entry, like north korea, and are valid for visa applications, while a passport card can only be used to enter countries by land or sea. Aug 10, 2012 a passport book is bigger than a passport card. What is the difference between passport book and card. You can travel anywhere in the world with a passport book versus a passport card that only takes you to a handful of places. Another benefit of the passport card, is that it is a cheaper alternative to the book. The us passport book vs passport card salon prive mag.
Whats the difference between a passport book and a passport card. The passport card is available to all irish citizens who hold a valid irish passport book. If issued for the full validity, they are both proof of your u. Both types, passport books and passport cards, exist in the united states of america. Here are the differences between a passport book and a passport card so you can determine which one youll need for your upcoming trip. A passport book is valid for any international travel by air, sea or land. 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. Validity of the passport book is the same as the passport card, 10 years for those who are 16 years and older and 5 years for those under 16 years of age.
The passport book is the same as the original passport you need it when youre going to travel by airplane. A passport card is valid for travel to and from canada, mexico, the caribbean and bermuda at land border crossings and sea portsofentry. Differences between a passport book and passport card. Here is a table showing the principal differences between a passport book and a passport card. Can be used for international travel via land, sea, or air. So the main difference between passport and passport card is where it allows you to travel. 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. Passport books are likely what you think of when you imagine a passport. In this case, you would apply for a passport renewal by mail. In this video we explore should you use a passport book or a passport card when you travel. The passport book is valid for travel anywhere and is. Passport book vs passport card difference and comparison diffen. If you are traveling by air or to most countries, you will need a traditional passport book, with pages for your various visas.
The card format passport is for international travel by u. What is the difference between a passport book and a. Difference between a passport book and passport card. What is the difference between a passport book and. The main difference between a passport card and a passport book other than the physical size and format is that the card can not be used for any international travel by air. Oct 07, 2017 wondering whats the difference between a passport book and a passport card. The most obvious difference between passport books and passport cards is the design, of course. Now, in terms of a passport book vs passport card, if you happen to be applying for a passport, you will need to consider which to get. Both the passport card and passport book are proof of your u. The passport card is a cheaper alternative to the passport book. A passport book is valid for all types of travel land, sea or air to any destination.
What is the difference between a passport and a passport card. The walletsized passport card is designed to be more convenient and less cumbersome than regular passports. Start today by applying for or renewing your passport. Both documents are valid for 10 years for adults 16 and older, and 5 years for those under the age of 16. It has several pages for visas and travel documents. However, if youre considering a passport book vs passport card, just get both. What is the difference between a passport card number and. 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. I have a passport card but need a passport book to travel to. Well outline the differences between the two so youll know the correct answer. The biggest difference between a passport book and passport card is that passport cards are only valid to enter canada, mexico, bermuda, and.
Passport card says land or sea travel from us to canada, mexico and the caribbean. The main downside is that it can only be used for travel to canada, mexico, the caribbean, and bermudanorth. The traditional passport book is still required for most travel purposes. In this post, well cover the main differences so you know exactly which passport option is right for you.
Passport book for reentry into the united states from any country. How a passport card differs from a passport book dmv. Check out the differences between the two types of passport. Key differences passport book is valid for international travel by air, sea, or land. What is the difference between passport book and passport card. You only need a passport book if you travel by air. Some people are confused with the differences between a passport book and a passport card. Passport card department of foreign affairs and trade. What is the difference between a passport card or book. The card is as small as a credit card it doesnt take as much to manufacture them.
Living abroad, i keep my passport book tucked away in a safe location for when i need to travel internationally. 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. Any frequent traveler knows how pricey foreign travel can get. It is valid for 10 years for adults and 5 years for minors under 16. The passport book has lots of pages for visas and arrivaldeparture stamps.
There are several options when it comes to forms of identification for travel. We may be compensated if you make a purchase via a link on this site. Air flight is not included so a passport book is needed, is this correct. The difference between passport books and passport cards the most obvious difference between passport books and passport cards is the design, of course. The difference between a passport book or card getaway usa. The passport book and the passport card are both valid passport that will attest to your identity as well as citizenship. Passport book booklet style id travel document standard passport book has 28 pages. See the chart below to decide which is best for you. 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 process of applying for or renewing a passport card is the same process thats used for the passport book. Whats the difference between a us passport book and card. Whats the difference between a passport book and a passport. The passport card was created for people who live near american borders and frequently drive into canada or mexico. When you apply for a passport card, youll spend less money than you would when.
However, the passport card cannot be used for travel by plane. 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. Passport card faq get answers to your passport card questions. Yes, you can use your passport card in order to apply for a passport book. You can use the passport card when traveling in the european union, the european economic area which includes iceland, liechtenstein and norway and switzerland. Whats the difference between a passport book and a. 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. In the united states, travelers have two options to use for international travel. See below the differences between a passport book vs. Passport books, which are more common, are bigger and have a lot of blank pages used for departure and arrival stamps and visa stickers.
What is the differences between a passport book vs card with additional information and requirement for getting both a card and book. The passport book has plenty of pages for visas and arrivaldeparture stamps, while the passport card is a onepiece creditcardsized id card. What is the differences between passport book vs passport card. Difference between passport book and passport card compare. Difference between passport book and passport card. A passport card fits in your wallet, making it a more convenient form of id to carry on certain trips. As passport books allows more activities as compare to passport card so they tend.
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