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. 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. Passport books or passport cards are both valid for 10 years after issue for adults. Youll need to submit both documents when you do your next renewal. You can definitely get both, but if you already have the passport book, theres no real need to obtain the card. In this case, you would apply for a passport renewal by mail. You can apply for both the book and card with the same application but it is. 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. 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. Deciding which is best for you boils down to where youre traveling, how frequently you travel. Can i apply for a passport card and passport book using the same. Jan 08, 2020 both passport books and cards are valid for 10 years.
Although, keep in mind, while both can be used as forms of id when traveling, the passport card has some restrictions. A passport book is valid for all types of travel land, sea or air to any destination. While a passport book is valid for all types of travel land, sea or air to any destination. If they are issued for full validity, they both can be used as proof of your us citizenship and identification. If they are issued for full validity, they both can be. You can get a passport card with your passport book if you like. In addition to the aforementioned items, youll also need to include your old passport book and fees for both passport applications. Yes, you can use your passport card in order to apply for a passport book. 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. 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.
You can also apply by mail when adding a passport card to your passport book renewal application. A passport card is the same size as a drivers license, and is official proof of your identity and us citizenship. 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. United states citizens can get either a passport book or a passport card for their travels abroad. Passport card department of foreign affairs and trade. Whats the difference between a passport book and a. Both documents are valid for 10 years for adults 16 and older, and 5 years for those under the age of 16. Can i renew my passport book to get a passport card and a. Us passport card faq get your passport in 24 hours. 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. Understanding the difference between a passport book and a passport card can potentially save you a lot of hassle when you travel. You cannot use a passport card when traveling by air internationally. Note, passport cards can only be used for travel by land and sea.
I dont need to be busy looking for the passport, flight ticket and cash at security check point or duty free stores anymore. If you are applying for a passport, youll need to consider whether to get a passport book or a passport card. If you need to get a passport in three weeks or less, you will need an expedited process. There is no reason to ever get a passport card, unless you only travel to canada, mexico or caribbean. As of march 25, 2020, you need to use our online retail customer appointment scheduler to request an appointment for inperson passport services. It allows you to travel anywhere that you can with the passport card with the additional benefit of being able to travel by air. 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. 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. If i have both a passport card and a passport book, do i need. All of the materials must be compiled in one envelope and sent by mail.
How to get a passport card when renewing your passport. 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. Your old passport card will be marked cancelled by having one corner clipped off. If your travel plans take you to a country bordering the u. Can i renew my usa passport book and passport card separately. You will also need a new passport photo, a completed ds82 if submitting by mail and the application fee. 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. Youll need to submit the same documentation for getting a passport card as you do for a passport book, so. As stated above, the passport book covers all the international requirements you need and there are no travel restrictions. What is a us passport card, and how can you get one. What is the price for a passport book and a passport card. Oct 16, 2017 you can definitely get both, but if you already have the passport book, theres no real need to obtain the card. The other is the passport card, which is just like a drivers license.
The irish passport card is a travel document that irish citizens can use for certain travel instead of the standard passport book. 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. United states citizens can get either a passport book or a passport card for. Cant see a reason youd need both other than another form of id that fits in your wallet. 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. They are particularly useful as identification for children who are too young to get a drivers license. You can apply for both the book and card with the same application but it is not requried that you obtain both. 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. 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. You can even write a letter to the us dept of state reminding them to return your valid passport book. Passport books or passport cards are both valid for 10 years after issue for adults, and five years for travelers under age 16.
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. If you lose your passport book you still have your passport card and vice versa. Just keep in mind that the book is a bit more expensive. If you plan to travel by air, then you will need a passport book. 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. Oct 05, 2018 if so, you ve probably noticed the option for a passport card.
You have to go in person to present your application. Since a passport book comes with multiple pages, the cost is more than a passport card. Both passport books and cards are valid for 10 years. Aug 18, 2016 one is a passport book, the traditional passport with the pages that get stamped. 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.
Whats the difference between a passport book and a passport card. You can get a us passport card, whether or not you currently hold a passport book. While the passport card is more convenient due to its size, it is far more restricted in use than the passport book. 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. Select both and you will pay additional fees for the passport book and passport card. If you dont mind the expense, you may opt for both the passport book and the passport card. A passport card is cheaper than a passport book, but can t be used for air travel and. If so, youve probably noticed the option for a passport card. You only need a passport book if you travel by air. The passport card has the same validity as the passport book. The length of validity is the same for both documents, five years. Should americans have both a passport book and a passport card. I will renew my passport only have book which is expiring in march, might get the card too. The passport cards usefulness as an international travel identification document is so limited, its not adequate for most of its intended use.
You can use the passport card when traveling in the european union, the european economic area which includes iceland, liechtenstein and norway and switzerland. When you get ready to renew your passport, make sure you have the actual physical book or card. Should americans have both a passport book and a passport. To apply for or renew both the book and card, check the appropriate box at the top of the form to. 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 book allows you to travel anywhere else assuming you have all the other documents, visas etc. If you have a valid passport book, you do not have to get a passport card as well. If you are applying for a passport, you ll need to consider whether to get a passport book or a passport card. What is the difference between a passport book and passport card. If you already have a passport book or passport card, you can renew by mail using form.
The passport card is a wallet side document that will be used to expedite document processing from the u. If you are inquiring about an application currently in process through passport health. You can use form ds82 to renew your passport book at the same time you apply for your first passport card. Although not required on closed loop sailings, which call at foreign ports but sail roundtrip from the u. What is the difference between a passport book and passport. The primary justification i had for doing so was tha.
Yes, passport cards can be renewed just like passport books. I previously had a regular passport holder, which was just a sleeve for my passport. How a passport card differs from a passport book dmv. You must have the original copies of all required documents. A passport card is more convenient and less expensive than a passport book. Regardless if you are traveling by air, land, or sea, you can use a passport. 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 state departments website offers complete details and an online application form. Jun, 2019 how to get a us passport book first time. I dont need to be busy looking for the passport, flight ticket and cash at. A passport card is cheaper than a passport book, but cant be used for air travel and.
Aug 10, 2012 if you already have a passport book, you might be able to apply for your very first passport card by mail. To find out where you need to go and what additional fees. Passport books are valid for all international travel, no matter what the mode of transit is. Passport cards for under 18s will be valid for the same period as the passport book. Get a passport card with your passport renewal g3passports. I have a passport card but need a passport book to travel to. 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. You can imagine my surprise when i found myself putting an x in the checkbox on my u. To enter canada, your passport book or card must be valid at the time of entry. Both the passport book and passport card serve as proof of your u. Because you can get one for far less than youll have to pay for a passport book.
If you get a passport book and card at the same time, they will expire at the same time. This option means getting both a passport book and passport card with just one application. Differences between a passport book and passport card. I recently got my very first united states passport, and i got a passport card at the same time. One is a passport book, the traditional passport with the pages that get stamped. 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. You can renew your passport and change the name at the same time. A passport book is required for all international travel by air. Passport cards are particularly useful for some people. 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. 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. These smaller id cards can be used to supplement a typical passport. 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. 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, if you have a passport card, you can obtain a passport book at any time. Should i get a passport card to go along with my passport. There is a place on the application to check whether you want to apply for a passport card, passport book or both. If you already have a passport book, you might be able to apply for your very first passport card by mail. Post offices that accept passport applications offer products and services for both firsttime and renewal passport applications. Can t see a reason you d need both other than another form of id that fits in your wallet. Getting a card only allows you to visit canada and mexico.
698 902 1174 1432 88 957 1058 258 630 1063 90 1537 411 382 917 18 233 1529 1198 426 948 1365 43 374 871 1180 1261 392 1039 950 1117 286 1172 576 1284 1182 1049 894 799 462 1075 987 1082