What is a passport card, and what should you know when youre considering a passport book vs. Passport card vs passport book difference between passport. As far as i can tell, the edl and passport card give the same travel rights. As passport books allows more activities as compare to passport card so they tend to cost more as well. Proof of social security number ss card, a w2, or a pay stub with full ssn. Whats the difference between a passport book and a passport card. If your vacation or business plans take you out of the united states, you need a passport to travel. Passport cards are smaller in size than standard passports, and instead of pages, a passport card is just that a card, similar to the size of a credit card or drivers license. The main difference is that passport books are valid for international traveling while passport cards are valid for traveling to several countries and only by sea or land. 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.
That price difference can be significant for trips across the different borders. What is the difference between a passport book and a passport. The appeal of the passport card is it is cheaper than the book, while providing a better option than relying on a birth certificate and state issued identification. If you are applying for a passport, youll need to consider whether to get a passport book or a passport card.
The reason why a passport book is a better idea is because it better protects you if you were ever stranded somewhere. Dec 07, 2020 notable distinctions between passport book and card 1. A passport card fits in your wallet, making it a more convenient form of id to carry on certain trips. Because the passport card has more limited uses, its less expensive than the passport book. Another difference between the passport card and passport book is the size of each document. Whats a passport card, and can it replace a real id. Credit cards allow for a greater degree of financial flexibility than debit cards, and can be a useful tool to build your credit history. It has the same requirements and can be used for the same purposes. However, there are restrictions on the type of travel and destinations for which the passport card can be used. Expedited processing of two weeks available for additional fee. Not only do they look different, they serve slightly different purposes.
So, given the differences between a passport book vs passport card, which one is right for you. This way, you can carry the card when you are in countries where you are expected to always carry your passport. The biggest difference between a passport book and passport card is that passport cards are only valid to enter canada, mexico, bermuda, and. Its just like having cash in your wallet, but its also used like a credit card, so it needs to be kept safe.
Also, you cannot expect to carry a card while traveling by air. Heres a general way to note the difference between the two forms of governmentissued identification. This document proves your citizenship, holds visas issued to you by other countries and lets you reenter the u. Passport cards are cheaper than passport books, and theyre also valid for 10 years. There are so many credit cards available today that it can be hard to sort through them all to find the one for your needs. The passport card is a walletsize card and is meant to be used only when reentering the united states from canada, mexico, the caribbean, and bermuda at landborder crossings or sea portsofentry. What is the differences between passport book vs passport card. When applying for a passport, you need the appropriate documentation and cu. The us passport card is a small passport card, about the size of a credit card, that contains your photo and identifying information. The us passport book vs passport card debate has many of us confused as to which one we should apply. Differences between a passport book and passport card. Here are more tips and information about how to best use a prepaid c. Valid for travel via land or sea to and from the united states, canada, mexico, bermuda and the caribbean.
If youre not inclined to take the time to get a real id, heres a lesserknown alternative. Passport card or passport book which should you get. Passport book vs passport card difference and comparison. Difference between passport book and passport card compare. Both the book and the card are equally valid as proof of identity and citizenship, and can be used for domestic air travel. Us passport books and us passport cards the differences. While the passport card is more convenient due to its size, it is far more restricted in use than the passport book. Whats the difference between a passport book and a passport. Types of us passport books get your passport book today. Validity of a passport card is 10 years for adults, 5 years for minors under age 16. This type of passport is limited to land and sea travel to bermuda, canada, the caribbean. Additionally, the cost of the passport card is significantly less than the passport book. Passport book has been in use for a longer period than the passport card.
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. United states citizens can get either a passport book or a passport card for their. There are even certain situations where a credit card is essential, like many car rental businesses an. Even if you do not have a passport card, you can use the passport book.
Department of state expedite fee paid per application, in addition to. Passport card is wallet sized document while passport book size is 5. Feb 12, 2019 the passport book can be obtained as a new passport or if you currently have a passport book you will be eligible for renewal to make sure your passport book has six months of validity. If you need to travel internationally, you must have a passport book.
Fees vary based on age, the speed of service you request and whether you already have a passport. Passport is a legal document that is issued to a citizens and noncitizens nationals of a. What is the difference between passport book and passport card. The most obvious difference between passport books and passport cards is the design, of course.
The difference between a passport book or card getaway usa. Size matters a passport book is bigger than a passport card. The walletsized passport card is designed to be more convenient and less cumbersome than regular passports. Whether you are looking to apply for a new credit card or are just starting out, there are a few things to know beforehand. Passport cards are also only valid in mexico, bermuda, canada and the caribbean. Passport cards are easier to carry than a passport book and they have some hidden benefits. The passport card is a variation of the regular passport. The passport card is optional, while the passport book is necessary for travelling. Many people are interested to know the difference between passport book and passport card. What is the differences between a passport book and a passport card. Conclusion the difference between passport card and book still stands, but if you can afford it, you may want to get both documents if you travel frequently. Any frequent traveler knows how pricey foreign travel can get. You are not limited to how or where you travel if you obtain a passport book.
However, a passport card wont allow you to travel internationally by air, and it also restricts the areas to which you can travel by land and sea to canada, mexico, the caribbean and bermuda but you can use a passport card to fly domestically. A passport book is valid for all types of travel land, sea or air to any destination. May 27, 2020 what is the difference between the passport card vs. While both the passport card and passport book are proof of your identity and u. Firsttime passport applicants, as well as minor children, must apply for passports in person.
Difference between a passport book and passport card. Oct 05, 2017 the passport card is a cheaper alternative to the passport book. Difference between passport card and passport book. It has several pages for visas and travel documents. So the main difference between passport and passport card is where it allows you to travel. There are, however, some key differences that need to be considered. If you are looking for a no annual fee credit card, one of these visa credit cards may be the perfect fit. It gives you access to travel anywhere even within the u. The passport book is a thin cardboard cover with your picture and information inside it.
Whats the difference between a us passport book and card. We compare the two to help you decide which type of id is best. Here we will look at what exactly a credit card is, what the benefits and detriments to having one are, what firstt. Therefore, youll need to find a passport office, provide proof of identity and citizenship and fill out an application. There are several options when it comes to forms of identificatio. The only distinction i can think of that might make you want to have both an edl and a passport card is the information on the face of the cards. Residency document rental or lease agreement, mortgage or utility bill, etc. The traditional passport book is still required for most travel purposes. Jun 20, 2019 passport book is valid for international travel by air, sea, or land. How a passport card differs from a passport book dmv. Passport card is also valid for international travel but by land or sea only. You can just slip it in your wallet, right behind your drivers license. Apply for a passport card department of state travel. There is also a difference in price between passport books and passport cards.
Dec 29, 2020 the us offers a choice between a passport book and a passport card, but both serve different purposes and are significantly different prices. State department issues two versions of a passport. The current standard us passport has 28 pages, 18 of them blank. Both types, passport books and passport cards, exist in the united states of america. You are also not able to use a passport card on cruises from international. The difference with using a debit card, though, is that the money you spend with a debit card is yours. The major difference between a passport book and a passport card lies in the scope they offer for international travels.
A passport book commonly called a passport, is used for travel anywhere in the world by air, land sea. Wondering whats the difference between a passport book and a passport card. Difference between passport book and card us legal forms. The main difference is that passport books are valid for international. However, the passport book is valid for all forms of travel. To begin with, passport cards can not be used for air travel. Passport books are larger than cards and come with many pages for customs stamps. Choosing between the passport card vs book royal caribbean blog. However, if youre considering a passport book vs passport card, just get both. Be the first to discover secret destinations, travel hacks, and more. If you want a 52page passport book, be sure to check the appropriate box on form ds82. Getting a 52page passport international travel news. You can travel anywhere in the world with a passport book versus a passport card that only takes you to a handful of places. Difference between passport book and passport card.
Both the passport book and passport card serve as proof of your u. Getting a credit card is a fairly straightforward process that requires you to submit an application for a card and receive an approval or denial. The result of an application is mostly based on your credit score, although other factors are. There are very important differences between the passport card and the passport book. We want you to know about a few differences between the book. In fact, an airline cant let you board an international flight if you dont have a valid passport. Apply for a passport card united states department of state.
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