Should you get a passport book and card

Most people who use the card prefer it for the convenience of carrying and storing it. Passport book vs passport card for kids the dis disney. With standard processing, you should submit your application no later than 8 weeks before your travel date. But if you live in vermont, new york, michigan, or washington, you can get an enhanced drivers license which works the same places a passport card does, and is. Below is a brief, noncomprehensive cost breakdown of each option. To enter canada, your passport book or card must be valid at the time of entry. Difference between passport book and passport card. When you get ready to renew your passport, make sure you have the actual physical book or card.

You cannot use a passport card when traveling by air internationally. Passport cards are wallet sized while the passport book is larger and thicker. 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. However, keep in mind that the book is more expensive than the card. All you have to do is mark the passport application to show you are requesting both the passport book and passport card. These rules do not apply to cruises roundtrip from san juan, puerto rico.

Yes, you can get a passport card instead of a passport book if you plan to travel to canada by land. Getting your us passport as easily and quickly as possible. I have a passport card but need a passport book to travel to. 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 easier.

Jun 09, 2019 if you make infrequent trips between the us and canada and or mexico by land and are not a frequent cruise passenger to the caribbean and you live in a state that provides a real id compliant drivers license yet you travel internationally by plane, it would make sense to get a passport book and not pay the extra money for a passport card. If you already have a passport book, you might be able to apply for your very first passport card by mail. However, it doesnt always make sense to have only the passport card. Also, if you get a passport card separately from your passport, it has a different number and expiration date also costs a bit more. Depending on where you are traveling outside of the u. 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 get a passport card for a minor, you must pay two fees.

Passport books or passport cards are both valid for 10 years after issue for adults, and five years for travelers under age 16. You must have the original copies of all required documents. You only need to submit one photograph with your application for a passport renewal and passport card. Keep your passport card and your passport book in separate places when you travel, and if you lose one, hopefully you will still have the other one. As others have noted, its mostly useful for surface crossings between the us and canada or mexico. Department of state passport services recently began issuing the passport card as an alternative to the traditional passport book. They are valid for five years from the date of issue, just like a minor passport book.

The card has the same validity period as a passport book. The last thing you or your family would want in the case of a medical emergency is to be delayed while awaiting the nearest local us embassy to issue and get you a temporary passport book. Nov 19, 2010 the requirement is to carry a passport book, if you do not want to carry your passport book for fear of theft then it is better to carry a photo copy of the photo page of your passport book not a passport card. Below, weve summarized the differences between a passport card and the standard passport book. Passports are not required of passengers on a closedloop cruise. If you lose your passport book you still have your passport card and vice versa. May 10, 2010 the passport cards usefulness as an international travel identification document is so limited, its not adequate for most of its intended use. The passport card is a very handy tool to have in your vital document wallet. Is a question frequently asked by our readers if you are traveling to mexico, canada, and the caribbean as a u. You can also get both the passport book and card for an extra fee.

In this case, you would apply for a passport renewal by mail. When you apply for a passport card, you ll spend less money than you would when applying for a passport book. Passport cards requested by mail are always shipped back. Since the passport card is apparently worthless, it is better to leave that than your actual passport. You cannot use the passport card for international air travel, nor can you use it for travel to other international destinations. In order to apply for your first passport card, you ll need the same documentation you need to apply for a passport book. Passport book is valid for international travel by air, sea, or land. If so, you ve probably noticed the option for a passport card. You can only get a passport card with a passport book as part of a bundle which is an option you can select when renewing your childs passport online. Applicants need to understand how to get a passport before they begin planning their international trips.

Differences between a passport book and passport card. 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 you are also applying for a renewal of your passport book and you opt for expedited service by mail, your passport book will arrive in 23 weeks, but your passport card may arrive in a separate envelope several weeks later. Aug 10, 2012 in order to apply for your first passport card, you ll need the same documentation you need to apply for a passport book. If you have a us passport book, there really is no need to get the passport card. Can i get a passport card so i dont have to pay extra for. We compare the two to help you decide which type of id is best. Jun, 2019 figure out how much time you need before your trip. If so, youve probably noticed the option for a passport card. Any time you board an international flight, you will need a valid us passport book.

So is it really a competition between a passport book and a passport card. But, the passport card can only be used for international travel by land and sea. Passport card department of foreign affairs and trade. There is no reason to ever get a passport card, unless you only travel to canada, mexico or caribbean. Routine and expedited processing times include mailing time. Should i get a us passport card along with my passport. You can apply by mail using form ds82 if you have a passport book or card that. United states citizens can get either a passport book or a passport card for their. So, if you are a frequent flyer or will travel internationally, a passport book is the best choice. If you have a valid passport book, you do not have to get a passport card as well. You will also need a new passport photo, a completed ds82 if submitting by mail and the application fee. If you have lost your passport, you may have to show some additional documentation such as a copy of your official birth certificate or other. 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. You should know there are restrictions on a passport card.

Jun 02, 2018 if you got any questions about whether you need a passport book or card, please contact travel visa pro we are always ready to help you. You can make quite money with such bars, so go for it and find as many bars as possible that dont accept your government id and ask you lawyer to sue the hell out of them for discrimination because this would be the only reason why they didnt accept and official government. If you are applying for a passport, youll need to consider whether to get a passport book or a passport card. Passport cards are only valid for canada, mexico, and the caribbean. Adult passports are valid for 10 years and may be renewed by mail. 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 a short period of time, passport services received over 350,000 applications for the passport card. This usually does not even satisfy the requirement but does buy you some time in order to produce your real passport book. Jun 20, 2019 passport book is valid for international travel by air, sea, or land. If you are traveling within 2 weeks or need a foreign visa within 4 weeks, you should make an appointment at a passport agency or center.

If you are applying for both a book and a card at the same time, you only need to submit one passport photo. Feb 12, 2019 you can also apply for the passport book and the passport card at the same time when youre utilizing the ds11 new passport application for new passport. In order to apply for a passport book by mail, your current passport must meet the following requirements. A passport card is a state id, any bar that doesnt accept a passport card can be sued for not following state law. Please contact npic if you do not receive the second or third mailing within 10 business days of the previous mailing. If you are applying for a passport, you ll need to consider whether to get a passport book or a passport card. Us passport book and passport card online application. The application process is the same for either the passport book or card, even if you want both at the same time. If you are traveling outside the united states via air travel, you will still need a traditional passport book as a passport card is not valid for air travel. Figure out how much time you need before your trip. If you plan to travel by air, then you will need a passport book. A passport book is required for all international travel by air.

As passport books allows more activities as compare to passport card so they tend to cost more as well. Having a passport card also gives you a quasiofficial backup passport. Both the passport book and passport card serve as proof of your u. The processing times below apply to all passport services. Oct 05, 2018 if so, you ve probably noticed the option for 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 a document you would use to travel by land or sea.

Keep in mind that if you do have the card, you will need to complete a new application for the book. You have to go in person to present your application. Is there any reason i should get a us passport card in. Yes, passport cards can be renewed just like passport books. Applying for a passport card by mail will take up to 8 weeks. If you need an emergency passport for immediate international travel or for. If i already have a passport book, can i use the ds82 to get a passport card. Adults who already have a fully valid passport book may apply for the card as a.

Note, you must apply for the passport card in your current legal name. 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. If you plan to travel by air or wish to visit a country other than canada, mexico, bermuda or one of the other caribbean island nations, you should apply for a passport book instead. 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. Can i renew my passport book to get a passport card and a. Passport cards cannot be used for international air travel, even within the 19 mostly caribbean countries that accept the cards at land or sea ports. Passport card is wallet sized document while passport book size is 5. Beyond these countries, you cannot use a passport card for reentry. Yes, you can use your passport card in order to apply for a passport book. If youre thinking of going on a cruise, the passport card might be nice when you need a from of identification to get on and off the ship.

The passport card is a wallet side document that will be used to expedite document processing from the u. Passport cards are particularly useful for some people. So get a passport card because it will make your travels slightly easier. Both the passport card and passport book are proof of your u. Passport card is also valid for international travel but by land or sea only. 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. It can also be used for domestic air travel in the usa. Get a passport card with your passport renewal g3passports. 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. The state departments website offers complete details and an online application form. Once you know the differences between these documents, you can decide between requesting a passport card vs passport book. So, let us discuss the benefits of a passport card and a passport book.

The passport book has plenty of pages for visas and arrivaldeparture stamps, while the passport card is a onepiece creditcardsized id card. Select both and you will pay additional fees for the passport book and passport card. 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. In conclusion, the passport book versus passport card is important to know. You only need a passport book if you travel by air. The department of state is issuing the passport card in response to the needs of border resident communities for a less expensive and more portable alternative to the traditional passport book. The card comes in very handy because it is much easier to handle. Aug 10, 2012 a passport card fits in your wallet, making it a more convenient form of id to carry on certain trips. Passport cards for under 18s will be valid for the same period as the passport book. Youll need to submit both documents when you do your next renewal. However, if you go to canada, mexico, and the caribbean and would prefer a passport card, then you should apply for one. How to apply for a new passport card rush my passport. There are several options when it comes to forms of identification for travel.

A us passport card can only be used for land and sea travel to canada, mexico or the caribbean. You can mail your renewal application directly to the state department yourself. You should have them both and protect them in your safety deposit box or a secure area in your home and when youre ready to travel internationally or domestically, dont leave home without them. The passport card s usefulness as an international travel identification document is so limited, its not adequate for most of its intended use. Also, you can use the card when you fly internationally. Oct 16, 2017 if you have the passport card, you may want to get the book as well in case you need to make unexpected flights.

If your travel plans fit the limitations of the passport card, then it is a budgetfriendly option to obtaining a passport book. Because you can get one for far less than you ll have to pay for a passport book. In this video we explore should you use a passport book or a passport card when you travel. Expedited at agency processing time does not include mailing time. Youll need to submit the same documentation for getting a passport card as you do for a passport book, so. A passport card is cheaper than a passport book, but cant be used for air travel and. That being said, i recently got one simply because it is convenient to use in. Standard processing takes 46 weeks, not including the time it takes for your new passport book to get to you. May, 2019 in this video we explore should you use a passport book or a passport card when you travel. What is a us passport card, and how can you get one. Yes, it is much easier to get a new passport book with a pasport card over copies. Once you decide which type of passport you d like, you ll need to gather the appropriate documents.

A passport card is more convenient and less expensive than a passport book, but it cannot be used for international travel by air. How a passport card differs from a passport book dmv. The passport card is cheaper to obtain than the passport book. These federal identification passport cards and passport books are the only documents that permit u. You can imagine my surprise when i found myself putting an x in the checkbox on my u. Should americans have both a passport book and a passport card. Should i get a passport card to go along with my passport. Otherwise, if youre certain that youll only be traveling by land or sea, then the card should suit your needs. 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. All the information an embassy needs is coded on the card, they just swipe it and a replacement is issued. Your old passport card will be marked cancelled by having one corner clipped off. You ll need to include your most recent passport, form ds82, an updated passport photo, payment for the new book andor card, and any documentation to support a requested name change.