Whats the difference between a passport book and a passport. See below the differences between a passport book vs. 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. Find uses and advantages of a passport book and a passport card and figure out which one is best for you, or if you should have both documents. However, when they went to apply for new passports, the clerk steered them toward ordering one of the walletsized new passport cards. I f youve wondered what the difference is between a passport book and a passport card, youve come to the right place. I called the passport agency at 8774872778 to confirm thistwice. However, if you get a passport card, it cannot be used for travel by air. Passport books are likely what you think of when you imagine a passport. In this case, you would apply for a passport renewal by mail. Your passport book allows you to travel by land, by sea, or by air. Passport books and cards are alternatives to a stateissued id.
Each type has a specific purpose and requires specific requirements be met in order to obtain it. What is the difference between a passport card number and. 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. Passport book vs passport card difference and comparison diffen. Passport book is valid for international travel by air, sea, or land. You can send us a private message on our contact form or post a question or comment on any of our pages. Differences between a passport book and card travel restrictions for passport book and card. A passport book is valid for all types of travel land, sea or air to any destination. It is valid for 10 years for adults and 5 years for minors under 16. What is the difference between passport book and passport card.
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. In addition to a regular passport, the passport book, u. The my book is designed to be used in a primary location desktop, normally not moved around because it relies on external power. If you plan on traveling by air or anywhere outside of canada, mexico, bermuda, or the caribbean nations youll need the u. Passport number is on the first page where your picture is, book number is either at the back or engraved on each page. You can apply for both the book and card with the same application but it is not requried that you obtain both. The card format passport is for international travel by u. However, if youre considering a passport book vs passport card. Passport book booklet style id travel document standard passport book has 28 pages. Passport book vs passport card difference and comparison. The passport card is only for land and sea travel, which means there is no way travelers can use the passport card. If you still got any questions about us passport book and card, you can always contact travel visa pro. The difference between a passport book or card getaway usa. The passport card is a cheaper alternative to the passport book.
In this article, well go over the differences between the u. 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. How a passport card differs from a passport book dmv. When closed, the passport book measures 5 inches by 3.
The biggest difference between a passport book and passport card is that passport cards are only valid to enter canada, mexico, bermuda, and. The passport card is a walletsize card and is meant to be used only when re. Learn more on our covid19 update page and our frequently asked questions page. Differences between passport book and passport card tweet key difference. Our guide will show you the uses and advantages of each document, and will help you. Unless you have a lifeordeath emergency, please consider waiting to apply until we resume normal operations. Yes, you can use your passport card in order to apply for a passport book. So as not to get confused anymore, here a few points to remember on how to distinguish use of each. What is the differences between a passport book vs card with additional information and requirement for getting both a card and book. What is the difference between passport book and passport.
You are not limited to how or where you travel if you obtain a passport book. As mentioned, a passport card is basically one credit card sized i. A regular passport book has a blue cover and is issued with the standard 28 pages or nonstandard 52 pages. Any us citizen wishing to travel internationally via air must have a passport book. Passport card is wallet sized document while passport book. When you apply for a passport card, youll spend less money than you would when. Between passports, passport cards, mobile passports and a constellation of trustedtraveler programs such as global entry, sentri and nexus, international travelers have a lot to choose. In addition to this, we have passport card, this is a card which is used for only land and sea travel on the listed countries in italic on the card.
Passport card is wallet sized document while passport book size is 5. As with a passport book, a nonexpired passport card can serve as your proof of identity and citizenship. Whats the difference between a passport book and a passport card. The passport card is about the size of any credit card, and fits easily into your wallet for frequent travel. You only need a passport book if you travel by air. It is similar to a drivers licence in terms of design as it is small, plastic and is designed to slip into purses and wallets like any other card. 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. When it comes to the choice between a passport book vs passport card, it pays to know the key differences between each one. In general, everyone must have a passport book or a regular passport to travel from one country to another. Passport book is valid for any kind of travel, while card is valid for sea and land travel only.
What is the differences between passport book vs passport card. One is a passport book, the traditional passport with the pages that get stamped. The difference between the numbers is two digits and the letter c. In october 2015, ireland became one of the first countries in the world to launch a passport card. Feb 21, 2008 the passport book is the same as the original passport you need it when youre going to travel by airplane.
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 is also valid for international travel but by land or sea only. Difference between a passport book and passport card. The size of card makes it easy to fix in wallet, while passport book cannot be kept in wallet. Us passport books and us passport cards the differences.
Differences between a passport book and passport card. Apr 12, 2014 the us passport card 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. Fees vary based on age, the speed of service you request and whether you already have a passport. We want you to know about a few differences between the book and card so you can decide if you want to apply for one or both documents. What is the difference between the passport book versus passpord card. Passport card basically a limiteduse passport enhanced drivers licenseacts both as a driver license and a travel document, but also with limits well walk you through the basic differences. Both types, passport books and passport cards, exist in the united states of america. It has several pages for visas and travel documents.
The other is the passport card, which is just like a drivers license. Launching the irish passport card department of foreign. A passport book is valid for any international travel by air, sea or land. A passport card is only good for travel by land and sea, not by plane. A passport card is cheaper to get but is only valid for travel to canada, mexico and the caribbean islands. What is the difference between a passport book and a. The elements drives are both available in desktop and portable. A passport book and a passport card serve the same purpose of attesting to your u. The traditional passport book is still required for most travel purposes. 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. 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.
There are very important differences between the passport card and the passport book. A passport card fits in your wallet, making it a more convenient form of id to carry on certain trips. So, given the differences between a passport book vs passport card, which one is right for you. The difference between passport and passport card us. A passport book can also be used as your id for domestic air travel. Differences between passport book and passport card. What is the differences between passport book vs passport. Jun 16, 2016 if you applied for expedited service for your passport book, you might have a longer time between the receipt of your passport book and your passport card. Passport book has been in use for a longer period than the passport card. The most obvious difference between passport books and passport cards is the design, of course. Therefore, if one wants to apply for an expediated passport book and a nonexpediated passport card. I have a passport card but need a passport book to travel to. Because the passport card has more limited uses, its less expensive than the passport book. What is the different between passport number and passport.
A passport book commonly called a passport, is used for travel anywhere in the world by air, land sea. There is also a difference in price between passport books and passport cards. However, if you already have a passport even if its a passport book instead of a card and you would be eligible to use form ds82 for a renewal, you can use it to apply for a passport card by mail. Difference between passport book and passport card compare. I travel between the us and mexico every week, and my passport book is expiring in about a year. The us passport book vs passport card salon prive mag. Aug 10, 2012 a passport book is bigger than a passport card. While the passport card is more convenient due to its size, it is far more restricted in use than the passport book. Both the passport book and passport card serve as proof of your u. You can just slip it in your wallet, right behind your drivers license.
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. Aug 18, 2016 one is a passport book, the traditional passport with the pages that get stamped. Difference between passport book and passport card. The us passport card is less expensive to get then passport book, and is much smaller. What is the difference between my book, my passport, and. Dec 06, 2017 there are differences in capacity for a persons needs. What are the benefits of the passport book vs passport card.
Apparently, neither the clerk nor the housleys was aware of one of the crucial differences between a passport book and a passport card. A passport book may not be a massive document by any means, but having something as small as the card to fit in your wallet is definitely less of a hassle. Because of public health measures to prevent the spread of covid19, effective march 20, we have limited u. A nonexpired passport book can be used as valid proof of identity and citizenship. What is the difference between a passport book and passport card. The us passport card is a small passport card, about the size of a credit card, that contains your photo and identifying information. Aside from regular passport card and passport book, there are some other types of passport. If you are traveling by air or to most countries, you will need a traditional passport book, with pages for your various visas. The passport card is designed to be a less expensive and more portable alternative to the passport book. Nov 20, 2017 a passport book may not be a massive document by any means, but having something as small as the card to fit in your wallet is definitely less of a hassle. Can only be used in land and sea travels, not by air.
The passport book is the same as the original passport you need it when youre going to travel by airplane. The united states government issues a few different types of passports to american citizens. The main difference between the two, however, is that passport cards cannot be used for international air travel. You can now apply for a passport book and a passport card. The passport book is a thin cardboard cover with your picture and information inside it.
What is the difference between a passport card number and a. Recently, many of you have posted questions about passport cards on our pages about how to get a passport card and the difference between passport. The card is smaller and lighter as it is designed to slip inside a wallet. Whats the difference between a us passport book and card. The cardformat passport is for international travel by u. 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. If you need to travel internationally, you must have a passport book. What is the difference between a passport book and.
Whats the difference between a passport book and a. This is a privately owned website and not a government. We want you to know about a few differences between the book and card. 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. The passport book is valid for travel anywhere and is. Jun 30, 2015 to summarize, the us passport card is handy complement to your passport book. All american citizens are required to present a valid passport to exit and reenter the united states. Passport book has a long history while card is a new travelling document.
Do you have any questions about passport cards, passport renewals, or any other travel document issue. Oct 07, 2017 wondering whats the difference between a passport book and a passport card. The my passports are designed for portability since the run off the power of the usb port. Passport card frequently asked questions with answers. If you are flying by plane, a cape, a giant eagle, or anything for that matter, you have to get the passport book.
Can be used for international travel via land, sea, or air. A passport card is valid for travel to and from canada, mexico, the caribbean and bermuda at land border crossings and sea portsofentry. The walletsized passport card is designed to be more convenient and less cumbersome than regular passports. A passport book is valid for all types of travel land. I need to get my us passport renewed and i was looking online on how to do so through the us embassy and they gave me the option in choosing a passport book, a passport card or both. What is the difference between a passport book and a passport. The passport card allows irish citizens to travel to 31 countries, including european union member states, the european economic area eea countries, and switzerland, without needing to carry their passport book.
Wondering whats the difference between a passport book and a passport card. Here is a table showing the principal differences between a passport book and a passport card. Entering the united states at land border crossings and sea portsofentry from. What is the difference between passport book vs card. From passport cards to global entry, which trustedtraveler. The passport book allows the holder to travel worldwide with proper visa and documentation, while the passport card only.
To protect yourself against emergency situations, go with a passport book, which covers all international travel by air, sea or land. From passport cards to global entry, which trusted. If you still got any questions about us passport book and card. If youve wondered what the difference is between a passport book and a passport card, youve come to the right place. Passport book is valid for any kind of travel, while card. A passport book provides valid identification for any national or international travel. Both documents are valid for 10 years for adults 16 and older, and 5 years for those under the age of 16. On this page, uscis guide will discuss broadly the difference between passport book and passport card in the following parts. 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. May 11, 2017 from passport cards to global entry, which trustedtraveler program is right for you. Passport cards are not valid for international air travel.
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. However, the passport card cannot be used for travel by plane. Whats the difference between passport book and passport card. One instance could be, if you want to travel to jamaica, youll need a passport book. The passport book comes in both a standard, 24page version and a bigger, 52page version for those who travel frequently. Some people are confused with the differences between a passport book and a passport card.
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