Check out the differences between the two types of passport. Can be used for international travel via land, sea, or air. Below, you can find the comparison chart of both the usa passport book vs passport card. 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 book booklet style id travel document standard passport book has 28 pages. Sep 19, 2012 passport number is on the first page where your picture is, book number is either at the back or engraved on each page. If you still got any questions about us passport book and card, you can always contact travel visa pro. If you are traveling by air or to most countries, you will need a traditional passport book. How a passport card differs from a passport book using passport books vs. The traditional passport book is still required for most travel purposes. What is the difference between passport book and card. Passport book and passport card are commonly used by the citizens of united states these days. While the passport card is more convenient due to its size, it is far more restricted in use than the passport book. You still need a valid drivers license to operate a motor vehicle.
In this blog post we will discuss the difference between the two documents. What is the difference between a passport and a passport card. 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. What is the differences between passport book vs passport. If your cruise departs from florida but stops in jamaica before returning to florida, youll need your passport card. The united states passport card is an official identity and limited travel document issued by the. Wouldnt be so bad if child passports lasted 10 years like the adult passport. So what is the difference between a passport book and a passport card.
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. What is the difference between a passport book and. How a passport card differs from a passport book dmv. What is the difference between passport book and passport card. In addition to a regular passport, the passport book, u.
Passport book booklet style id travel document standard passport book. Differences between a passport book and passport card. A passport book is valid for all types of travel land, sea or air to any destination. May, 2019 in this video we explore should you use a passport book or a passport card when you travel. If a passport book holder uses all 52 pages, the holder must purchase a new passport book. To apply for or renew both the book and card, check the appropriate box at the top of the form to. I f youve wondered what the difference is between a passport book and a passport card, youve come to the right place.
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. Were going to take this one step at a time to give you all the information you need to know about a passport vs. Will my passport card have the same number as my passport book. Passport card is wallet sized document while passport book size is 5. Real id, so that you can stop worrying about airport formalities and start getting excited about your trip. A passport card is valid for travel to and from canada, mexico, the caribbean and bermuda at land border crossings and sea portsofentry.
It is valid for 10 years for adults and 5 years for minors under 16. Passport is a must for any person that is looking to internationally travel via any means. A passport book and a passport card serve the same purpose of attesting to your u. Passport cards are wallet sized while the passport book is larger and thicker. What is the difference between a passport card number and a. The passport book is valid for travel anywhere and is. No, your book and card will have two completely different numbers. Before we get into the details about bringing a passport vs. From passport cards to global entry, which trusted. 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. But, whats the difference between a passport book vs card. The passport card is a cheaper alternative to the passport book. A passport book has no inherent travel restrictions.
In this article, well go over the differences between the u. From passport cards to global entry, which trustedtraveler. Jun 20, 2019 passport book is valid for international travel by air, sea, or land. The 4 kids need their passports renewed before our fall cruise. You are not limited to how or where you travel if you obtain a passport book. Differences between passport book and passport card. Passport book vs passport card difference and comparison diffen. You can also use it as your id for domestic air travel. 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.
Passport book is valid for international travel by air, sea, or land. Passport card frequently asked questions with answers. A passport book commonly called a passport, is used for travel anywhere in the world by air, land sea. 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. Its also the key to your reentry back into the country. The most obvious difference between passport books and passport cards is the design, of course. Whats the difference between a passport book and a. What are the differences between a passport book vs. From passport cards to global entry, which trustedtraveler program is right for you. So, given the differences between a passport book vs passport card, which one is right for you. 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. Aug 18, 2016 one is a passport book, the traditional passport with the pages that get stamped. So youre looking to travel internationally but there are these options between a passport vs passport card. The walletsized passport card is designed to be more convenient and less cumbersome than regular passports.
That price difference can be significant for trips across the different borders. Passport book is a traditional document but card is the new thing. What is the different between passport number and passport. What is the difference between passport book vs card. 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 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. I have a passport card but need a passport book to travel. Whats the difference between a us passport book and card. As passport books allows more activities as compare to passport card so they tend to cost more as well. Passport card department of foreign affairs and trade. Passport book vs passport card difference and comparison. 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.
One is a passport book, the traditional passport with the pages that get stamped. What is the difference between a passport card or book answers. The difference between a passport book or card getaway usa. Passport cards are valid only for reentering the u. Difference between passport book and passport card. Passport book has been in use for a longer period than the passport card. However, if youre considering a passport book vs passport card, just get both. How do you know if you need a passport book versus passport card. For children age 15 and under, the passport is valid for 5 years and for adults 16 and older it is valid for10 years. 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. A passport, passport card or california identification card is not a substitute for a drivers license. For more information about the california real id, visit the dmv website.
Real id to the airport with you, lets cover the basics first. Difference between a passport book and passport card. Travel requirements with the growing threat of global terrorism, all traveling us citizens are required to possess more specific documentation than in the past. What is the difference between a passport book and a. Whats the difference between a passport book and a passport card. Passport book is valid for any kind of travel, while card is valid for sea and land travel only. As of march 25, 2020, post offices which are still accepting applications are requiring customers to make an online appointment to apply in. The difference between passport and passport card us. Differences between a passport book and card travel restrictions for passport book and card.
Learn more about how a passport card differs from a passport book. The us passport card is a small passport card, about the size of a credit card, that contains your photo and identifying information. Your passport book allows you to travel by land, by sea, or by air. Passport book numbers are 9 numerals long, and passport cards start with the letter c followed by 8 numerals.
My wife and i are planning a trip to mexico in the fall of 2014, and i am trying to figure this out. Any frequent traveler knows how pricey foreign travel can get. A passport book is valid for all types of travel land. As passport books allows more activities as compare to passport card so they tend. The passport card will match the expiry date of your passport book, if you have less than 5 years validity remaining. The size of card makes it easy to fix in wallet, while passport book cannot be kept in wallet. Oct 07, 2017 wondering whats the difference between a passport book and a passport card.
If you plan on traveling by air or anywhere outside of canada, mexico, bermuda, or the caribbean nations youll need the u. Unless you use the mobile passport app, youll have to stand in. A passport card is cheaper to get but is only valid for travel to canada, mexico and the caribbean islands. Us passport books and us passport cards the differences. They have been available to us citizens since 2008, and are meant to be a convenient way to prove your identity and citizenship. 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. 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. Both types, passport books and passport cards, exist in the united states of america. Here is a table showing the principal differences between a passport book and a passport card. For more information about passports and passport cards, visit the u. Passport card is also valid for international travel but by land or sea only. Passport number is on the first page where your picture is, book number is either at the back or engraved on each page.
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. The difference between the numbers is two digits and the letter c. A passport book is valid for any international travel by air, sea or land. Passport card the standard passport book covers all the bases. Perhaps the biggest difference between a passport card and a traditional passport is that. You can travel anywhere in the world with a passport book versus a passport card that only takes you to a handful of places.
One instance could be, if you want to travel to jamaica, youll need a passport book. In general, everyone must have a passport book or a regular passport to travel from one country to another. A us passport allows you to travel anywhere in the world by plane, car, or boat. The major difference between a passport book and a passport card lies in the scope they offer for international travels. In this post, well cover the main differences so you know exactly which passport option is right for you. Passport cards are a form of us passport that are the size of a credit card or drivers license.
Whats the difference between a passport book and a passport. I currently have a passport card that was issued in june 2009. I will be needing to get a passport book within the next couple of years so i can travel to barbados. What is the difference between a passport card number and. Also, you cannot expect to carry a card while traveling by air. A passport book is a product of the federal government. Key differences passport book is valid for international travel by air, sea, or land. You can just slip it in your wallet, right behind your drivers license. The us state department uses different number formats for books and cards. Additionally, the cost of the passport card is significantly less than the passport book. Would like opinions on the difference and if we should go with the passport card. If you need to travel internationally, you must have a passport book. What is the difference between a passport card or book.
Difference between passport book and passport card compare. In the united states, travelers have two options to use for international travel. Many passport application acceptance facilities, which include libraries, clerks of court, and post offices, are not accepting u. You can apply for both the book and card with the same application but it is not requried that you obtain both. The passport book and the passport card are two different unique documents with unique number. Visa, mastercard, diners club international and american express cards are accepted. But, the passport card can only be used for international travel by land and sea.
If so, youve probably noticed the option for a passport card. All american citizens are required to present a valid passport to exit and reenter the united states. I have a passport card but need a passport book to travel to barbados. The passport card is walletsize while the passport book is 5x3 12 when closed. What is the difference between a passport book and passport card. If you are traveling by air or to most countries, you will need a traditional passport book, with pages for your various visas.
Another difference between the passport card and passport book is the size of each document. You can also apply for both a passport card and book. If you obtain a passport book, you can travel internationally freely. Aug 10, 2012 passport cards and passport books are no exception. The passport card is more convenient smaller and less expensive than the traditional 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. A passport book provides valid identification for any national or international travel. As with a passport book, a nonexpired passport card can serve as your proof of identity and citizenship. United states citizens can get either a passport book or a passport card for their. 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. There are two versions of a passport issued by the u. Passport book has a long history while card is a new travelling document. What is the differences between passport book vs passport card.
You can now apply for a passport book and a passport card. The passport book comes as either 28 or 52 pages and is valid for five years. Feb 12, 2019 in this blog post we will discuss the difference between the two documents. Traditional passports are valid for international travel by air, sea, and land. 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. You are not restricted by travel type, and may use your passport to travel by land, air, or sea. Whats the difference between passport book and passport card. The other is the passport card, which is just like a drivers license. Both documents are valid for 10 years for adults 16 and older, and 5 years for those under the age of 16. As far as i can tell, the edl and passport card give the same travel rights. 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.