State department issues two versions of a passport. Any us citizen wishing to travel internationally via air must have a passport book. 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. However, it has a great number of limitations, so clients requesting a passport card should give serious consideration to applying for a passport book as well. Differences between a passport book and passport card. 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. Your passport book allows you to travel by land, by sea, or by air. How to apply for a new passport card rush my passport. Passport card is wallet sized document while passport book size is 5. So, passport cards are cheaper and more convenient. Passport card fees is determine by the state department and is standard. As passport books allows more activities as compare to passport card so they tend to cost more as well. The application fee for a passport card is also lower than the passport book.
The passport card cannot be used for international travel by air. 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. Only one execution fee is charged for an individual applying for both a card and book at the same time. However, it is possible to damage a passport book so its best to carry a passport protector or wallet to keep it safe. You can use the irish passport card for travel within the european. There are few travelers in this world who arent interested in trying to save money while on vacation. I f youve wondered what the difference is between a passport book and a passport card, youve come to the right place. Because the passport card has more limited uses, its less expensive than the passport book. However, before you apply for a new passport card, consider carefully whether or not you might be better off getting a us passport book. A passport card can be used to enter the us states at land border crossing or seaportsof. What is the difference between a passport book and. When a passport card might be just what you need for travel.
Us passport books and us passport cards the differences. Both the passport book and passport card serve as proof of your u. However, the passport card cannot be used for travel by plane. 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. The passport book vs card question is one you may have if you are a firsttime international traveler. The passport card will match the expiry date of your passport book, if you have less than 5 years validity remaining. I have a passport card but need a passport book to travel. Passport the application process is the same for either the passport book or card, even if you want both at the same time.
The adult and minor passport card fees are about the same. The total amount will depend on the service you require and any additional services you might need or want. If youre a frequent traveler to canada or mexico by land or sea, then the passport card can be a budgetfriendly option. The fee is not as high as a passport book since it is use for some countries. To be considered as an adult you must be 16 or older, and to be. Also, if you get a passport card separately from your passport, it has a different number and expiration date also costs a bit more.
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. The passport book is designed with heavy travel in mind. That means you cannot use the passport card for air travel. The passport card is a cheaper alternative to the passport book. What are the benefits of the passport book vs passport card. If so, youve probably noticed the option for a passport card. Fees vary based on age, the speed of service you request and whether you already have a passport. Simply scan your passport and skip the long lines at customs. There are very important differences between the passport card and the passport book. The passport card is only valid for land and sea travel to canada, mexico, and the caribbean. Passport card fees how does the passport card fees.
Us passport book vs us passport card us visa connection. However, people find a passport card more convenient and accessible when carrying. Use the 2020 passport fees table to help you calculate the cost of getting your passport. You cannot use a passport card when traveling by air internationally. This is a privately owned website and not a government agency. The passport card is not valid for any air travel, including to canada and mexico. Our fees listed on this page are for those applying for or renewing their passport in the united states and renewing by mail from canada. 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 currently have a passport card that was issued in june 2009. A passport card is more convenient and less expensive than a passport book, but it cannot be used for international travel by air. If issued for the full validity, they are both proof of your u.
It gives travelers access to a special expedited lane to get through customs fast. Both of these documents give you the ability to travel outside of the country. Learn more about how a passport card differs from a passport book. The passport card is cheaper to obtain than the passport book. 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. Weigh the cost of a passport versus a passport card. I have a passport card but need a passport book to travel to barbados. The passport card has one fee for us citizens when you apply for the first time, and another fee when you already have a passport. 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. What is the difference between validity of the passport book and passport card. The department of stateissued documentswhich allow u. You must have the original copies of all required documents.
This card provides a smaller, less expensive alternative for people who frequently travel between the united states and these countries. Passport book is a globally recognized travel document while passport card is not a globally recognized document. Us passport book and passport card online application. Like the traditional passport book, it reflects the bearers origin, identity, and nationality and is. It was designed for people who travel frequently between the u.
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. 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. Visa, mastercard, diners club international and american express cards are accepted. Although it carries the same rights and privileges of the u. Since the passport card is apparently worthless, it is better to leave that than your actual passport. Its a small booklet with a semirigid dark blue cover and it allows for reentry anywhere. 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. It is smaller and more convenient to carry than a passport book, and it is less expensive to obtain. A passport book provides valid identification for any national or international travel. If youre leaving for an international trip, your passport is. It is required during the international travel via air, land or sea. Passport fees 2020 for routine and expedited services. The difference between a passport book or card getaway usa. Some visas may require a sticker that can take up one full page in your passport book.
The passport card shares the same validity period as the passport book. There are different passport card fees depending on if you are an adult or a minor. How a passport card differs from a passport book dmv. We may be compensated if you make a purchase via a link on this site. Mobile passport is a favorite mobile app among travelers. Since people abroad may not be familiar with every u. While youre not absolutely required to have a government issued photo id to fly domestically, having one will surely make it.
Department of state expedite fee paid per application, in addition to. No passport or passport card is required to travel to overseas u. See the chart below to decide which is best for you. What is the difference between a passport book and a. A passport book is required for all international travel by air. Passport card department of foreign affairs and trade. Adults applying for a passport the first timeand children under age 16must use form ds11 and apply in person. While that might seem like a pretty penny, your passport book is valid for ten years if youre an. The us passport card is a credit cardsized identification document. A us passport card can only be used for land and sea travel to canada, mexico or the caribbean. Difference between passport book and passport card. The passport book has lots of pages for visas and arrivaldeparture stamps. A passport card is an acceptable id for flying domestically, according to tsa.
It can also be used for domestic air travel in the usa. However, each of these items comes with certain restrictions regarding when you can use them. It fits in most wallets, and is more resistant to damage as it does not have any pages. This is the base fee and does not include any fees to expedite.
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