Passport book is a traditional document but card is the new thing. The passport card is a cheaper alternative to the passport book. Passport cards are also only valid in mexico, bermuda, canada and the caribbean. The major difference between a passport book and a passport card lies in the scope they offer for international travels. The most obvious difference between passport books and passport cards is the design, of course. An adult applying for a us passport renewal or firsttime passport can receive a card valid for ten years. I currently have a passport card that was issued in june 2009. 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. They have been available to us citizens since 2008, and are meant to be a convenient way to prove your identity and citizenship. As with a passport book, a nonexpired passport card can serve as your proof of identity and citizenship. 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. Here is a table showing the principal differences between a. Passport book vs passport card difference and comparison diffen.
What is the difference between a passport book and. 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 cardformat passport is for international travel by u. Passport card is less expensive than a passport book. State department issues two versions of a passport. However, the passport card cannot be used for travel by plane.
You can also use it as your id for domestic air travel. 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. If you can submit a passport book, but you lost your passport card, you cannot. Whats the difference between a passport book and a passport card. But, whats the difference between a passport book vs card. How a passport card differs from a passport book dmv. See below the differences between a passport book vs. The other is the passport card, which is just like a drivers license. However, it is essential to understand what the differences between the two are. Fees vary based on age, the speed of service you request and whether you already have a passport.
If your travel plans fit the limitations of the passport card, then it is a budgetfriendly option to obtaining a passport book. Minors under 16 will need to renew their passport every 5 years. It cannot be used for any international air travel. The passport card contains a radio frequency identification chip as well as the traditional photograph and personal information found in a passport book. Feb 21, 2008 the passport book is the same as the original passport you need it when youre going to travel by airplane.
Passport card can be used to enter the united states from canada. People, who are living us border communities, can make use of the passport card. Whats the difference between a passport book and a. A passport card is valid only for land and sea travel. In addition to a regular passport, the passport book, u.
What is the difference between a passport card or book answers. The difference between the two is that one is a card and one is a book. They can be used for land or sea travel to canada, mexico, bermuda. The passport book is the same as the original passport you need it when youre going to travel by airplane. The state departments website offers complete details and an online application form.
Us passport book and passport card online application. Regardless, the passport card that is issued in the united states still has select uses under select circumstances. Passport book booklet style id travel document standard passport book. To begin with, passport cards can not be used for air travel. The difference between passport books and passport cards. A passport card be used for land and sea travel between the united states and canada, mexico, and the caribbean region.
Wondering whats the difference between a passport book and a passport card. If you lose your passport book you still have your passport card and vice versa. The card format passport is for international travel by u. If youre renewing your passport book and passport card, you must submit both documents. Your passport book allows you to travel by land, by sea, or by air. What is the difference between passport book vs card.
I have a passport card but need a passport book to travel. This service is not available for passport card applicants. 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. Learn more about how a passport card differs from a passport book. Passport card is also valid for international travel but by land or sea only. The us passport card can be useful in a number of situations. The processing time of the passport book will be within 4 to 6 weeks. If your cruise departs from florida but stops in jamaica before returning to florida, youll need your passport card. Passport card the standard passport book covers all the bases. It was designed for people who travel frequently between the us and canada, mexico, bermuda or the caribbean by land or sea. There are several options when it comes to forms of identification for travel.
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. Passport book is a globally recognized travel document while passport card is not a globally recognized document. The passport book allows the holder to travel worldwide with proper visa and documentation, while the passport card only allows the holder to travel to and fro neighboring countries such as canada, mexico, bahamas and the caribbean. Whats the difference between a us passport book and 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. Our guide to us passport books will teach you about the different types of passport books so you will understand which one you need and why. The difference between a passport book or card getaway usa. I f youve wondered what the difference is between a passport book and a passport card, youve come to the right place. We want you to know about a few differences between the book. Differences between passport book and passport card. T here are a variety of united states passport books that are issued to travelers for specific reasons. What is the difference between a passport and a passport. Passport books are larger and filled with blank pages used for visas and stamps anytime you enter and exit a country. What is a us passport card, and how can you get one.
A passport card is cheaper than a passport book, but cant be used for air. Passport card cannot be used for international air travel. Whats the difference between a passport book and a passport. What is the difference between a passport card number and a. Passport card cannot be used to acquire travel visas whereas they can be acquired through a passport book.
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. There are, however, some key differences that need to be considered. What is the difference between passport book and card. The us passport card is a credit card sized identification document. Both documents are valid for 10 years for adults 16 and older, and 5 years for those under the age of 16. There are very important differences between the passport card and the passport book. The us passport book vs passport card salon prive mag. What is the differences between passport book vs passport. What is the difference between a passport card or book. The walletsized passport card is designed to be more convenient and less cumbersome than regular passports. The passport card was specifically designed for persons in the northern and southern u. The biggest difference between a passport book and passport card is that. In contrast, a passport card is similar in purpose to a passport book but much more limited in scope. Difference between passport book and passport card compare.
Because the passport card has more limited uses, its less expensive 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. 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. Like the book, passport cards are good for 10 years if you are 16 or older. The us passport card is a small passport card, about the size of a credit card, that contains your photo and identifying information. What is the differences between passport book vs passport card. In this video we explore should you use a passport book or a passport card when you travel. What is the difference between a passport book and a. In this post, well cover the main differences so you know exactly which passport option is right for you.
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. 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. Differences between a passport book and passport card. 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. A passport book is required for all international travel by air. That price difference can be significant for trips across the different borders. The us passport card cannot be used for international air travel. Passport is a must for any person that is looking to internationally travel via any means. A passport card fits in your wallet, making it a more convenient form of id to carry on certain trips.
If you are traveling by air or to most countries, you will need a traditional passport book, with pages for your various visas. Most importantly, a us passport card cant be used for international air travel. A passport book provides valid identification for any national or international travel. Passport book and passport card are commonly used by the citizens of united states these days. 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. Passport book is the common book that is essential for traveling from one country to another country. Passport cards and passport books are no exception. You can travel anywhere in the world with a passport book versus a passport card that only takes you to a handful of places. What is the difference between a passport and a passport card. For any international travel by air, a passport book is a must. Difference between a passport book and passport card. What is the difference between passport book and card answers.
Rush my passport the trusted partner in expedited u. Nov 20, 2017 a passport card allows significantly fewer opportunities for the holder to travel, but often its enough for some. I will be needing to get a passport book within the next couple of years so i can travel to barbados. 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. Oct 07, 2017 wondering whats the difference between a passport book and a passport card. What are the benefits of the passport book vs passport card. Whats the difference between passport book and passport card. A passport book can be used for all international travel. May, 2019 in this video we explore should you use a passport book or a passport card when you travel. Passport cardbasically a limiteduse passport enhanced drivers licenseacts both as a driver license and a travel document, but also with limits. Select both and you will pay additional fees for the passport book and passport card.
Now, the us citizens have an option of applying for a passport book or passport card, or even both. Passport book is valid for international travel by air, sea, or land. The united states passport card is an official identity and limited travel document issued by the. 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 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. You can just slip it in your wallet, right behind your drivers license. The difference between the numbers is two digits and the letter c.
In general, everyone must have a passport book or a regular passport to travel from one country to another. In july of 2008, due to requests from residents along us borders for a more portable and easier application process than a regular passport, the united states department of state began issuing passport cards, a wallet sized identity card usable for international travel by land and sea, valid only for travel to canada, mexico, the. A passport card can be used to enter the us states at land border crossing or seaportsofentry from canada, mexico, the caribbean and bermuda. 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. Processing time of passport book and passport card passport book. Otherwise, the passport card carries the same rights and privileges as the u. All american citizens are required to present a valid passport to exit and reenter the united states.
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 much larger and it contains a series of pages for arrival and departure stamps, along with visas and so on. A passport book and a passport card serve the same purpose of attesting to your u. The walletsize passport card is convenient and less expensive than the passport book. 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. Nov 22, 2019 the passport card is basically an individual credit card sized id card.
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. Passport books are generally more convenient than passport cards, because they allow you to travel internationally without any worry of. 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. Passport card says land or sea travel from us to canada, mexico and the caribbean. Issued also by the us department of state, the passport card is a official identification document, but a limitedtravel document. One is a passport book, the traditional passport with the pages that get stamped. 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. Both the passport book and passport card serve as proof of your u. I have a passport card but need a passport book to travel to barbados. Difference between passport book and passport card. It may often be used as an identity card for purposes other than international travel, such as domestic air travel. The card is smaller and lighter as it is designed to slip inside a wallet. One instance could be, if you want to travel to jamaica, youll need a passport book. Can be used for international travel via land, sea, or air.
The passport book and the passport card are two different unique documents with unique number. When closed, the passport book measures 5 inches by 3. What is the difference between a passport card number and. Passport card is wallet sized document while passport book size is 5. The difference between passport and passport card us. Passport cards are a form of us passport that are the size of a credit card or drivers license. Only available for passport book applicants in the united states not canada. Us passport cards are technically passports, but they are much more limited in their usability. Both the passport card and passport book are proof of your u.
Difference between passport book and passport card u. Like the passport, the passport card is valid for 10 years for adults and for 5 years for minors under the age of 16. Air flight is not included so a passport book is needed, is this correct. Types of us passport books get your passport book today. What is the difference between a passport book and passport card.
The difference between passport books and passport cards the most obvious difference between passport books and passport cards is the design, of course. 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. A us passport card can be used for ground border crossings between the us and canada and the us and mexico, and for some water entries between the us, canada, and some nearby sovereign islands. To apply for or renew both the book and card, check the appropriate box at the top of the form to. Us passport books and us passport cards the differences. Aug 18, 2016 today, united states citizens need a passport to travel to neighboring countries such as mexico and canada. Jun 20, 2019 passport book is a globally recognized travel document while passport card is not a globally recognized document.