State department issues two versions of a passport. 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. A passport card is more affordable than a passport book. However, if youre going on a caribbean cruise departing from the u. You can get both, but you can just choose one, depending on what kind of travel you are planning to do. The primary justification i had for doing so was tha. A passport card is more convenient and less expensive than a passport book, but it cannot be used for international travel by air. What are the benefits of the passport book vs passport card. The passport publication has lots of pages for arrivaldeparture stamps and visas, while the passport card is a id card. I cant submit my passport book, i need it for work. The department of state is issuing this passport card in response to the needs of border resident communities for a less expensive and more portable alternative to the traditional passport book. You will need to fill in an official form and present identification and proof of citizenship. Travel articles do you need a passport or a passport card.
If so, youve probably noticed the option for a passport card. I have a passport card but need a passport book to travel. You should always wear identification, so i would suggest bringing your passport its a must and carry you card in your pocket. 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. How a passport card differs from a passport book dmv. However, if youd like to get a passport card still, you can apply by completing the ds82 passport renewal form. You can use this creditcardsized document to reenter the united states from mexico, canada, bermuda and the caribbean when traveling by land or sea. Passport requirements for travel to jamaica getaway usa. They are valid for five years from the date of issue, just like a minor passport book. Department of state has a simpletoread list of facts. Whats the difference between a passport book and a passport card.
It is smaller and more convenient to carry than a passport book, and it is less expensive to obtain. 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. Whats the difference between a passport book and a. The passport card is also commonly used for travelers that wish to take a cruise but do not plan on ever traveling by plane. If im remembering correctly, you can use your passport card when travelling by land or sea. The passport book allows for all travel, by air, land, and sea and youll need the passport book in order to receive a travel visa. 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. Passports need a passport apply for a passport card. The united states passport card is an official identity and limited travel document issued by the. For children age 15 and under, the passport is valid for 5 years and for adults 16 and older it is valid for 10 years. How to apply for a new passport card rush my passport. A us passport card can only be used for land and sea travel to canada, mexico or the caribbean.
An adult passport card looks similar to a drivers license, and is valid for ten years. 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. To enter the united states at land border crossings or sea portsofentry from canada, mexico, the caribbean, and bermuda, you can use a passport book or a passport card. If any of the following apply to you, you may want to obtain a passport card. The passport book comes as either 28 or 52 pages and is valid for five years. The first step in obtaining a passport card is downloading and filling out the ds11 form. The bahamian government only requires proof of citizenship e. Should americans have both a passport book and a passport card. But if youre not worried about the money or youre just planning to travel more in the future internationally, then a passport book would always be a better option. Ds11 only has options under have you ever had either a passport cardbook for no, loststolen, or submitted with application. It is a credit cardsized, laminated document that is less expensive than the passport book, and discounted further if the traveler also holds a valid passport book, but it is not necessary to have a passport book to get the passport card.
If you fly to jamaica, a passport book is the only acceptable form of identification, despite jamaicas membership of the western hemisphere travel initiative. Minor children will need to have their passports renewed every 5 years until they reach 16 years of age. Here are more details about how to apply for a passport card. In a short period of time, passport services received over 350,000 applications for the passport card. You must have the original copies of all required documents. Any time you board an international flight, you will need a valid us passport book. I read somewhere that a birth certificate is also considered proof of citizenship. You can apply by mail using form ds82 if you have a passport book or card that. If you are thinking about applying for or renewing a u. A passport card is more convenient and less expensive than a passport book. If you dont want to spend the money for the full passport i would save what.
Passport books or passport cards are both valid for 10 years after issue for adults, and five years for travelers under age 16. I recently got my very first united states passport, and i got a passport card at the same time. If you are applying for both a book and a card at the same time, you only need to submit one passport photo. The passport book has plenty of pages for visas and arrivaldeparture stamps, while the passport card is a onepiece creditcardsized id card. Along with allowing for international travel, passports can be used to prove your identity and citizenship, especially when you need multiple forms of identification. If not you should carry your passport book around, but that would be very stressful.
You only need a passport book if you travel by air. The card has the same period of validity as a passport book. Should americans have both a passport book and a passport. With standard processing, you should submit your application no later than 8 weeks before your travel date. Passport cards, like passport books, are valid for 10 years from the date of issue or 5 years, for children age 15 and younger. The passport book is the traditional multipage document that border agents stamp as you travel through. The application process for a passport card is very similar to applying for a passport. 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. A passport card also might be pretty useful for alaska cruises, on condition that all border crossings into canada are done via sea or land. Passport card department of foreign affairs and trade.
The passport card will match the expiry date of your passport book, if you have less than 5 years validity remaining. Conveniently, both the passport book and the passport card have the same renewal period. If theres the slightest possibility that youre going to travel by air in the next 10 years, it would be better if you simply obtain the passport book. The passport book is the most common passport to carry.
If you already hold a passport book, your card will. However, before you apply for a new passport card, consider carefully whether or not you might be better off getting a us passport book. 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. Save yourself hassle with expedited passport services if you dont have the time or patience for applying for your u. 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. Yes, you can use your passport card in order to apply for a passport book. A passport book and a passport card serve the same purpose of attesting to your u. Adults will need to have their passport renewed every 10 years. 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. You cannot use a passport card when traveling by air internationally. Figure out how much time you need before your trip. 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. And, because a passport card is less bulky its similar in size to a drivers license, its easier to carry more securely than a.
Passport the application process is the same for either the passport book or card, even if you want both at the same time. A passport book is a product of the federal government. Visa, mastercard, diners club international and american express cards are accepted. Can you use the passport card for travel to the bahamas. Standard processing takes 46 weeks, not including the time it takes for your new passport book to get to you. All american citizens are required to present a valid passport to exit and reenter the united states. A passport book is required for all international travel by air. Here is a table showing the principal differences between a passport book and a passport card. Department of state passport services recently began issuing the passport card as an alternative to the traditional passport book. What is a us passport card, and how can you get one. 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. We compare the two to help you decide which type of id is best for you. The purpose of the passport book is to allow entry and exit to any country in the world.
However, the passport card cannot be used for travel by plane. The new passport form gives you the option to get a passport card. Because of public health measures to prevent the spread of covid19. The passport book and passport card are both proof of your. Unfortunately, you cannot upgrade your passport card to a passport book. Passport cards are particularly useful for some people. Children too young to get a drivers license or other stateissued identification card.
Differences between a passport book and passport card. If you already have a passport book, you do not need a passport card to travel internationally. People who frequently cross the mexican or canadian border by car or train. It can also be used for domestic air travel in the usa. You wont be able to use a passport card for air travel to or from the island.
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