A us passport card can only be used for land and sea travel to canada, mexico or the caribbean. If you need an emergency passport for immediate international travel or for. Would this count as a valid passport for my global entry interview. Depending on the itinerary of your ship, you may be able to use a passport card similar in size to a drivers license, issued by the passport office instead of a traditional passport. It will otherwise carry the rights and privileges of the u. Passport card faq get answers to your passport card questions.
Can i get a passport card so i dont have to pay extra for. Did you know the term passport can actually refer to two different documents a passport book and a passport card. To enter canada, your passport book or card must be valid. How a passport can help you fly domestically state. You can use the irish passport card for travel within the european union and the. On all vitalchek blogs, birth certificates, passport information, vital records. Passport card can be used to enter the united states from canada, mexico, the caribbean, and bermuda at land border crossings or sea portsofentry and is more convenient and less expensive than a passport book. For more information about passports and passport cards, visit the u. Is a question frequently asked by our readers if you are traveling to mexico, canada, and the caribbean as a u. Were going to take this one step at a time to give you all the information you need to know about a passport vs. If you are applying for a passport, youll need to consider whether to get a passport book or a passport card.
Passport card faq get answers to your passport card. Since i would be crossing the border by land, would the passport card be okay instead of having to pay more for the passport book. A passport card carries many of the same benefits as a passport book, it just resembles a credit card and has certain restrictions. 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. The department of state is issuing the passport card in response to the needs of border resident communities for a less expensive and more portable alternative to the traditional passport book. If you re applying for a passport card for the first time, you ll want to find a passport. Aug 10, 2012 a passport card can provide a more convenient, cheaper alternative to carrying your passport book. If you are inquiring about an application currently in process through passport. Is it faster to get a passport card than to get an actual passport. To obtain a passport book or card, all you need to do is go to your local passport facility to fill out an application and begin the process.
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. Mar 06, 2017 the quick answer for burgess is that you can use a passport card. If you already only have the passport book, you can get. The passport book has plenty of pages for visas and arrivaldeparture. Your passport book will be returned when your card is issued. 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. A passport card also could be useful for alaska cruises, as long as all border crossings into canada are done by land or sea.
Jul 05, 2018 why consider a passport card if its use is so limited. I have a passport card but need a passport book to travel. You only need a passport book if you travel by air. You can imagine my surprise when i found myself putting an x in the checkbox on my u. A us passport card to use for travel to mexico can be obtained in person at us post offices and by mail from the us passport agency. The irish passport card is a travel document that irish citizens can use for certain travel instead of the standard passport book. United states citizens can get either a passport book or a passport card for their. They are particularly useful as identification for children who are too young to get a drivers license. If you are applying for a passport, you ll need to consider whether to get a passport book or a passport card. Passport cards are particularly useful for some people. It may often be used as an identity card for purposes other than international travel, such as domestic air travel. You still need a valid drivers license to operate a motor vehicle.
The passport book is the traditional multipage document that border agents stamp as you travel through. Only one execution fee is charged for an individual applying for both a card and book at the same time. What is a us passport card, and how can you get one. One option may be to call the npic 8774872778 and set an appointment. 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. 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. To enter the united states at land border crossings or sea ports of entry from canada, mexico, the caribbean, and bermuda, you can use a passport book or a passport card. Note, you must apply for the passport card in your current legal name. From passport cards to global entry, which trusted. 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. A passport card can provide a more convenient, cheaper alternative to carrying your passport book.
This case is an unfortunate example of what can go wrong if you decide to cruise with just a passport card. You ll need to submit both documents when you do your next renewal. Citizen you must have a valid passport to enter mexico, otherwise mexican immigration officers will return you to the u. The state departments website offers complete details and an online application form. Find uses and advantages of a passport book and a passport card and figure out which one is best for you, or if you should have both documents. Before we get into the details about bringing a passport vs. 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. Adults who already have a fully valid passport book may apply for the card as a. Jun, 2019 how to get a us passport book first time.
However, the passport book is valid for all forms of travel. The card may not be used to travel by air outside the united states. You can now apply for a passport book and a passport card. If youre only applying for a card, we will send it to you via first. The guide below will teach you more about the passport application process. The passport book is the only document approved for international travel by air. Separate number formats are used for passport books and passport cards. Yes, you will have to send in your passport book when you apply for a passport card. 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.
I have a passport card but need a passport book to travel to. A passport card provides valid identification for national travel, but only provides valid identification for certain types of international travel. Otherwise if you never had a us passport book and you are not able to use form ds82 you then must apply in person with form ds11. They will check your passport during the appointment and return it to you right away. In this case, you would apply for a passport renewal by mail. If im remembering correctly, you can use your passport card when travelling by land or sea. While us passport books can be accepted in any country with the proper visa unless theyve specifically barred americans from entry, a passport card can only be used to enter countries by land or sea. Yes, passport cards can be renewed just like passport books. If you get a passport book and card at the same time, they will expire at the same time. A passport card is the same size as a drivers license, and is official proof of your identity and us citizenship.
The passport book can be obtained as a new passport or if you currently have a passport book you will be eligible for renewal to make sure your passport book has six months of validity. Just check the box both at the top of form ds11 or ds82. When most of us think of a passport, we tend to imagine a book filled with stamps and papers documenting our travels over the years. 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. Aug 10, 2012 your passport book allows you to travel by land, by sea, or by air. Your old passport card will be marked cancelled by having one corner clipped off. Passport cards for under 18s will be valid for the same period as the passport book. On the contrary, any applicant that is already in possession of a passport book and can use form ds82 will be able to apply for a passport card.
H ave you ever wished your passport could fit inside your wallet. Do you need a passport or a drivers license to fly at the airport. 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. 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. Passport card can be used to enter the united states from canada, mexico, the caribbean, and bermuda at land border crossings or sea ports of entry and is more convenient and less expensive than a passport book. Feb 12, 2019 a us passport allows you to travel anywhere in the world by plane, car, or boat. Read on to learn how you can apply for your passport card and lighten your load for your next journey. Also, if you get a passport card separately from your passport, it has a different number and expiration date also costs a bit more. Oct 03, 2012 now, instead, you can carry a passport card, which is valid in all states as a way to confirm your identity and citizenship. You can apply for both the book and card with the same application but it is not requried that you obtain both. A passport book is the official book style document that allows a us. If you just want a passport card, you can check the card box at the top of your form. Its easy to get a passport card for your child when you apply for their minor passport book.
When can you use a passport card instead of a passport. Lets take a look at the simplest and quickest ways to get your hands on a valid passport book or card, and how much you can. Due to this growth, more and more questions are sent to use about this travel document. Passport books or passport cards are both valid for 10 years after issue for adults, and five years for travelers under age 16. Passport cards, as federallyissued documents, can be used in their place. Tsa accepts the passport card as id for domestic flights. May 10, 2010 the passport cards usefulness as an international travel identification document is so limited, its not adequate for most of its intended use. Real id to the airport with you, lets cover the basics first. If you mean a mexican passport card for use by mexican citizens. The passport card s usefulness as an international travel identification document is so limited, its not adequate for most of its intended use. Differences between a passport book and passport card.
Unless you use the mobile passport app, youll have to. 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. We compare the two to help you decide which type of id is best for you. Is it faster to get a passport card than to get an actual. Jun 09, 2019 if youre only planning on going between the u. 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 you have a valid passport book, you do not have to get a passport card as well. Bring passport card to ge interview instead of passport book.
Would it be faster for her to get a passport card instead of a passport. After he confirmed that his spouse could cruise with just a passport card, he booked their tropical vacation. Whats the difference between a passport book and a passport card. A passport book is required for all international travel by air. How to apply for a new passport card rush my passport. Will a passport card work as identification to get you on a. The passport card has benefits, but does not offer the same list of privileges as a traditional passport. A passport card is cheaper than a passport book, but can t be used for air travel and. As it turned out, he was the one in for the unpleasant surprise. The passport card can be used only to reenter the u. Your passport book allows you to travel by land, by sea, or by air. A passport book provides valid identification for any national or international travel.
Just a few years later, the number of passport cards issued rose to over one million. A passport, passport card or california identification card is not a substitute for a drivers license. 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 to other. The passport card can be used for entering the united states at land border crossings and sea ports of entry from canada, mexico, the caribbean, and bermuda. 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. Mar 18, 2020 the passport book has plenty of pages for visas and arrivaldeparture stamps, while the passport card is a onepiece credit card sized id card. The card has the same validity period as a passport book.
Trusted travelers bring passport card to ge interview instead of passport book. You can use form ds82 to renew your passport book at the same time that your apply for your passport card. There is no available way to get a same day passport, but you can choose to get same day service on a regular passport book with us passport now. We do not use 12 day delivery services for passport cards. How to get a passport card when renewing your passport. A passport card is more convenient and less expensive than a passport book, but it cannot be used for international travel by air.
It can also be used for domestic air travel in the usa. You can apply for a passport card the same way as you apply for a passport book. Yes, you can get a passport card instead of a passport book if you plan to travel to canada by land. On the top of the ds82 application for passport renewal.
Since the passport card is apparently worthless, it is better to leave that than your actual passport. A passport card is more convenient and less expensive than a passport book. If you are a mexican national you can use your passport, resident card, ife card, or birth certificate to enter mexico. Real id, so that you can stop worrying about airport formalities and start getting excited about your trip. If you re a citizen of the united states, and you re 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.
Because you can get one for far less than you ll have to pay for a passport book. How a passport card differs from a passport book dmv. The passport card was designed for specific needs of northern and southern u. On the top of the ds82 application for passport renewal, you can select both. Along with this, you need to submit your passport card, one passport photo and payment. I am looking at walking across the cbx from san diego to tij and flying to cabo.
Can i apply for the passport card and passport book at the same time using the same application. All you have to do is mark the passport application to show you are requesting both the passport book and passport card. For more information about the california real id, visit the dmv website. The card comes in very handy because it is much easier to handle. Pretty soon, your current drivers license may not be enough to get you through security at the airport. You can get a us passport card, whether or not you currently hold a passport book.
Passport card department of foreign affairs and trade. Find a passport application acceptance facility card. If you already only have the passport book, you can get the passport card as well when you apply for your next passport renewal. Yes, you can use your passport card in order to apply for a passport book.
Passport applications in wisconsin can be found online or at a passport facility. If you ve 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 you re living in the us and are an adult. Getting your us passport as easily and quickly as possible. 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 photo and the required fee. However, depending on where youre travelling, you might be ok with just the card. You can get a passport card and passport book at the same time online as part of a bundle. You cannot use the passport card for international air travel, nor can you use it for travel to other international destinations. Unless youre jetsetting to all corners of the world, you might be able to get by with a passport card instead of a traditional passport book.
The passport card will facilitate entry and expedite document processing at u. Jun 02, 2018 however, under what circumstances is a passport book or card right for you. Irish citizens can use for certain travel instead of the standard passport book. 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. Passport books can as well, but if you re strictly a domestic flyer, the card will save both wallet space and money. 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. In fact, on the ds11 application to renew or get a passport, at the top you can select whether you are applying for a passport book with pages for foreign visa entryexit stamps, visas, etc.
Jul 26, 2019 unfortunately, you cannot upgrade your passport card to a passport book. Not only do they look different, they serve slightly different purposes. Does a passport card work to go to canada by train. You can use form ds82 to renew your passport book at the same time you apply for your first passport. It may be tempting to book precious time off even with the world as unsettled as it is. Just beware that not all caribbean locations will accept this as a valid id per wikipedia.