Passport cards are wallet sized while the passport book is larger and thicker. However, you will not find any other number in your nigerian passport. Should i get a passport card to go along with my passport. To enter canada, your passport book or card must be valid at the time of entry. If you ll be crossing the border after june 1st and you havent applied for a passport yet, you ll need to apply for a passport book to make sure you have the appropriate documentation by the deadline. Should americans have both a passport book and a passport. Carry both the passport card and the passport book in case of an emergency and you need to fly home. How to apply for a new passport card rush my passport. However, if you get a passport card, it cannot be used for travel by air. What is a passport card, and what should you know when youre considering a passport book vs. You should expect significant delays receiving your u. If your cruise itinerary takes you outside of the u.
It is important to understand which document you need to avoid a situation that can prevent you from flying or sailing out of the country as planned. I have a passport card but need a passport book to travel. 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. Ed perkins a nationally recognized reporter, writer, and consumer advocate, ed perkins focuses on. How to get a passport card when renewing your passport. You must apply in person for a passport card using form ds11 if you do not meet the requirements. Passport renewal requirements if you can submit form ds82, you will not be required to pay the execution fee. Visa, mastercard, diners club international and american express cards are accepted. The card may not be used to travel by air outside the united states. You must have the original copies of all required documents. In order to apply for your first passport card, you ll need the same documentation you need to apply for a passport book.
You may be searching over do i need a passport for a cruise. Because of its small size, the passport card will fit in your wallet, as opposed to a passport book which can be impractical to carry around with you. What if i have an emergency and need to get a passport quickly. If you are traveling on to europe, you ll need a passport with at least three months of remaining validity from. If you re thinking of going on a cruise, the passport card might be nice when you need a from of identification to get on and off the ship. It can also be used for domestic air travel in the usa. Should americans have both a passport book and a passport card. They are valid for five years from the date of issue, just like a minor passport book. You can use your passport card in order to apply for a passport book. Do you know the difference between a passport and a passport card. The passport card cant be used for international journeys by air. The book covers all the international requirements you need and there are no travel restrictions. If you get a passport book and card at the same time, they will expire at the same time. If you are applying for both a book and a card at the same time, you only need to submit one passport.
You cannot use the passport card for international air travel, nor can you use it for travel to other international destinations. Passport cards are particularly handy for people who live close to the border and cross frequently or people who rarely travel but have decided to go on a cruise in mexico or the caribbean. There is a checkbox on the form for you to indicate that you are applying for a passport card. The passport card is designed to be a less expensive and more portable alternative to the passport book. Differences between a passport book and passport card. Passport cards are delivered separately from passport books. In this case, you would apply for a passport renewal by mail. Travel articles do you need a passport or a passport card. You can use your passport card for travel by land or sea to and from canada, mexico, bermuda and the caribbean. You ll need to submit both documents when you do your next renewal. Frequently asked questions bureau of consular affairs us. I will be needing to get a passport book within the next couple of years so i can travel to barbados. In a short period of time, passport services received over 350,000 applications for the passport card.
The one you find is usually located in the upperright corner of your document. However, depending on your itinerary, you may only need a passport card. Whether you get the passport book card both are valid for 10 years. Tuesday, june 3 rd, 2014 by travelmaestro comments. Any time you board an international flight, you will need a valid us passport book. The passport book is a real passport, and allows you to fly internationally. To get a passport more quickly, you need to make an appointment at a regional agency. But given the card s restrictions, does it even make sense for a u. It is smaller and more convenient to carry than a passport book, and it is less expensive to obtain. United states citizens can get either a passport book or a passport card for their. In conclusion, the passport book versus passport card is important to know. I currently have a passport card that was issued in june 2009.
I have a passport card but need a passport book to travel to barbados. John will rent a car and drive from buffalo to toronto on his quarterly sales calls. A real passport book can get you anywhere in the world, while the passport card is limited. Yes, passport cards can be renewed just like passport books. What is a us passport card, and how can you get one. I f you ve wondered what the difference is between a passport book and a passport card, you ve come to the right place.
According to the ds160 form, which you should fill to enter the usa, the passport number and passport book number are two completely different set of numbers. If you are applying for a passport, youll need to consider whether to get a passport book or a passport card. Enhanced drivers license many people may not know but depending on the state that you live in a third option is available to you. Passport cards, like passport books, are valid for 10 years from the date of issue or 5 years, for children age 15 and younger. Does a passport card does the same as a passport card. If you already have a passport or if you are renewing your passport card, you might be able to submit your application by mail. You can request expedited service to get it done in 23 weeks. If you already hold a passport book, your card will be issued with a different number. If you still got any questions about whether you need a passport book or card, please contact travel visa pro. You cannot use a passport card when traveling by air internationally. The passport card has the same validity as the passport book.
What is the difference between a passport book and. Can you upgrade from a passport card to a passport book. 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. And, actually, the passport card will slow down your checkin time at the port a little bit, as they currently cannot be scanned into the computer like the passport books are. The card is for people who frequently drive across the border but dont intend to fly. The passport card will match the expiry date of your passport book, if you have less than 5 years validity remaining. The passport card is a wallet side document that will be used to expedite document processing from the u. However, before you apply for a new passport card, consider carefully whether or not you might be better off getting a us passport book. Our guide will show you the uses and advantages of each document, and will help you figure out which one is best for you, or if you should have both. If you have a valid passport book, you do not have to get a passport card as well. However, it doesnt always make sense to have only the passport card, especially if you plan to travel by plane overseas. But, the passport card can only be used for international travel by land and sea. The passport card is a very handy tool to have in your vital document wallet.
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. Along with this, you need to submit your passport card, one passport photo and payment. A passport book is required for all international travel by air. But, what if you have an emergency while youre in mexico and you need to fly home. Besides passports, limited use passport cards and are issued by the same organization subject to the same requirements. Fortunately, expediting a passport book is easy to do. However, if you re going on a caribbean cruise departing from the u. As long as your passport is not significantly damaged, you should be able to apply for a. Us passport book and passport card online application. Yes, if you have a passport card, you can obtain a passport book. It will otherwise carry the rights and privileges of the u. 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. If you have a passport card and you are eligible to use form ds82. If you do have the book and travel frequently between through the boarders of canada and mexico or on ships to bermuda, mexico, and the caribbean, you might want to consider applying for both when renewing your passport.
On the form, you indicate that you re applying for a passport card. Can i apply for the passport card and passport book at the same time using. If you already have a passport book and you are eligible to use form ds82 renewal by mail, you may apply for a passport card using ds82 even if this is your first passport card. If you already have a passport book or passport card, you can renew by mail using form ds82. Ds11 only has options under have you ever had either a passport card book for no, loststolen, or submitted with application. To apply for or renew both the book and card, check the appropriate box at the top of the form to indicate that you. If you already only have the passport book, you can get the passport card as well when you apply for your next passport renewal.
Whats the difference between a passport book and a passport card. Below is a handy list of pros and cons to help you decide. Passport card department of foreign affairs and trade. Nonetheless, any visitor who will be touring with no passport will want proof of citizenship reminiscent. 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. Yes, you can use your passport card in order to apply for a passport book. Do you want a company that can handle any problem in your visa and passport application process, whether your travel plans require you to be abroad in under 24 hours or you have weeks to prepare. If youre planning a trip to any other destination, then you would need a u. Youll find all the details youll need to apply for a passport card in our guide, including the requirements and how to get it fast.
Adults will need to have their passport renewed every 10 years. Our website will assist you in filling in your application and we also offer a live chat free service, should you have any queries or need any online help. My passport was issued to me when i was 17 years old and now. I have a passport card, but also need a passport book for overseas. I recently got my very first united states passport, and i got a passport card at the same time. If you do not meet the requirements for renewal by.
Otherwise you will need to use form ds11 to apply for a passport card. Do i need a passport book, passport card, or passport book. To date, more than 17 million passport cards have been issued, according to the state department, representing about 10 percent of all passport holders. Also, it must be less than 15 years since it was issued, and if your name has changed in the interim, you need official documentation of the. Conveniently, both the passport book and the passport card have the same renewal period. The passport card will facilitate entry and expedite document processing at u. An adult passport card looks similar to a drivers license, and is valid for ten years. 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. The state departments website offers complete details and an online application form. 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.
If you already hold a valid passport book, you may apply for a passport card by mail with form ds82. This means that you will be without it for the 46 weeks that it takes to process the application for a passport card. Note, however, that you will have to submit your most recently issued passport book. There is no reason to ever get a passport card, unless you only travel to canada, mexico or caribbean. 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. So you ve got your passport card, but can you just tuck it into your wallet and call it a day, or do you need that passport book you always see people using in movies. A us passport card can only be used for land and sea travel to canada, mexico or the caribbean. Department of state passport services recently began issuing the passport card as an alternative to the traditional 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. Passport cards can only be purchased as an addon feature when applying for a passport book. You can now apply for a passport book and a passport card. 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. You should also check with your states licensing agency about how to get a. The primary justification i had for doing so was tha.
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