Getting your us passport as easily and quickly as possible. I bought a passport card a few months ago to go on a cruise. To be considered as an adult you must be 16 or older, and to be. If issued for the full validity, they are both proof of your u. May, 2019 in this video we explore should you use a passport book or a passport card when you travel. Passport the application process is the same for either the passport book or card, even if you want both at the same time. Should americans have both a passport book and a passport card. The passport card cost is also a fair deal less than a passport book. The passport card is the size of a drivers license and is used for convenience as it is smaller and cheaper than the 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. You cannot use a passport card when traveling by air internationally. What are the benefits of the passport book vs passport card. 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.
A passport book is the official bookstyle document that allows a us. There are different passport card fees depending on if you are an adult or a minor. The passport card cannot be used for international travel by air. 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. Adults renewing a passport do not have to pay an execution fee, although this is paid at the time of first application. 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. I have a passport card but need a passport book to travel. This page will provide a clear explanation of all passport book and card fees for all passport types child, adult, replacement, renewal, etc. You must have the original copies of all required documents.
Any us citizen wishing to travel internationally via air must have a passport book. Applying regular or expediting the passport card is very simple if you follow the instructions below. Getting double or saving half on whatever you wish on your vacation is a wonderful option to have. What is a us passport card, and how can you get one. The passport card shares the same validity period as the passport book. We are now planning on taking a flight out of the country and i need a passport book.
Weigh the cost of a passport versus a passport card. You can get a us passport card, whether or not you currently hold a passport book. I have a passport card but need a passport book to travel to barbados. You can use this creditcardsized document to reenter the united states from mexico, canada, bermuda and the caribbean when traveling by land or sea. If you already have a passport, use form ds82 to apply for a. Minors 15 years and below overnight return available. 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. See the chart below to decide which is best for you. Difference between passport book and passport card. 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. The difference between a passport book or card getaway usa. Applying for a new passport is a process that can take several weeks.
Please note, passport cards are not valid for air travel or for travel outside of the western hemisphere. Passport books or passport cards are both valid for 10 years after issue for adults, and five years for travelers under age 16. Applicants must provide documents which attest to their u. A passport book functions in all ways a passport card is used and there is no need to obtain a passport card if you already have a passport book. The passport book has lots of pages for visas and arrivaldeparture stamps. Depending on where you are traveling outside of the u. Passport fees 2020 you can view the list of passport fees for services such as applying for a new passport, renewal fees as well as updating the information on your current passport, purchasing additional pages and other services listed below. A passport card can provide a more convenient, cheaper alternative to carrying your passport book. Varies fee and form for a passport name change vary depending on circumstances. Passport types, fees, and payments multnomah county. Passport book vs passport card difference and comparison.
Passport fees 2020 for routine and expedited services. I will be needing to get a passport book within the next couple of years so i can travel to barbados. However, the passport card cannot be used for travel by plane. Us passport book and passport card online application. No passport or passport card is required to travel to overseas u. If your travel plans take you to a country bordering the u. Find a passport application acceptance facility card. State department issues two versions of a passport. Passport card is wallet sized document while passport book size is 5. Should americans have both a passport book and a passport. If youre applying for a passport card for the first time, youll want to find a passport. All passport cards will be mailed using first class mail only.
The adult and minor passport card fees are about the same. How a passport card differs from a passport book dmv. Aug 18, 2016 the passport book allows for all travel, by air, land, and sea and youll need the passport book in order to receive a travel visa. Reasons to get a passport book or card a passport card and book are both considered us passports. Passport holders younger than 16 are able to renew at a lower rate than adults. A passport card looks like a drivers license and is a walletsized card that allows reentry into the united states at land bordercrossings and portsofentry by sea via canada, mexico, bermuda, and the caribbean a passport book is what most people think of when you say a. Can i apply for the passport card and passport book at the same time using the same application. Passport fee check or money order payable to department of state unable to process cash, credit, or debit card payments execution fee cash,check, or money order payable to city of riverside unable to process credit or debit card payments total fees. Only available for passport book applicants in the united states not canada. You cannot get a refund if you cancel your application or youre not entitled to 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 expect to spend. First you will need to gather the required documents for a passport card. Debitcredit extra fees apply, cash, check, cashiers check or money order payable to multnomah county passport book is valid for. How to get a passport card fast applying for a passport card by mail will take up to 8 weeks.
Save yourself hassle with expedited passport services if you dont have the time or patience for applying for your u. The passport card is a cheaper alternative to the passport book. The passport card is a fully valid passport that attests to the u. The passport card has one fee for us citizens when you apply for the first time, and another fee when you already have a passport. As such, it is important to perform this step months in. The passport card was designed for specific needs of northern and southern u. If you are traveling on to europe, youll need a passport with at least three months of remaining validity from. What is the difference between a passport book and passport card. As passport books allows more activities as compare to passport card so they tend to cost more as well. 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. There are several options when it comes to forms of identification for travel. List of passport fees us passport office locations. Passport book is a globally recognized travel document while passport card is not a globally recognized document. For instance, if there is a medical or family emergency, you will not be able to fly out of the country to return home.
To enter the united states at land border crossings or sea portsofentry from canada, mexico, the. Passport fees are based on which type of passport you need, as well as the processing time that you need the passport. Can only be used in land and sea travels, not by air. If none of these apply to you, then you must apply for a passport in person. It is even cheaper to buy both a passport and passport card at one time. I currently have a passport card that was issued in june 2009. 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. The primary justification i had for doing so was tha. The passport book is the only document approved for international travel by air. On all vitalchek blogs, birth certificates, passport information, vital records.
But given the cards restrictions, does it even make sense for a u. You can use form ds82 to renew your passport book at the same time you apply for your first passport card. Applicants ages 16 or older whose passports were issued less than a year ago, pay no fee. The passport bookcard can take four to six weeks to receive. It may often be used as an identity card for purposes other than international travel, such as domestic air travel. 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. 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. Read on to learn how you can apply for your passport card and lighten your load for your next journey. 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. H ave you ever wished your passport could fit inside your wallet. 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.
Visa, mastercard, diners club international and american express cards are accepted. Both the passport book and card are valid for 10 years for adults 5 years for minors under age 16. Feb 12, 2019 passport book the passport book is designed to be used for all types of international travel. If you do not receive a second mailing within 10 business days of receiving the first, please contact the national passport information center by email at. To enter canada, your passport book or card must be valid at the time of entry. A passport card is more convenient and less expensive than a passport book, but it cannot be used for international travel by air. First, lets cover the two different types of passports a passport book and a passport card. Can i upgrade from a passport card to a passport book. It is smaller and more convenient to carry than a passport book, and it is less expensive to obtain. Carry both the card and the passport book in case of an emergency and you need to fly home. To date, more than 17 million passport cards have been issued, according to the state department, representing about 10 percent of all passport holders. A passport card is the same size as a drivers license, and is official proof of your identity and us citizenship. Check out the differences between the two types of passport.
The passport card will match the expiry date of your passport book, if you have less than 5 years validity remaining. Below is a handy list of pros and cons to help you decide. Applicants ages 16 or older who passports were issued more than a year ago, need to apply for a renewal using form ds82 and pay the renewal fee. Since people abroad may not be familiar with every u. A passport card or book can serve as identification for various purposes, including domestic travel. Passport fees how much your passport costs depends on how you apply for it. Passport options and fees san diego county, california. To apply for or renew both the book and card, check the appropriate box at the top of the form to. Completing a passport application in florida is an important first step if you want to take an international trip.
Department of state recommends the passport book as it is more versatile. Passport card department of foreign affairs and trade. Well help you determine whether you want or need to pay extra for the passport card. I recently got my very first united states passport, and i got a passport card at the same time.
Instead, it is the acceptance, or execution fee, that is. A passport card is less expensive than a traditional passport book. If you are only traveling to these select destinations, and do not fly, it would be more. Passport cards are particularly useful for some people. Differences between a passport book and passport card.
For travelers who frequently travel to canada, mexico, bermuda, and the caribbean by land or sea, the plastic walletsized passport card might be a good option. While the passport card is permissible for a cruise, you may want to reconsider getting the card over the book. As such, the passport card is adjudicated to the exact standards as the passport book. This service is not available for passport card applicants. The passport book is accepted for any form of international travel and is also the document that holds your visas. Did you know the term passport can actually refer to two different documents a passport book and a passport card.
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