Do you need both a passport card and book

Passport cardbasically a limiteduse passport enhanced drivers licenseacts both as a driver license and a travel document, but also with limits well walk you through the basic differences of each of these documents, and help you determine which one is right for you. The passport card is only valid for entry into the united states at land border crossings or sea ports of entry. Hi laura, if youre traveling by plane, you need a passport book. Well clear that up in the article below, and give you a couple good reasons why you may want to have both at the same time. For that reason, and because im not in a border state, most of the customers who come to my facility just get the book. 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. 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. I recently got my very first united states passport, and i got a passport card at the same time. While a passport book is valid for all types of travel land, sea or air to any destination. The passport book and the passport card are both valid passport that will attest to your identity as well as citizenship.

Department of state passport services recently began issuing the passport card as an alternative to the traditional 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. If you already only have the passport book, you can get the passport card as well when you apply for your next passport renewal. If you get a passport book and card at the same time, they will expire at the same time. Select both and you will pay additional fees for the passport book and passport card.

Violent crime, particularly theft, is common on the caribbean island so carry valuables like your passport in a money belt or. They are valid for five years from the date of issue, just like a minor passport book. You must complete all pages of the form and sign and date it. And again, applying for a passport book comes with higher fees. Not only do they seem different, they serve different functions. You will also need a new passport photo, a completed ds82 if submitting by mail and the application fee.

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. You can apply for both the book and card with the same application but it is. The passport card is a wallet side document that will be used to expedite document processing from the u. Both passport cards and books are also acceptable on shore excursions. There is no reason to ever get a passport card, unless you only travel to canada, mexico or caribbean. 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 still got any questions about whether you need a passport book or card, please contact travel visa pro.

The book covers all the international requirements you need and there are no travel restrictions. First of all, you do need a passport book to go on a cruise if youre doing any international air travel to get to your cruise. Yes, passport cards can be renewed just like passport books. I have a passport card but need a passport book to travel. The passport publication has lots of pages for arrivaldeparture stamps and visas, while the passport card is a id card. Sometimes it makes life more convenient to have both a passport book and a card, and carry them both on your international travel. To enter canada, your passport book or card must be valid at the time of entry. If you are traveling on to europe, youll need a passport with at least three months of remaining validity from. Do i need a passport book or passport card for my international vacation. My passport was issued to me when i was 17 years old and now 10 years later i believe i am eligible to renew it. However, if youre going on a caribbean cruise departing from the u. Enhanced drivers license many people may not know but depending on the. You should always wear identification, so i would suggest bringing your passport its a must and carry you card in your pocket.

Here is a table showing the principal differences between a. I currently have a passport card that was issued in june 2009. Passport book vs passport card difference and comparison. This is the case even if youre flying to canada or mexico from the u. If you already hold a valid passport book, you may apply for a passport card by mail with form ds82. If you apply for both the passport card and passport book at the same time, you will pay a reduced fee. 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. You cannot use the passport card for international air travel, nor can you use it for travel to other international destinations. Should i get a passport card to go along with my passport. Regardless if you are traveling by air, land, or sea, you can use a passport. I will be needing to get a passport book within the next couple of years so i can travel to barbados. Whether you need a passport book or card for your travels, come on down to the nearest travel visa pro to discuss your options. United states citizens can get either a passport book or a passport card for their. There are few travelers in this world who arent interested in trying to save money while on vacation.

Embassy or consulate near you for information and forms to request a passport from outside the u. Travel articles do you need a passport or a passport card. A passport book and a passport card serve the same purpose of attesting to your u. You can apply for a us passport card by mail if you already have a us passport book and eligible to use form ds82. If you do not meet the requirements for renewal by. 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. What is the difference between a passport book and a. Since a passport book comes with multiple pages, the cost is more than a passport card. A passport card is cheaper than a passport book, but cant be used for air travel and. The primary justification i had for doing so was tha. Youll find all the details youll need to apply for a passport card in. If you are applying for a passport, youll need to consider whether to get a passport book or a passport 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. When a passport card might be just what you need for travel.

When you get ready to renew your passport, make sure you have the actual physical book or card. If you are applying for both a book and a card at the. One question we see a lot online is what is a passport card. 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. If you have a passport book, it will do everything the passport card does, but not viceversa. You can renew a passport book, a passport card, or both documents. You will be required to submit your expired passport bookcard with your application. However, this seems to be changing, thanks in large part to the real id act. Carry both the passport card and the passport book in case of an emergency and you need to fly home. Both forms ask you to check a box indicating whether youre applying for a passport book, card or both. Whats the difference between a passport book and a. The length of validity is the same for both documents, five years. Passport books or passport cards are both valid for 10 years after issue for adults.

No one expects an emergency, and whether you plan or not plan to travel by air, you will require a us passport book. Youll need to submit both documents when you do your next renewal. I f youve wondered what the difference is between a passport book and a passport card, youve come to the right place. You can use form ds82 to renew your passport book at the same time that your apply for your passport card. Do you need a passport if flying to an international cruise. Whats the difference between a passport book and a passport card. If youre planning a trip to any other destination, then you would need a u. How to get a passport card when renewing your passport. If you have a valid passport book, you do not have to get a passport card as well. In a short period of time, passport services received over 350,000 applications for the passport card. Get a passport card with your passport renewal g3passports.

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. Do you need a passport card or passport book to travel by. 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. The passport card can be used only to reenter the u. Do you know the difference between a passport and a passport card. To renew a childs passport bookcard you would need to submit the paperwork via the post office and you will need an appointment to do this. 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. 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. Passport requirements for travel to jamaica getaway usa. The passport card, meanwhile, is both less expensive and less flexible. If youre traveling by land, you need a passport book, a passport card, an enhanced drivers license with an rfid chip, not available in every state or a nexis, fast or sentri card these are trusted traveler programs.

Application form to complete the application for a passport book, card, or both together, first do one of the following. 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. Here is a table showing the principal differences between a passport book and a passport card. I have a passport card but need a passport book to travel to barbados.

Should americans have both a passport book and a passport. The state departments website offers complete details and an online application form. However, the card was created to facilitate the frequent travel of. 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. Yes, you can apply for both a passport book and passport card at the.

Otherwise you will need to use form ds11 to apply for a passport card. To apply for or renew both the book and card, check the appropriate box at the top of the form to. If you do not have a valid passport, you will need to apply for your new passport card with the government in person and you will need to file form ds11. If you want to apply for a passport card and currently have a valid traditional passport, you can simply download and file form ds82. How to know if you need a passport book or passport card. For more information on applying for a new passport book or card, a renewal or other passport questions, please.

You can use your passport card for travel by land or sea to and from canada, mexico, bermuda and the caribbean. When it comes to the passport card versus passport book, the decision falls. 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. Whether you get the passport bookcard both are valid for 10 years. Both the passport book and passport card serve as proof of your u. Do you need a passport if youre cruising to the bahamas. If not you should carry your passport book around, but that would be very stressful. What is a us passport card, and how can you get one. Everything else about the application process is the same for each type of passport. 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.

If you find yourself frequently traveling to canada or mexico but not so much the rest of the world, a passport card is one way to help pinch some pennies. All american citizens are required to present a valid passport to exit and reenter the united states. 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. Can i apply for a passport card and passport book using the same. What is the difference between a passport book and. Should americans have both a passport book and a passport card.