A passport book provides valid identification for any national or international travel. The us passport book vs passport card salon prive mag. Passport books are likely what you think of when you imagine a passport a bookletstyle identification and travel document. Minors under 16 will need to renew their passport every 5 years.
However, the passport card cannot be used for travel by plane. In this video we explore should you use a passport book or a passport card when you travel. Passport book is a globally recognized travel document while passport card is not a globally recognized document. Difference between passport book and passport card compare. When a passport card might be just what you need for travel. The passport book is valid for all international travel.
What is the differences between passport book vs passport card. A passport book commonly called a passport, is used for travel anywhere in the world by air, land sea. H ave you ever wished your passport could fit inside your wallet. 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. As such, the passport card is adjudicated to the exact standards as 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 center or from the date you request expedited service. Jan 22, 2020 passport cards for adults age 16 and older. The difference between a passport book or card getaway usa. That means you cannot use the passport card for air travel.
You must have the original copies of all required documents. The passport card cannot be used for international air travel. Jan 11, 2019 some visas may require a sticker that can take up one full page in your passport book. It may often be used as an identity card for purposes other than international travel, such as domestic air travel.
Passport card the standard passport book covers all the bases. It is smaller and more convenient to carry than a passport book, and it is less expensive to obtain. The passport card is a fully valid passport that attests to the u. Passport card department of foreign affairs and trade.
If you find yourself frequently traveling to canada or mexico but not so much the rest of the world, a passport card is one way to help pinch some pennies. 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. It was introduced on july 18th, 2008 and over 7 million passport cards have been issued since then. Passport cards are also only valid in mexico, bermuda, canada and the caribbean. There are few travelers in this world who arent interested in trying to save money while on vacation. The passport book is designed with heavy travel in mind. There are very important differences between the passport card and the passport book. You are not limited to how or where you travel if you obtain a passport book. 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. Learn more about how a passport card differs from a passport book. The total amount will depend on the service you require and any additional services you might need or want.
What are the benefits of the passport book vs passport card. For domestic travel, the passport card is easier to carry because its walletsized. State department issues two versions of a passport. Difference between a passport book and passport card. The passport book has lots of pages for visas and arrivaldeparture stamps. Jun 20, 2019 passport card is wallet sized document while passport book size is 5. Like the book, passport cards are good for 10 years if you are 16 or older. Oct 05, 2018 if so, youve probably noticed the option for a passport card. There is a mandatory passport application fee for most services. If so, youve probably noticed the option for a passport card.
A passport card is the same size as a drivers license, and is official proof of your identity and us citizenship. What is a us passport card, and how can you get one. As far as restrictions go, there are none with the passport book. Differences between a passport book and passport card. 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. If you already have a passport, use form ds82 to apply for a passport card by mail and avoid the execution fee. Applying for a new passport or passport card quicklyeither before or after the april 2 deadline passesmay be a good idea. You can get a us passport card, whether or not you currently hold a passport book. The passport book and the passport card have the same validity which is 10 years for children 15 years old or younger, the validity is only 5 years. Use the 2020 passport fees table to help you calculate the cost of getting your passport.
Whats the difference between a us passport book and card. The passport card is a cheaper alternative to the passport book. May, 2019 in this video we explore should you use a passport book or a passport card when you travel. Any us citizen wishing to travel internationally via air must have a passport book. 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.
There are several options when it comes to forms of identification for travel. See the chart below to decide which is best for you. Since the passport card is apparently worthless, it is better to leave that than your actual passport. The passport card is only valid for land and sea travel to canada, mexico, and the caribbean. You can use this creditcardsized document to reenter the united states from mexico, canada, bermuda and the caribbean when traveling by land or sea. If you are 16 or older, your passport book is good for 10 years.
Some visas may require a sticker that can take up one full page in your passport book. For most forms of international travel which you might wish to do in the future, a passport book is required. See below the differences between a passport book vs. If youre leaving for an international trip, your passport is the one essential item you cant leave home without. To begin with, passport cards can not be used for air travel. 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. However, people find a passport card more convenient and accessible when carrying. The passport card is designed to be a less expensive and more.
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. It is even cheaper to buy both a passport and passport card at one time. The passport book and the passport card are both valid passport that will attest to your identity as well as citizenship. 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.
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. Passport fees 2020 for routine and expedited services. Aside from the size, a passport book and a passport card difference is that the latter cannot be used when traveling abroad via air, the passport book is required. Passport card is wallet sized document while passport book size is 5. Aug 10, 2012 passport cards and passport books are no exception. Nov 22, 2019 the cost between passport book vs passport card. 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. In general, everyone must have a passport book or a regular passport to travel from one country to another. However, the card was created to facilitate the frequent travel of. 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. Most us passports have a dark blue cover, and contain 28 pages.
If issued for the full validity, they are both proof of your u. Find uses and advantages of a passport book and a passport card and figure out which one is best for you, or if you should have both documents. However, it is possible to damage a passport book so its best to carry a passport protector or wallet to keep it safe. A passport card is less expensive than a traditional passport book. 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 book and passport. There are, however, some key differences that need to be considered. Visa, mastercard, diners club international and american express cards are accepted. Only available for passport book applicants in the united states not canada. Difference between passport book and passport card. You can use this credit card sized document to reenter the united states from mexico, canada, bermuda and the caribbean when traveling by land or sea. 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.
Can be used for international travel via land, sea, or air. Both fees are collected and retained by law even if a passport is not issued. You cannot use a passport card when traveling by air internationally. Passport book vs passport card difference and comparison. As passport books allows more activities as compare to passport card so they tend to cost more as well. 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. The passport card will match the expiry date of your passport book, if you have less than 5 years validity remaining. Younger children will need to renew their passport after 5 years. Applicants must provide documents which attest to their u.
This service is not available for passport card applicants. S citizens that want to travel by land or sea to canada, mexico, and the caribbean. 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. Also, if you get a passport card separately from your passport, it has a different number and expiration date also costs a bit more. Again, this is only if you want a passport card but youve never had a passport before.
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