If youre renewing your passport book and passport card, you must submit both documents. Whats the difference between a us passport book and card. 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. 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. Differences between passport book and passport card tweet key difference. The passport book has plenty of pages for visas and arrivaldeparture stamps, while the passport card is a onepiece creditcardsized id card. What is the difference between passport book and card answers. The other is the passport card, which is just like a drivers license. What is the different between passport number and passport. Whats the difference between a passport book and a passport card.
Just as the name suggests, a passport card is a walletsized laminated card that resembles the photo page of a passport book. Here are the differences between a passport book and a passport card so you can determine which one youll need for your upcoming trip. The difference between passport and passport card us. A passport book commonly called a passport, is used for travel anywhere in the world by air, land sea. Visa, mastercard, diners club international and american express cards are accepted.
Wondering whats the difference between a passport book and a passport card. A passport card is another form of identification, and allows for limited travel. See below the differences between a passport book vs. What is the difference between a passport book and card. The passport book is much larger and it contains a series of pages for arrival and departure stamps, along with visas and so on. Mar 18, 2020 the passport card, meanwhile, is both less expensive and less flexible. No, your book and card will have two completely different numbers. 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.
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. You cannot use the passport book for international flights. A passport book is valid for any international travel by air, sea or land. In the united states, travelers have two options to use for international travel. What is the difference between a passport card number and. However, the passport book is valid for all forms of travel. A passport book can be used for all international travel. Difference between a passport book and passport card categorized under legal difference between a passport book and passport card u. 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. What is the difference between a passport book and. It cannot be used for any international air travel.
Jun 20, 2019 passport book is a globally recognized travel document while passport card is not a globally recognized document. Passport book vs passport card norwegian cruise line. What is the differences between passport book vs passport card. The us passport book vs passport card salon prive mag. The passport book and the passport card are both valid passport that will attest to your identity as well as citizenship. Shepherd said that some travelers might prefer to use a passport card for domestic flights because it is smaller, easier to carry and less expensive than a regular passport. The us state department uses different number formats for books and cards. A passport card fits in your wallet, making it a more convenient form of id to carry on certain trips. In fact, on the ds11 application to renew or get a passport, at the top you can select whether you are applying for a passport book with pages for foreign visa entryexit stamps, visas, etc. It is valid for 10 years for adults and 5 years for minors under 16. 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. Would like opinions on the difference and if we should go with the passport card. Whats the difference between a passport book and a.
Normally, when a person obtains a passport, this is what he or she will receive. Will my passport card have the same number as my passport book. There are very important differences between the passport card and the passport book. 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. Difference between passport book and passport card compare. Feb 12, 2019 passport book the passport book is designed to be used for all types of international travel. Differences between passport book and passport card. Issued also by the us department of state, the passport card is a official identification document, but a limitedtravel document. All you have to do is mark the passport application to show you are requesting both the passport book and passport card. Any frequent traveler knows how pricey foreign travel can get.
An adult applying for a us passport renewal or firsttime passport can receive a card valid for ten years. The passport book allows the holder to travel worldwide with proper visa and documentation, while the passport card only allows the holder to travel to and fro neighboring countries such as canada, mexico, bahamas and the caribbean. The passport card is a very handy tool to have in your vital document wallet. I f youve wondered what the difference is between a passport book and a passport card, youve come to the right place. Us passport cards are technically passports, but they are much more limited in their usability. They have been available to us citizens since 2008, and are meant to be a convenient way to prove your identity and citizenship. The process for getting or renewing a passport card is the same as for a regular passport. But, whats the difference between a passport book vs card.
Both documents are valid for 10 years for adults 16 and older, and 5 years for those under the age of 16. The us passport card is a small passport card, about the size of a credit card, that contains your photo and identifying information. Difference between passport book and passport card. The passport card was created for people who live near american borders and frequently drive into canada or mexico. Wouldnt be so bad if child passports lasted 10 years like the adult passport, but renewing them every 5 yea. Difference between a passport book and passport card passport book. It has several pages for visas and travel documents. The main downside is that it can only be used for travel. Links to external websites are provided as a convenience and should not be construed as an endorsement by the u. The major difference between a passport book and a passport card lies in the scope they offer for international travels. Passport book and passport card are commonly used by the citizens of united states these days.
Passport cards are a form of us passport that are the size of a credit card or drivers license. Department of state of the views or products contained therein. A passport card provides valid identification for national travel, but only provides valid identification for certain types of international travel. What is the differences between passport book vs passport. How a passport card differs from a passport book dmv. Passport card department of foreign affairs and trade. Passport book has been in use for a longer period than the passport card.
What is the difference between passport book and passport card. 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. The passport book is accepted for any form of international travel and is also the document that holds your visas. A passport book provides valid identification for any national or international travel. The passport book and the passport card are two different unique documents with unique number. When closed, the passport book measures 5 inches by 3. Also, you cannot expect to carry a card while traveling by air. In contrast, a passport card is similar in purpose to a passport book but much more limited in scope. Aug 18, 2016 one is a passport book, the traditional passport with the pages that get stamped. In conclusion, the passport book versus passport card is important to know. Otherwise, the passport card carries the same rights and privileges as the u.
The card format passport is for international travel by u. This is a privately owned website and not a government agency. 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. 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. Passport book booklet style id travel document standard passport book has 28 pages. If you are traveling by air or to most countries, you will need a traditional passport book, with pages for your various visas. In this post, well cover the main differences so you know exactly which passport option is right for you. Both types, passport books and passport cards, exist in the united states of america. Key differences passport book is valid for international travel by air, sea, or land. The passport card is a cheaper alternative to the passport book.
Fees vary based on age, the speed of service you request and whether you already have a passport. First of all, the passport book contains many pages designated for visa stickers and stamps, while the passport card, on the other hand, is a credit cardlike id. Your passport book allows you to travel by land, by sea, or by air. The passport book is a thin cardboard cover with your picture and information inside it.
What is the difference between passport book vs card. Did you know the term passport can actually refer to two different documents a passport book and a passport card. A passport book is a common source of identification for many travelers. The most obvious difference between passport books and passport cards is the design, of course.
A passport card allows significantly fewer opportunities for the holder to travel, but often its enough for some. Now, in terms of a passport book vs passport card, if you happen to be applying for a passport, you will need to consider which to get. Feb 21, 2008 the passport book is the same as the original passport you need it when youre going to travel by airplane. One instance could be, if you want to travel to jamaica, youll need a passport book. In this video we explore should you use a passport book or a passport card when you travel. You can use the passport card when traveling in the european union, the european economic area which includes iceland, liechtenstein and norway and switzerland. What is the difference between a passport book and passport card. Difference between a passport book and passport card. 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. The difference between the numbers is two digits and the letter c. The passport book is the same as the original passport you need it when youre going to travel by airplane. The passport card will match the expiry date of your passport book, if you have less than 5 years validity remaining.
What is the difference between a passport and a passport card. The passport card can be used only to reenter the u. In general, everyone must have a passport book or a regular passport to travel from one country to another. You can just slip it in your wallet, right behind your drivers license. The traditional passport book is still required for most travel purposes.
The card is smaller and lighter as it is designed to slip inside a wallet. 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 difference between a passport book or card getaway usa. All american citizens are required to present a valid passport to exit and reenter the united states. From passport cards to global entry, which trusted. It displays your photo, name, issuing and expiration dates and your place of birth. However, the card was created to facilitate the frequent travel of. What is the difference between a passport card or book answers. You can travel anywhere in the world with a passport book versus a passport card that only takes you to a handful of places. 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. 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. 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 differences between a passport book vs card with additional information and requirement for getting both a card and book. Passport books or passport cards are both valid for 10 years after issue for adults. A passport book is the official book style document that allows a us citizen to travel internationally by land, sea or air. Passport card is wallet sized document while passport book size is 5. What is the difference between a passport card or book. A passport book and a passport card serve the same purpose of attesting to your u. What is the difference between a passport book and a. The passport card is basically an individual credit card sized id card. 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. The walletsized passport card is designed to be more convenient and less cumbersome than regular passports. The 4 kids need their passports renewed before our fall cruise. Differences between a passport book and passport card. The passport card is far more convenient and cheaper due to its credit card size.
Oct 07, 2017 wondering whats the difference between a passport book and a passport card. If your cruise departs from florida but stops in jamaica before returning to florida, youll need your passport card. As passport books allows more activities as compare to passport card so they tend. If you can submit a passport book, but you lost your passport card, you cannot. 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. Whats the difference between a passport book and a passport. What is the difference between a passport book and a passport.
Nov 20, 2017 a passport card allows significantly fewer opportunities for the holder to travel, but often its enough for some. What is the difference between a passport card number and a. Passport book is a traditional document but card is the new thing. A passport card be used for land and sea travel between the united states and canada, mexico, and the caribbean region. We have three kids and there is a pretty big price difference between the types of passports. One is a passport book, the traditional passport with the pages that get stamped. Passport book vs passport card difference and comparison. An overview there are two versions of a passport issued by the u. Whats the difference between passport book and passport card. What is the difference between passport book and card.
Any time you board an international flight, you will need a valid us passport book. May, 2019 in this video we explore should you use a passport book or a passport card when you travel. Can be used for international travel via land, sea, or air. Because the passport card has more limited uses, its less expensive than the passport book. In addition to a regular passport, the passport book, u. Passport card frequently asked questions with answers. However, it doesnt always make sense to have only the passport card, especially if you plan to travel by plane overseas. The purpose of the passport card is for travelers that are going to canada, mexico, or the caribbean by land or by sea. There are several options when it comes to forms of identification for travel. Passport book numbers are 9 numerals long, and passport cards start with the letter c followed by 8 numerals. That price difference can be significant for trips across the different borders. Unless you use the mobile passport app, youll have to.
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. Passport cardbasically a limiteduse passport enhanced drivers licenseacts both as a driver license and a travel document, but also with limits. 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. You are not limited to how or where you travel if you obtain a passport book.
Here is a table showing the principal differences between a passport book and a passport card. Passport number is on the first page where your picture is, book number is either at the back or engraved on each page. A passport card is valid for travel to and from canada, mexico, the caribbean and bermuda at land border crossings and sea portsofentry. 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. We may be compensated if you make a purchase via a link on this site.