As it turned out, he was the one in for the unpleasant surprise. How a passport card differs from a passport book dmv. The passport card can be used for identification purposes. Passport book vs passport card difference and comparison. You only need a passport book if you travel by air. The passport card cannot be used for international travel by air.
A passport book is valid for any international travel by air, sea or land. 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. Canada is our closest neighbor to the north, but u. 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. Us passport book and passport card online application. Carry both the card and the passport book in case of an emergency and you need to fly home. The passport card shares the same validity period as the passport book. The card, which requires a background check and indepth interviews with authorities from both the us and canada to obtain, gives you trusted. The passport card will facilitate entry and expedite document processing at u. Yes, you can use your passport card in order to apply for a passport book. The passport card facilitates entry and expedites document processing at u.
What is a us passport card, and how can you get one. A passport card also could be useful for alaska cruises, as long as all border crossings into canada are done by land or sea. May, 2019 in this video we explore should you use a passport book or a passport card when you travel. Should americans have both a passport book and a passport. Sep 26, 2016 we already have nexus passes for frequent crossers i. The passport card can be used only to reenter the u. How to apply, application forms and what supporting documents you need. I have a passport card but need a passport book to travel to. A passport card is cheaper than a passport book, but cant be used for air travel and is only valid in canada, mexico, bermuda, and the.
It is also used for domestic travel to countries by land or sea. The card is billed as a cheaper, smaller and more convenient alternative to carrying a passport when traveling to these destinations by land or sea. The passport card has benefits, but does not offer the same list of privileges as a traditional passport. Generally speaking, when someone is thinking about a passport, chances are good that they are thinking about a passport book. In this case, you would apply for a passport renewal by mail. It can also be used for domestic air travel in the usa. Should americans have both a passport book and a passport card. Citizens can be issued with two types of passports. The card may not be used to travel by air outside the united states. Start today by applying for or renewing your passport.
As such, the passport card is adjudicated to the exact standards as the passport book. The passport card is a walletsize travel document that can only be used to reenter the united states at land bordercrossings or portsofentry by sea from canada, mexico, the caribbean, and bermuda. If you are also applying for a renewal of your passport book and you opt for expedited service by mail, your passport book will arrive in 23 weeks, but your passport card may arrive in a separate envelope several weeks later. If youre a frequent traveler to canada or mexico by land or sea, then the passport card can be a budgetfriendly option. While both passport book and card are valid to cross into canada by train, united states citizens over the age of 16 also have several alternative options. It is the size and shape of a drivers license, and conveniently fits in your wallet.
Passport card department of foreign affairs and trade. A passport card is valid for travel to and from canada, mexico, the caribbean and bermuda at land border crossings and sea portsofentry. You must have the original copies of all required documents. If you travel to canada frequently by train or road, the u. A us passport card is used as a federal id and is only good for travel to canada, mexico, the caribbean, and bermuda at land border crossings or sea portsofentry and is more convenient and less expensive than a passport book. You can use this creditcardsized document to reenter the united states from mexico, canada, bermuda and the caribbean when traveling by land or sea.
I have a passport card but need a passport book to travel. The passport card is a fully valid passport that attests to the u. The nexus card used to be the bestkept secret of frequent travelers to canada. I recently got my very first united states passport, and i got a passport card at the same time. Youll use the same form that you would use to apply for a passport bookeither a ds11 or ds82. Unlike other countries, canada does not require your passport to have a minimum period of validity. The passport card contains a radio frequency identification chip as well as the traditional photograph and personal information found in a passport book.
Jul 27, 2019 after he confirmed that his spouse could cruise with just a passport card, he booked their tropical vacation. Find a passport office or service canada receiving agent for inperson service. At service canada centres clients are able to submit general passport applications adult. 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. You cannot use a passport card when traveling by air internationally. You can get a passport card with your passport book if you like. Save yourself hassle with expedited passport services if you dont have the time or patience for applying for your u. It was designed for the people who live near the border and cross it frequently, with a lower cost and a. This is because a passport book is the booklet containing information about the person to whom it has been issued, which is in addition to a number of blank pages that can be used for travel visas as well as the stamps when said individuals enters and exits a country. Passport cards requested by mail are always shipped back. It is smaller and more convenient to carry than a passport book, and it is less expensive to obtain. The passport card will match the expiry date of your passport book, if you have less than 5 years validity remaining. The primary justification i had for doing so was tha.
An alternative to a passport card or book is the nexus pass, which is designed for frequent travelers between the u. First of all, a passport card can be used for travel by sea to barbados. A passport is an essential item that you cannot afford to leave behind when going on an international trip. You can use this credit card sized document to reenter the united states from mexico, canada, bermuda and the caribbean when traveling by land or sea. Apr 05, 2011 the passport card is good only for land and sea border crossings, and as such is good enough for going to and from canada. Aug 10, 2012 a passport book is bigger than a passport card. The passport card is a valid federal id primarily for travelers that visit canada, mexico, and the caribbean by land and sea. Visa, mastercard, diners club international and american express cards are accepted. The passport card, meanwhile, is both less expensive and less flexible. 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. S citizens are encouraged to carry passports when sailing out of foreign ports. Excellent form of official identification for children or nondrivers. The passport card is good only for land and sea border crossings, and as such is good enough for going to and from canada. It was designed for the people who live near the border and cross it frequently, with a lower cost and a handy size that fits in a wallet like a drivers license.
Does a passport card work to go to canada by train. A us passport card can only be used for land and sea travel to canada, mexico or the caribbean. Do you need a passport card and book to go from the us to. Obtaining the pass requires an extensive application process, but once youre eligible, youll be able to move to quicker, nexusonly lanes at customs. This is because a passport book is the booklet containing information about the person to whom it has been issued, which is in addition to a number of blank pages that can be used for travel visas as well as the stamps when said individuals. Yes you may use passport cards for all land travel. The card provides a smaller, more convenient, and less expensive alternative to the passport book for those who travel frequently to these destinations by land or sea. You are not limited to how or where you travel if you obtain a passport book. A passport card can be used to enter the us states at land border crossing or seaportsofentry from canada, mexico, the caribbean and bermuda. Passport cards are applied for and issued in your home country. To enter canada, your passport book or card must be valid at the time of entry. Canada border services agency staffers will accept a valid passport book for entry into canada by bus. Can i renew my usa passport book and passport card separately. Depending on how you plan to visit canada, you may be able to use a passport book, passport card, or even a nexus card.
A passport book commonly called a passport, is used for travel anywhere in the world by air, land sea. A passport card is more convenient and less expensive than a passport book, but it cannot be used for international travel by air. Applying for a passport card by mail will take up to 8 weeks. The passport card is also real id compliant and can be used for domestic air travel. Carrying the bulkier passport book can be inconvenient, whereas. Passport card can be used to enter the united states from canada, mexico, the. However, before you apply for a new passport card, consider carefully whether or not you might be better off getting a us passport book. Passport the application process is the same for either the passport book or card, even if you want both at the same time. Otherwise, it carries the rights and privileges of the u. In this video we explore should you use a passport book or a passport card when you travel.
Mar 18, 2020 the passport card, meanwhile, is both less expensive and less flexible. The united states passport card is an official identity and limited travel document issued by the. There are several options when it comes to forms of identification for travel. Service canada offers passport service s in over 300 locations on behalf of the passport program, giving canadians broader access to passport services across the country.
A passport card fits in your wallet, making it a more convenient form of id to carry on certain trips. We already have nexus passes for frequent crossers i. How to apply for a new passport card rush my passport. If you are traveling on to europe, youll need a passport with at. For canada crossings, nexus card no longer beats a us passport. 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. This case is an unfortunate example of what can go wrong if you decide to cruise with just a passport card. The passport card is valid only for certain types of international travel and cannot be used for international air travel. The passport card is a walletsize identification card with your picture, information, and barcode. Many travelers will still want to apply for a full passport, however. These countries include canada, mexico, and the caribbean.
When you apply for a passport card, youll spend less money than you would when. Differences between a passport book and passport card. You can now apply for a passport, or renew it, at over 300 service canada centres. It was designed for people who travel frequently between the u. What to do if your passport is lost or stolen, how to avoid identity theft and information for canadian law enforcement. Passport books and cards are alternatives to a stateissued id. The card cannot be used for international air travel.
After he confirmed that his spouse could cruise with just a passport card, he booked their tropical vacation. S citizens visiting canada need a passport book or will a. The us passport card is a credit card sized identification document. A passport card is cheaper than a passport book, but cant be used for air travel and is only valid in canada, mexico, bermuda, and the caribbean.
Applicants must provide documents which attest to their u. It will otherwise carry the rights and privileges of the u. Feb 12, 2019 what are the benefits of the passport book vs passport card. Does canada have plans for a canadian passport card. What are the benefits of the passport book vs passport card.
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