Apr 12, 2014 in july of 2008, due to requests from residents along us borders for a more portable and easier application process than a regular passport, the united states department of state began issuing passport cards, a wallet sized identity card usable for international travel by land and sea, valid only for travel to canada, mexico, the. The walletsize passport card is convenient and less expensive than the passport book. Passport book for reentry into the united states from any country. It is valid for 10 years for adults and 5 years for minors under 16. Valid means undamaged, unexpired, honestly procured, belongs to you, and hasnt been recalled or cancelled by the state department. Any us citizen wishing to travel internationally via air must have a passport book. The difference between the numbers is two digits and the letter c. Aug 18, 2016 one is a passport book, the traditional passport with the pages that get stamped. 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. What are the benefits of the passport book vs passport card. 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. The us passport card is less expensive to get then passport book, and is much smaller. The united states passport card is an official identity and limited travel document issued by the united states federal government in the size of a credit card. The passport card has benefits, but does not offer the same list of privileges as a traditional passport.
Unfortunately, the 28 page passport book only has 17 pages that are available for visas and entry exit stamps. Us passport books and us passport cards the differences. Us passport faqs frequently asked questions about us. Difference between business and first class difference between visa and passport difference between debit card and credit card difference between quantity demanded and demand difference between accounting and bookkeeping difference between an act and a regulation difference between accounting and bookkeeping. However, people find a passport card more convenient and accessible when carrying. Feb 21, 2008 the passport book is the same as the original passport you need it when youre going to travel by airplane. However, the passport book is valid for all forms of travel.
What is a us passport card, and how can you get one. There are very important differences between the passport card and the passport book. However, it is essential to understand what the differences between the two are. The other is the passport card, which is just like a drivers license. A passport card serves the same purpose as a passport book. The card will provide a less expensive, smaller, and more convenient alternative to the passport book for those who travel frequently to these destinations by land or by sea. When it comes to us passport card versus passport book. You will also need the passport book in order to receive a travel visa from countries that require an issue them. Oct 07, 2017 whether you get the passport book card both are valid for 10 years. Most travelers apply for the standard passport and that comes with 28 pages. What is the difference between a passport card number and a. Of the internal pages, 17 are blank pages marked visas that are meant for travel visas and country entry and exit stamps.
Whats the difference between a us passport book and card. Now, the us citizens have an option of applying for a passport book or passport card, or even both. The difference between passport book and passport card is explained on the attached pdfpage. A passport book commonly called a passport, is used for travel anywhere in the world by air, land sea. One is a passport book, the traditional passport with the pages that get stamped. How a passport card differs from a passport book dmv. The passport card is a travel document that can be used to reenter the united states by land or sea from canada, mexico, bermuda, and parts of the caribbean. Travel articles do you need a passport or a passport card. What is the differences between passport book vs passport card. American citizens can apply for a passport card at the same time they apply for a passport book.
A passport card is valid for travel to and from canada, mexico, the caribbean and bermuda at land border crossings and sea portsofentry. Our guide to us passport books will teach you about the different types of passport books so you will understand which one you need and why. What is the differences between passport book vs passport. Passport books are likely what you think of when you imagine a passport a bookletstyle identification and travel document. The passport card is about the size of any credit card, and fits easily into your wallet for frequent travel. In july of 2008, due to requests from residents along us borders for a more portable and easier application process than a regular passport, the united states department of state began issuing passport cards, a wallet sized identity card usable for international travel by land and sea, valid only for travel to canada, mexico, the. 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 standard passport is valid for ten years, so for many travelers these 17 pages are enough. You are not limited to how or where you travel if you obtain a passport book. Differences between passport book and passport card. Since john will be driving between buffalo, new york and toronto, canada at least once each quarter, he can use the passport card, but if he drives one way from buffalo to toronto and flies home, hell need a passport book for the flight. 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 card difference between passport book and passport card u.
If you are a foreign national residing in the us from another country, please visit your country. Enhanced drivers license many people may not know but depending on the state that you live in a third option is available to you. Passport card cannot be used for international air travel. 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. Passport card for a reduced fee if you only plan to travel by land or sea to and from canada, mexico, bermuda, or the caribbean nations. Passport card can be used to enter the united states from canada, mexico, the caribbean, and bermuda at land border crossings or sea portsofentry and is more. The passport book allows for all travel whether by air, land, or sea. By law, a valid passport, card or book, is conclusive proof of us nationality. Whats the difference between a passport book and a.
A passport book and a passport card serve the same purpose of attesting to your u. Whether you get the passport bookcard both are valid for 10 years. If you are flying by plane, a cape, a giant eagle, or anything for that matter, you have to get the passport book. 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. T here are a variety of united states passport books that are issued to travelers for specific reasons. Oct 16, 2017 the passport book and passport card are both proof of your citizenship and identity while traveling outside of the us. The cardformat passport is for international travel by u. I called the passport agency at 8774872778 to confirm thistwice. 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. 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. 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. The good news is a passport card is generally valid for the same time and has the same application process as a 26 or 52page passport book. However, the passport card cannot be used for travel by plane.
A passport card fits in your wallet, making it a more convenient form of id to carry on certain trips. This new travel document can be used to enter the united states from canada, mexico, the caribbean, and bermuda at land border crossings or sea portsofentry. So it is a convenient alternative for, say, people who frequently take the cartrainbus into canada. A passport book is valid for any international travel by air, sea or land. The passport book is the same as the original passport you need it when youre going to travel by airplane. You can use it, while traveling through land, water or air transport. 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 card contains a vicinityread radio frequency identification rfid chip. The difference between a passport book and passport card. It is the size of a drivers license and less expensive than a passport book, making it a more convenient option for travelers who are frequently crossing the border between these specific destinations. Difference between passport book and passport card. Passport book vs passport card difference and comparison.
Most us passports have a dark blue cover, and contain 28 pages. Ive heard, however, its better to apply for them separately because if you apply at the same time, both the book and the card will have the same number and if you lose one of them, the other becomes invalid when you report the loss. 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. Frequent travelers between the united states and canada can apply for different documents that allow them to cross from one country to the other without a passport book. A passport card can only be used to travel by land or sea. This small book with around 1015 pages catalogues all the. Do i need a passport book, passport card, or passport book. Here is a table showing the principal differences between a passport book and a passport card. Visit foreign national passports to get a passport application kit. Can be used for international travel via land, sea, or air. Travisa can assist with all passport services for australian, british, indian, irish, and israeli citizens residing in the united states and in possession of a valid us green card.
You must have the original copies of all required documents. The rear of the card features a bar code and other information that a computer can read. Passport card has the same period of validity as the u. The difference between passport and passport card us. Whats the difference between a passport book and a passport. As such, the passport card is adjudicated to the exact standards as the passport book. Effective march 24, 2020, the issuance of passport books and cards has been suspended until further notice. An adult passport card looks similar to a drivers license, and is valid for ten years. Feb 12, 2019 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. Passport card can be used to enter the united states from canada, mexico, the caribbean, and bermuda at land border crossings or. What is the difference between a passport book and passport card. The front of the card features your photo, name, nationality and details such as your date of birth, city of birth and the issue date and expiration date of the card.
Differences between a passport book and passport card. It may often be used as an identity card for purposes other than international travel, such as domestic air travel. 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. Applicants must provide documents which attest to their u. 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. Difference between passport book and passport card compare. The us passport card is a credit cardsized identification document. What is the difference between a passport card number and. What is the difference between a passport book and. You cannot use a passport card on cruises from international homeports. Jun 23, 2009 the walletsize passport card is convenient and less expensive than the passport book.
The passport card is a fully valid passport that attests to the u. The passport card is valid for up to 10 years if you are an adult, and allows you virtually unlimited travel to the caribbean, bermuda, mexico, and. See below the differences between a passport book vs. It was designed for people who travel frequently between the u. Both documents are valid for 10 years for adults 16 and older, and 5 years for those under the age of 16. Nov 20, 2017 a passport card allows significantly fewer opportunities for the holder to travel, but often its enough for some. Types of us passport books get your passport book today. All american citizens are required to present a valid passport to exit and reenter the united states. Does a passport card work to go to canada by train. You cannot use a passport card when traveling by air internationally.
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