The requirement is to carry a passport book, if you do not want to carry your passport book for fear of theft then it is better to carry a photo copy of the photo page of your passport book not a passport card. While both types of documents have the same period of validity five years for children under 16, ten years for adults and serve as a valid form of identification abroad, they are unique documents that may each be used better depending on the. Can i renew my usa passport book and passport card separately. Aug 10, 2012 if you already have a passport book, you might be able to apply for your very first passport card by mail. The primary justification i had for doing so was tha. A passport card is cheaper than a passport book, but cant be used for air travel and. The length of validity is the same for both documents, five years. If you have a us passport book, there really is no need to get the passport card. Although, keep in mind, while both can be used as forms of id when traveling, the passport card has some restrictions.
It allows you to travel anywhere that you can with the passport card with the additional benefit of being able to travel by air. Carry both the passport card and the passport book in case of an emergency and you need to fly home. Passport card department of foreign affairs and trade. The passport card is a wallet side document that will be used to expedite document processing from the u. Regardless if you are traveling by air, land, or sea, you can use a passport. Because you can get one for far less than youll have to pay for a passport book. You can use the passport card when traveling in the european union, the european economic area which includes iceland, liechtenstein and norway and switzerland. If youve never had a us passport before, this article outlines how you go about getting a passport book not passport card for the first time if youre living in the us and are an adult.
Yes, 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. If you already have a passport book, you might be able to apply for your very first passport card by mail. There is no reason to ever get a passport card, unless you only travel to canada, mexico or caribbean. A book allows you to travel anywhere else assuming you have all the other documents, visas etc. I have a passport card but need a passport book to travel to. I will renew my passport only have book which is expiring in march, might get the card too. Both passport books and cards are valid for 10 years, so if it fits your travel plans, the passport card can be a cheaper alternative. You cannot use the passport card for international air travel, nor can you use it for travel to other international destinations. You can also apply by mail when adding a passport card to your passport book renewal application. Getting a card only allows you to visit canada and mexico.
All of the materials must be compiled in one envelope and sent by mail. I recently got my very first united states passport, and i got a passport card at the same time. If they are issued for full validity, they both can be used as proof of your us citizenship and identification. You only need a passport book if you travel by air.
You will also need a new passport photo, a completed ds82 if submitting by mail and the application fee. Get a passport card with your passport renewal g3passports. United states citizens can get either a passport book or a passport card for their travels abroad. Whats the difference between a passport book and a passport card.
As stated above, the passport book covers all the international requirements you need and there are no travel restrictions. What is the difference between a passport book and passport. If you plan to travel by air, then you will need a passport book. You have to go in person to present your application. While both types of documents have the same period of validity five years for children under 16, ten years for adults and serve as a valid form of identification abroad, they are unique documents that may each be used better depending on the situation.
They are particularly useful as identification for children who are too young to get a drivers license. If you already have a passport book or passport card, you can renew by mail using form. You can also apply for the passport book and the passport card at the same time when youre utilizing the ds11 new passport application for new passport. 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.
Whats the difference between a passport book and a. To apply for or renew both the book and card, check the appropriate box at the top of the form to. A passport card is more convenient and less expensive than a passport book. Yes, passport cards can be renewed just like passport books. Post offices that accept passport applications offer products and services for both firsttime and renewal passport applications. Randy randolph your passport book will be returned with your new passport card, in order to get a passport card you still need to apply for a renewal. Oct 16, 2017 you can definitely get both, but if you already have the passport book, theres no real need to obtain the card. Passport cards are particularly useful for some people. Can i apply for a passport card and passport book using the same. To find out where you need to go and what additional fees. You can apply for both the book and card with the same application but it is. I dont need to be busy looking for the passport, flight ticket and cash at. Just keep in mind that the book is a bit more expensive.
You can even write a letter to the us dept of state reminding them to return your valid passport book. What is the difference between a passport book and passport card. Differences between a passport book and passport card. That being said, i recently got one simply because it is convenient to use in situations where the passport book is not needed namely, everywhere besides nonneighboring national borders. Passport cards for under 18s will be valid for the same period as the passport book. These smaller id cards can be used to supplement a typical passport. Note, passport cards can only be used for travel by land and sea. If you get a passport book and card at the same time, they will expire at the same time. Understanding the difference between a passport book and a passport card can potentially save you a lot of hassle when you travel. What is the price for a passport book and a passport card. Oct 06, 2012 i know you are not required to renew both, but this wording seems to imply to me that if you possess both the card and the book, when you renew one, you must send the other with it to be renewed or canceled. You can imagine my surprise when i found myself putting an x in the checkbox on my u.
Oct 05, 2018 if so, you ve probably noticed the option for a passport card. I know you are not required to renew both, but this wording seems to imply to me that if you possess both the card and the book, when you renew one, you must send the other with it to be renewed or canceled. If you need to get a passport in three weeks or less, you will need an expedited process. How to get a passport card when renewing your passport. 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. A passport book is required for all international travel by air. In order to apply for a passport book by mail, your current passport must meet the following requirements. The passport cards usefulness as an international travel identification document is so limited, its not adequate for most of its intended use. Passport books or passport cards are both valid for 10 years after issue for adults, and five years for travelers under age 16. You cannot use a passport card when traveling by air internationally. You can get a us passport card, whether or not you currently hold a passport book. Can t see a reason you d need both other than another form of id that fits in your wallet. While a passport book is valid for all types of travel land, sea or air to any destination.
Deciding which is best for you boils down to where youre traveling, how frequently you travel. As of march 25, 2020, you need to use our online retail customer appointment scheduler to request an appointment for inperson passport services. You can only get a passport card with a passport book as part of a bundle which is an option you can select when renewing your childs passport online. If i have both a passport card and a passport book, do i need. 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.
If you dont mind the expense, you may opt for both the passport book and the passport card. You can definitely get both, but if you already have the passport book, theres no real need to obtain the card. Both passport books and cards are valid for 10 years. Youll need to submit the same documentation for getting a passport card as you do for a passport book, so. If you ever want to fly to another country or even do a cruise outside of the countries where the cards are valid, get the book. Getting your us passport as easily and quickly as possible. This usually does not even satisfy the requirement but does buy you some time in order to produce your real passport book. Because you can get one for far less than you ll have to pay for a passport book. Yes, if you have a passport card, you can obtain a passport book at any time. This option means getting both a passport book and passport card with just one application. Yes, you can use your passport card in order to apply for a passport book. Although not required on closed loop sailings, which call at foreign ports but sail roundtrip from the u. While the passport card is more convenient due to its size, it is far more restricted in use than the passport book. I previously had a regular passport holder, which was just a sleeve for my passport.
The passport card has the same validity as the passport book. If your travel plans take you to a country bordering the u. If you are applying for a passport, you ll need to consider whether to get a passport book or a passport card. I dont need to be busy looking for the passport, flight ticket and cash at security check point or duty free stores anymore. If they are issued for full validity, they both can be. The state departments website offers complete details and an online application form.
You can get a passport card with your passport book if you like. One is a passport book, the traditional passport with the pages that get stamped. How a passport card differs from a passport book dmv. Us passport card faq get your passport in 24 hours. Youll need to submit both documents when you do your next renewal. Should americans have both a passport book and a passport card. You can renew your passport and change the name at the same time. To enter canada, your passport book or card must be valid at the time of entry. Nov 28, 2017 understanding the difference between a passport book and a passport card can potentially save you a lot of hassle when you travel. Should i get a passport card to go along with my passport. Your passport book can be used in any situation where a passport card could be used, but you may find that it is convenient for you to also have a passport card.
There is a place on the application to check whether you want to apply for a passport card, passport book or both. United states citizens can get either a passport book or a passport card for. If you plan to travel by air or wish to visit a country other than canada, mexico, bermuda or one of the other caribbean island nations, you should apply for a passport book instead. The irish passport card is a travel document that irish citizens can use for certain travel instead of the standard passport book. Aug 18, 2016 one is a passport book, the traditional passport with the pages that get stamped. Reasons to get a passport book or card a passport card and book are both considered us passports. If you already only have the passport book, you can get the passport card as well when you apply for your next passport renewal. The other is the passport card, which is just like a drivers license. Both the passport book and passport card serve as proof of your u. Youll need to submit the same documentation for getting a passport card as you do for a passport book, so getting them both at the same time makes things easier.
Select both and you will pay additional fees for the passport book and passport card. Your old passport card will be marked cancelled by having one corner clipped off. If you are applying for a passport, youll need to consider whether to get a passport book or a passport card. If you have lost your passport, you may have to show some additional documentation such as a copy of your official birth certificate or other. You must have the original copies of all required documents. If you are inquiring about an application currently in process through passport health.
In this case, you would apply for a passport renewal by mail. You can use form ds82 to renew your passport book at the same time you apply for your first passport card. A passport book is valid for all types of travel land, sea or air to any destination. 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. Should americans have both a passport book and a passport. If you have a valid passport book, you do not have to get a passport card as well. A passport card is cheaper than a passport book, but can t be used for air travel and. Jun, 2019 how to get a us passport book first time. Jan 08, 2020 both passport books and cards are valid for 10 years. You can apply for both the book and card with the same application but it is not requried that you obtain both.
Cant see a reason youd need both other than another form of id that fits in your wallet. 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. To enter the united states at land border crossings or sea portsofentry from canada, mexico, the caribbean, and bermuda, you can use a passport book or a passport card. What is a us passport card, and how can you get one. Passport books are valid for all international travel, no matter what the mode of transit is. The application process is the same for either the passport book or card, even if you want both at the same time. The best way to cover all bases is to get both a passport card and standard passport, which you can easily do the next time you renew your passport. Feb 12, 2019 you can also apply for the passport book and the passport card at the same time when youre utilizing the ds11 new passport application for new passport. Nov 19, 2010 the requirement is to carry a passport book, if you do not want to carry your passport book for fear of theft then it is better to carry a photo copy of the photo page of your passport book not a passport card. In addition to the aforementioned items, youll also need to include your old passport book and fees for both passport applications.
Passport books or passport cards are both valid for 10 years after issue for adults. A passport card is the same size as a drivers license, and is official proof of your identity and us citizenship. If you lose your passport book you still have your passport card and vice versa. If so, youve probably noticed the option for a passport card. The passport card can be used for entering the united states at land border crossings and sea portsofentry from canada, mexico, the caribbean, and bermuda.
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