Passport card is wallet sized document while passport book size is 5. Also, you cannot expect to carry a card while traveling by air. Can be used for international travel via land, sea, or air. One is a passport book, the traditional passport with the pages that get stamped. One instance could be, if you want to travel to jamaica, youll need a passport book.
While the passport card is more convenient due to its size, it is far more restricted in use than the passport book. In the united states, travelers have two options to use for international travel. First of all, a passport card can be used for travel by sea to barbados. Persons who already have a passport book and are eligible to file form ds82 can apply for a passport card through mail using the ds82 even if it is for their first passport card. The card is smaller and lighter as it is designed to slip inside a wallet. A passport card is cheaper to get but is only valid for trav. 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. Key differences passport book is valid for international travel by air, sea, or land. You must renew your passport book at the same time that your apply for your passport card so your passport book and card have the same number. 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. Oct 05, 2018 if so, youve probably noticed the option for a passport card. Difference between a passport book and passport card.
The passport book is a thin cardboard cover with your picture and information inside it. The passport card is a very handy tool to have in your vital document wallet. If issued for the full validity, they are both proof of your u. You can travel anywhere in the world with a passport book versus a passport card that only takes you to a handful of places. Well help you determine whether you want or need to pay extra for the passport card. I will be needing to get a passport book within the next couple of years so i can travel to barbados. Adult passport cards remain valid for 10 years and cards issued to children under 16 years of age for five years. However, it is important that you understand how these items differ so you can choose the one that is best for you. What are the benefits of the passport book vs passport card. You can apply for both the book and card with the same application but it is not requried that you obtain both. Jun 20, 2019 passport book is a globally recognized travel document while passport card is not a globally recognized document. If youre thinking of going on a cruise, the passport card might be nice when you need a. What is the difference between passport book and card answers.
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. The state departments website offers complete details and an online application form. The passport card is far more convenientand cheaper due to its credit card size. I have a passport card but need a passport book to travel to barbados. Any time you board an international flight, you will need a valid us passport book.
You only need a passport book if you travel by air. Besides the physical size and format, both passport book and passport card can be used as a. The major difference between a passport book and a passport card lies in the scope they offer for international travels. Once you determine which passport can support your travel plans, you may submit your passport application for your desired document. How a passport card differs from a passport book using passport books vs. 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. In this case, you would apply for a passport renewal by mail. As the name suggests, an enhanced drivers license edl is a driver license with a few extra perks. The traditional us passport book is what you would expect from a. 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.
What is the difference between passport book and passport card. However, it doesnt always make sense to have only the passport card. However, they are more expensive to both apply for and renew, and are bulkier. A passport book is valid for all types of travel land, sea or air to any destination. 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. 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. No, your book and card will have two completely different numbers. The passport book is valid for travel anywhere and is. The passport book is the same as the original passport you need it when youre going to travel by airplane. A passport card is cheaper to get but is only valid for travel to canada, mexico and the caribbean islands. Difference between a passport book and passport card categorized under legal difference between a passport book and passport card u. Differences between a passport book and passport card. Air flight is not included so a passport book is needed, is this correct.
You can use the passport card when traveling in the european union, the european economic area which includes iceland, liechtenstein and norway and switzerland. In this video we explore should you use a passport book or a passport card when you travel. When closed, the passport book measures 5 inches by 3. The passport card is not valid for international air travel. How a passport card differs from a passport book dmv. 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. All american citizens are required to present a valid passport to exit and reenter the united states. There are very important differences between the passport card and the passport book. In october 2015, ireland became one of the first countries in the world to launch a passport card. However, the passport card cannot be used for travel by plane.
The difference between a passport book or card getaway usa. Passport cards are wallet sized while the passport book is larger and thicker. To protect yourself against emergency situations, go with a passport book, which covers all international travel by air, sea or land. What is the difference between a passport card number and. What is the difference between a passport card or book answers. State department issues two versions of a passport. The passport book has lots of pages for visas and arrivaldeparture stamps. It displays your photo, name, issuing and expiration dates and your place of birth. We may be compensated if you make a purchase via a link on this site. For example, an edl resembles a passport card in that it. You are not limited to how or where you travel if you obtain a passport book. We want you to know about a few differences between the book and card so you can. In conclusion, the passport book versus passport card is important to know.
Here is a table showing the principal differences between a passport book and a passport card. Passport card department of foreign affairs and trade. 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. Oct 07, 2017 wondering whats the difference between a passport book and a passport card. If you are traveling by air or to most countries, you will need a traditional passport book, with pages for your various visas. The biggest difference between a passport book and passport card is that passport cards are only valid to enter canada, mexico, bermuda, and. As passport books allows more activities as compare to passport card so they tend. In this post, well cover the main differences so you know exactly which passport option is right for you. Check out the differences between the two types of passport. 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. Aug 10, 2012 a passport book is bigger than a passport card. Not only do they look different, they serve slightly different purposes.
If your cruise departs from florida but stops in jamaica before returning to florida, youll need your passport card. Passport book vs passport card difference and comparison diffen. Apr 12, 2014 the us passport card 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. United states citizens can get either a passport book or a passport card for their. 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 difference between the numbers is two digits and the letter c. Whats the difference between a passport book and a passport. We have three kids and there is a pretty big price difference between the types of passports. When you apply for a passport card, youll spend less money than you would when.
Passport book vs passport card difference and comparison. The passport card is a cheaper alternative to the passport book. Passport card cannot be used to acquire travel visas whereas they can be acquired through a passport book. Passport card is less expensive than a passport book. Whats the difference between a passport book and a. A passport book commonly called a passport, is used for travel anywhere in the world by air, land sea. The process of applying for or renewing a passport card is the same process thats used for the passport book.
That price difference can be significant for trips across the different borders. The other is the passport card, which is just like a drivers license. A passport card fits in your wallet, making it a more convenient form of id to carry on certain trips. The difference between passport and passport card us. What is a us passport card, and how can you get one.
Difference between passport book and passport card. Passport books are generally more convenient than passport cards, because they allow you to travel internationally without any worry of restrictions. The passport card allows irish citizens to travel to 31 countries, including european union member states, the european economic area eea countries, and switzerland, without needing to carry their passport book. I currently have a passport card that was issued in june 2009. 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. Passport book numbers are 9 numerals long, and passport cards start with the letter c followed by 8 numerals. Only available for passport book applicants in the united states not canada. Passport books, which are more common, are bigger and have a lot of blank pages used for departure and arrival stamps and visa stickers. Will my passport card have the same number as my passport book. The card format passport is for international travel by u. Firsttime passport card applicants who do not have a passport book traditional passport must go in person to a passport application facility, such as a post office or courthouse, and submit a completed passport application form, proof of us citizenship, one passport photo and the required fee.
Here we briefly discuss those differences one by one. Yes, you can use your passport card in order to apply for a passport book. Just as the name suggests, a passport card is a walletsized laminated card that resembles the photo page of a passport book. 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. Launching the irish passport card department of foreign. The passport card contains the same information as a passport book, with a size similar to a laminated stateissued drivers license. Passport books and cards are alternatives to a stateissued id. 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. The main downside is that it can only be used for travel. A passport book is valid for all types of travel land. 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 and a passport.
Nov 20, 2017 a passport card allows significantly fewer opportunities for the holder to travel, but often its enough for some. But, whats the difference between a passport book vs card. People wanting to apply for a passport card in person need to use the form ds11. Whats the difference between a us passport book and card. If you are wondering about the difference between a passport book and card, you are not alone. Its in the form of a booklet and states your name, birthday.
Passport book has been in use for a longer period than the passport card. I f youve wondered what the difference is between a passport book and a passport card, youve come to the right place. Aug 18, 2016 one is a passport book, the traditional passport with the pages that get stamped. A passport book and a passport card serve the same purpose of attesting to your u. 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. What is the difference between a passport card or book. The passport card was created for people who live near american borders and frequently drive into canada or mexico. They have been available to us citizens since 2008, and are meant to be a convenient way to prove your identity and citizenship. You can just slip it in your wallet, right behind your drivers license. What is the difference between a passport card number and a. They have been available to us citizens since 2008, and are meant to be a. The us state department uses different number formats for books and cards. There are several options when it comes to forms of identification for travel. The us passport card is a small passport card, about the size of a credit card, that contains your photo and identifying information.
Both documents are valid for 10 years for adults 16 and older, and 5 years for those under the age of 16. Save yourself hassle with expedited passport services if you dont have the time or patience for applying for your u. Whats the difference between a passport book and a passport card. What is the differences between passport book vs passport. Travel requirements with the growing threat of global terrorism, all traveling us citizens are required to possess more specific documentation than in the past. Any frequent traveler knows how pricey foreign travel can get. What is the difference between a passport book and passport card.
The passport book and the passport card are two different unique documents with unique number. The traditional passport book is still required for most travel purposes. 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. Both types, passport books and passport cards, exist in the united states of america. Visa, mastercard, diners club international and american express cards are accepted. Difference between passport book and passport card compare. You can now apply for a passport book and a passport card. In addition to a regular passport, the passport book, u. What is the difference between a passport book and. Differences between passport card and passport book there are several differences between a passport card and a passport book if we talk about uses, validity, size, and cost of the two passports. I have a passport card but need a passport book to travel to. The most obvious difference between passport books and passport cards is the design, of course.
Whats the difference between passport book and passport card. To apply for or renew both the book and card, check the appropriate box at the top of the form to. A passport is an official document that allows you to leave your country and go abroad. Passport card frequently asked questions with answers. In contrast, a passport card is similar in purpose to a passport book but much more limited in scope. Passport card says land or sea travel from us to canada, mexico and the caribbean. However, it doesnt always make sense to have only the passport card, especially if you plan to travel by plane overseas.
The passport card will match the expiry date of your passport book, if you have less than 5 years validity remaining. Passport cards are a form of us passport that are the size of a credit card or drivers license. What is the differences between a passport book vs card with additional information and requirement for getting both a card and book. What is the difference between passport book and card. The passport book has plenty of pages for visas and arrivaldeparture. This service is not available for passport card applicants. See the chart below to decide which is best for you. What is the difference between a passport book and a. The applicant can concurrently apply for a passport book renewal. However, the card was created to facilitate the frequent travel of. What is the difference between a passport and a passport card. In general, everyone must have a passport book or a regular passport to travel from one country to another. The first thing most people will experience is the difference in look and size of the passport.
What is the difference between a passport book and a passport. The passport book and the passport card are both valid passport that will attest to your identity as well as citizenship. Passport books are likely what you think of when you imagine a passport. This is a privately owned website and not a government agency. 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. 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. I have a passport card but need a passport book to travel. 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. See below the differences between a passport book vs. What is the differences between passport book vs passport card. It has several pages for visas and travel documents. The passport card is more convenient smaller and less expensive than the traditional passport book. The walletsized passport card is designed to be more convenient and less cumbersome than regular passports.
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