Do you need a us passport book and card

If im remembering correctly, you can use your passport card when travelling by land or sea. In 2008, the united states government introduced a passport card, which can be used to travel to some countries. A us passport book may be a little more expensive and bulkier, but it can be used to travel anywhere, by any means and is the recommended passport to carry. However, it is possible to damage a passport book so its best to carry a passport protector or wallet to keep it safe. Its perfect for people who frequently drive to canada or mexico, since it fits conveniently 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.

Unfortunately, you cannot upgrade your passport card to a passport book. A passport book is always required to travel internationally. Should americans have both a passport book and a passport. Although not required on closed loop sailings, which call at foreign ports but sail roundtrip from the u. Of the internal pages, 17 are blank pages marked visas that are meant for travel visas and country entry and exit stamps. You cannot use the passport card for international air travel, nor can you use it for travel to other international destinations. What are the benefits of the passport book vs passport card. Unlike the book, a card cannot be used for international air travel. Most us passports have a dark blue cover, and contain 28 pages. If youre planning a trip to any other destination, then you would need a u. They are valid for five years from the date of issue, just like a minor passport book.

Passport book vs passport card difference and comparison. The only exception is that you may use a passport card in order to enter the united states by a land border crossing or at a sea portofentry. I lost my passport card, and i would like to apply for a new one to make use of the expedited rfid lanes at the mexican border. Do you need a passport card and book to go from the us to. 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. Passport cards cannot be used for international air travel. Both passport books and cards are valid for 10 years. If your travel plans take you to a country bordering the u. They can be used for land or sea travel to canada, mexico, bermuda.

A passport book is required for all international travel by air. To enter canada, your passport book or card must be valid at the time of entry. If you are applying for a passport, youll need to consider whether to get a. Firsttime passport card applicants who do not have a passport book traditional passport must go in person to a passport application facility, such as a post office or courthouse, and submit a completed passport application form, proof of us citizenship, one. Passport cards are a form of us passport that are the size of a credit card or drivers license.

No one expects an emergency, and whether you plan or not plan to travel. If you got any questions about whether you need a passport book or card, please contact travel visa pro we are always ready to help you. What is a us passport card, and how can you get one. 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. A passport card can be used to enter the us states at land border crossing or seaportsof. Application form ds11 can be used in order to apply for a passport book, passport card or both. The passport card passport card sample, image courtesy travel. State department issues two versions of a passport. If you already have a passport, use form ds82 to apply for a passport card by mail and avoid the execution fee. 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. 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.

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. A passport card may be used if you arrive on a closedloop cruise that departs and returns to the same u. You can mail your renewal application directly to the state department yourself. Only one execution fee is charged for an individual applying for both a card and book at the same time. You cannot use a passport card when traveling by air internationally. Passport book to aruba having a passport book at the ready gives you. Can you use the passport card for travel to the bahamas.

Unless you have a lifeordeath emergency, you should wait until normal operations resume to apply for or renew your passport. The passport book is designed with heavy travel in mind. The passport card has benefits, but does not offer the same list of privileges as a traditional passport. If you do not receive a second mailing within 10 business days of receiving the first, please contact the national passport information center by email at. If so, youve probably noticed the option for a passport card. A passport card is cheaper than a passport book, but cant be used for air. Passport books are likely what you think of when you imagine a passport a bookletstyle identification and travel document. If you already have a passport or if you are renewing your passport card, you might be able to submit your application by mail. If you need your passport fast, you can expedite your passport application.

You can also apply for the passport book and the passport card at the same time when you re utilizing the ds11 new passport application for new passport. On the other hand, a us passport card has a different purpose. All american citizens are required to present a valid passport to exit and reenter the united states. They have been available to us citizens since 2008, and are meant to be a convenient way to prove your identity and citizenship.

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. Depending on where you are traveling outside of the u. We compare the two to help you decide which type of id is best. However, the passport card cannot be used for travel by plane. The passport card is only valid for entry into the united states at land border crossings or sea ports of entry. If you are applying for both a book and a card at the same time, you only need to submit one passport photo. The passport card can be used only to reenter the u. Department of state, performs the same function of identifying the holder as a u. If you already hold a passport book, your card will be issued with a different number.

If not you should carry your passport book around, but that would be very stressful. Both the passport book and passport card serve as proof of your u. Sometimes it makes life more convenient to have both a passport book and a card, and carry them both on your international travel. Application form to complete the application for a passport book, card, or both together, first do one of the following. Adult passports are valid for 10 years and may be renewed by mail. You do not need a valid passport book in order to apply for a passport id card, and you can apply for either the card only, or you can apply for a passport book and a passport card at the same time. It may often be used as an identity card for purposes other than international travel, such as domestic air travel. If you are traveling on to europe, youll need a passport with at least. How a passport card differs from a passport book dmv. In order to apply for your first passport card, youll need the same documentation you need to apply for a passport book. Us citizens can travel to aruba without a visa or passport book, but one is recommended for medical or emergency evacuation back to the us by air. What if i want both a passport book and a passport card. United states citizens can get either a passport book or a passport card for their.

I recently got my very first united states passport, and i got a passport card at the same time. Get a passport card with your passport renewal g3passports. When you get ready to renew your passport, make sure you have the actual physical book or card. Embassy or consulate near you for information and forms to request a passport from outside the u. How to apply for a new passport card rush my passport. Youll need a passport book any time you are flying to a destination outside the united states. The following chart will give you a quick overview of the passport card versus the passport book. However, depending on where youre travelling, you might be ok with just the card. 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 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. That said, passport cards are very useful forms of identification.

Should americans have both a passport book and a passport card. It may not be accepted for entry or departure by the particular country you plan to visit. While having a us passport card is great and affordable, if you need an emergency trip home, you may decide that a us passport book is more your liking. How to know if you need a passport book or passport card. Us passport book and passport card online application. 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 cards can be used for land and sea travel between the us and mexico, canada, and certain caribbean nations. You can use a passport card as a form of id for boarding flights, or when applying for legal documents. First produced in 2008, the passport card allows the holder to enter the united states only by land or sea from canada, mexico, the caribbean, and bermuda. What documentation do you need to renew a childs us.

Travel articles do you need a passport or a passport card. Ds11 only has options under have you ever had either a passport cardbook for no, loststolen, or submitted with application. If you are thinking about applying for or renewing a u. However, you will need the book if youre flying across the border. Here is a table showing the principal differences between a passport book and a passport card. Does a passport card work to go to canada by train. If you lose your passport book you still have your passport card and vice versa. Differences between a passport book and passport card. Passport books or passport cards are both valid for 10 years after issue for adults, and five years for travelers under age 16. The united states passport card is an official identity and limited travel document issued by the. If youre a citizen of the united states, and youre thinking about traveling to mexico, but you dont yet have a passport, you might consider getting a passport card instead of a regular passport book.

Again, this is only if you want a passport card but youve never had a passport before. You must have the original copies of all required documents. Whats the difference between a passport book and a. Select both and you will pay additional fees for the passport book and passport card. Im not sure about the card, but the book doesnt take that excessively long to get it, but thats in canada. Whats the difference between a passport book and a passport card. Please contact npic if you do not receive the second or third mailing within 10 business days of the previous mailing. The state departments website offers complete details and an online application form. You should know that the passport card is only valid for travel by land and sea within mexico, canada, bermuda, and the caribbean, and you can not use it for air travel or for travel.

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. Apply for a passport card united states department of state. The card can essentially serve as an unofficial form of national id, declaring you a us citizen. The primary justification i had for doing so was tha. You should always wear identification, so i would suggest bringing your passport its a must and carry you card in your pocket. I live in canada and ive gotten into the us with the book. A passport book and a passport card serve the same purpose of attesting to your u. You will also need a new passport photo, a completed ds82 if submitting by mail and the application fee.