A passport book and a passport card serve the same purpose of attesting to your u. Oct 23, 2017 passport card versus passport book a passport card will be cheaper than a regular passport for you to obtain. Youll need to submit the same documentation for getting a passport card as you do for a passport book, so getting them both at the same time makes things. Can i renew my passport book to get a passport card and a. If you think you will be traveling to other places outside the us it would be best to go ahead and get a passport book. Passport book vs passport card difference and comparison.
The card is much cheaper, the full fees are below, but both documents are good for 10 years once youre over 16 years old and if you can. You can apply for both the book and card with the same application but it is not required that you obtain both. Its not tied to the validity of your passport book. You can apply for both the book and card with the same application but it is not. Deciding which is best for you boils down to where youre traveling, how frequently you travel. Well clear that up in the article below, and give you a couple good reasons why you may want to have both at the same time. While a passport book is valid for all types of travel land, sea or air to any destination. If youve never had a us passport before, this article outlines how you go about getting a passport book not passport card for the first time if youre living in the us and are an adult.
Your old passport card will be marked cancelled by having one corner clipped off. In such situations, a passport card comes in handy because it is the size of a credit card and fits nicely in a wallet. Department of state passport services recently began issuing the passport card as an alternative to the traditional passport book. You have to go in person to present your application. The application process is the same for either the passport book or card, even if you want both at the same time. Apr 06, 2016 its easy to get a passport card for your child when you apply for their minor passport book. A passport book is valid for all types of travel land, sea or air to any destination. Aug 10, 2012 a passport book is bigger than a passport card. 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. 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.
United states citizens can get either a passport book or a passport card for their. 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 recently got my very first united states passport, and i got a passport card at the same time. If you are applying for a passport, youll need to consider whether to get a passport book or a passport card. Passport books are likely what you think of when you imagine a passport. 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. Well help you determine whether you want or need to pay extra for the passport card. While youre not absolutely required to have a government issued photo id to fly domestically, having one will surely make it. Oct 07, 2017 whether you get the passport book card both are valid for 10 years. I applied for both a passport book and a passport card.
Nov 19, 2010 on the website, it shows the fee for getting a passport book and card at the same time. United states citizens can get either a passport book or a passport card for their travels abroad. Whether you get the passport bookcard both are valid for 10 years. Can i apply for a passport card and passport book using the same. Mar 18, 2020 the passport book has plenty of pages for visas and arrivaldeparture stamps, while the passport card is a onepiece credit card sized id card. Both passport books and cards are valid for 10 years, so if it fits your travel plans, the passport. Both the passport book and passport card serve as proof of your u. Passport the application process is the same for either the passport book or card, even if you want both at the same time. 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. While the passport card is more convenient due to its size, it is far more restricted in use than the passport book. Passport card frequently asked questions with answers. 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.
All you have to do is mark the passport application to show you are requesting both the passport book and passport card. You can definitely get both, but if you already have the passport book, theres no real need to obtain the card. Its a small booklet with a semirigid dark blue cover and it allows for reentry anywhere. Whats the difference between a passport book and a. Passport card versus passport book should i get a passport. When you apply for a passport card, youll spend less money than you would when. If you think having both will serve your purpose, then go ahead and get them. Although, keep in mind, while both can be used as forms of id when traveling, the passport card has some restrictions. 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. 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. Jul 29, 2019 a passport book is what most people think of when you say a passport.
Your new passport card will be valid for 10 years from the date that it is issued. I f youve wondered what the difference is between a passport book and a passport card, youve come to the right place. In this post, you will get the benefits of having both documents. Apply for a passport card united states department of state. However, keep in mind that the book is more expensive than the card.
These rules do not apply to cruises roundtrip from san juan, puerto rico, as the. A passport card is more convenient and less expensive than a passport book, but it cannot be used for international travel by air. We want you to know about a few differences between the book and card so you can decide if you want to apply for one or both documents. Differences between a passport book and passport card. As stated, the passport book and the passport card are not the same. Oct 16, 2017 the passport book and passport card are both proof of your citizenship and identity while traveling outside of the us. I will be traveling this february to mexico cruise and would prefer to renew my passport just in case of an emergency. Wait times can vary, depending on how quickly individuals need their documents, and the quicker the service, the more candidates should expect to pay. Some countries require you to carry your passport with you at all times. To start, you will need to know whether you want a passport book, passport card, or both.
Should i get a passport book, card, or both for a cruise. Passport books are valid for all international travel, no matter what the mode of transit is. Cant think of any reason that it would matter which way i went, so just want to get opinions. You can apply for both the book and card with the same application but it is. Yes, passport cards can be renewed just like passport books.
Sometimes it makes life more convenient to have both a passport book and a card, and carry them both on your international travel. You are not limited to how or where you travel if you obtain a passport book. The best way to cover all bases is to get both a passport card and standard passport, which you can easily do the next time you renew your passport. The passport book is the regular passport that youve seen before. Should americans have both a passport book and a passport card. If you get a passport book and card at the same time, they will expire at the same time. A passport card is cheaper than a passport book, but cant be used for air travel and. If i apply for a passport card now, how long will it be valid. On the top of the ds82 application for passport renewal, you can select both.
Should you choose a passport book or a passport card. Get a passport card with your passport renewal g3passports. You can apply for both the book and card with the same application but it is not requried that you obtain both. If you already only have the passport book, you can get the passport card as well when you apply for your next passport renewal. Getting a passport isnt that difficult, but it can be a bit of a hassle as there are several steps to take. Of course, in theory its only officially valid for international land or sea travel between the united states, canada, mexico, the caribbean and bermuda. All american citizens are required to present a valid passport to exit and reenter the united states.
Jun 16, 2016 my passport book was issued two years ago and has eight years validity remaining. Can i renew my passport book to get a passport card and a name change. Carry both the passport card and the passport book in case of an emergency and you need to fly home. May 10, 2010 while traveling domestically, if my state drivers license is lost or stolen, i wont be able to get a new one until i return home.
Feb 23, 2010 if you are driving, a passport card will be sufficient. Since it can be used at any border crossing and some countries require a visa for entry, the pages are used for visa stamps. How long does it take to get a passport card or book. One question we see a lot online is what is a passport card. The passport book has plenty of pages for visas and arrivaldeparture stamps, while the passport card is a onepiece creditcardsized id card. Jun, 2019 how to get a us passport book first time. A passport card fits in your wallet, making it a more convenient form of id to carry on certain trips. Whats the difference between a passport book and a passport. How to get a passport card when renewing your passport. Once you know the differences between these documents, you can decide between requesting a passport card vs passport book. 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.
Due to this, each one possesses its own particular upsides and downsides, meaning that each one might be bettersuited to some people out there than the other. Enhanced drivers license many people may not know but depending on the. How a passport card differs from a passport book dmv. If you ever want to fly to another country or even do a cruise outside of the countries where the cards are valid, get the book.
Youll need to submit both documents when you do your next renewal. Enhanced drivers license many people may not know but depending on the state that you live in a third option is available to you. If youre renewing your passport book and passport card, you must submit both documents. You may have heard about the passport card that the united states department of state now issues. The validity for both adults and children are the same as a passport card. Should americans have both a passport book and a passport. Passport books or passport cards are both valid for 10 years after issue for adults, and five years for travelers under age 16. A passport card is an acceptable id for flying domestically, according to tsa. The state departments website offers complete details and an online application form.
If you can submit a passport book, but you lost your. Passport books or passport cards are both valid for 10 years after issue for adults. They are good if you are traveling by land or sea to canada, mexico or the caribbean. Both passport cards and books are also acceptable on shore excursions. Both passport books and cards are valid for 10 years, so if it fits your travel. If you have a valid passport book, you do not have to get a passport card as well. For those of you who are about to get a us passport renewed or getting one for the first time, there is something called a passport card its biometric and usually only good between rail, boat and car in canadamexicobermuda etc but it is proof that you do own a us passport. Should i get a passport card and a standard passport. Youll need to submit the same documentation for getting a passport card as you do for a passport book, so getting them both at the same time.
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