We are traveling with a 4 and 2yearold on a disney cruise. The passport card is smaller when compared to the size of passport book. If your travel plans fit the limitations of the passport card, then it is a. Passport card vs passport book americas central america. Excellent form of official identification for children or nondrivers.
A passport book commonly called a passport, is used for travel anywhere in the world by air, land sea. Save yourself hassle with expedited passport services if you dont have the time or patience for applying for your u. Whats the difference between a us passport book and card. The difference between a passport book or card getaway usa. Difference between passport book and passport card. If issued for the full validity, they are both proof of your u. Since the pass card lasts for 10 years, it might be a good investment for the whole family as. There are very important differences between the passport card and the passport book. Passport books are too fragile, and birth certificates lack photos or expiration dates.
Adults will need to have their passport renewed every 10 years. The passport card can be used only to reenter the u. The us passport card is a credit card sized identification document. A passport card is a smaller version of a passport book and fits inside a wallet.
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. Please, close the new window or tab to return to this page. Us passport books and us passport cards the differences. Mar 05, 2018 a passport card is a smaller version of a passport book and fits inside a wallet. Along with allowing for international travel, passports can be used to prove your identity and citizenship, especially when you need multiple forms of identification.
The passport book and the passport card have the same validity which is 10 years for children 15 years old or younger, the validity is only 5 years. A passport card can be used to enter the us states at land border crossing or seaportsofentry from canada, mexico, the caribbean and bermuda. 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. What is the difference between a passport and a passport. Passport book vs passport card difference and comparison diffen. We fly from maryland to florida where we board our ship and sail to the bahamas. This page will provide a clear explanation of all passport book and card fees for all passport types child, adult, replacement, renewal, etc.
Us passport book and passport card online application. The united states passport card is an official identity and limited travel document issued by the. I recently read an article on facebook about a lady whose daughter booked her and four of her friends on a weeklong vacation to turks and caicos. 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. The fee to obtain a passport card and passport book also changes. Passport book vs passport card i f youve wondered what the difference is between a passport book and a passport card, youve come to the right place. It was designed for people who travel frequently between the u.
Would like opinions on the difference and if we should go with the passport card. Both documents are valid for 10 years for adults 16 and older, and 5 years for those under the age of 16. I have a passport card but need a passport book to travel to. 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. Passport books and cards are alternatives to a stateissued id. Difference between passport book and passport card compare.
If you are looking to get a new passport, you might be wondering, what is a passport book, and how does it differ from a passport card. Passport card is a walletsize travel document that can be used for land or sea travel to canada, mexico, bermuda, and the caribbean whereas a passport book can be used for international travel to all destinations by air, land, or sea. Can be used for international travel via land, sea, or air. The us passport card is a credit cardsized identification document. 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. The passport card cannot be used for international travel by air.
Duration of validity, 10 years for adults, 5 years for minors under 16. Minor passport process, fees, and document requirements. 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. The passport card is a cheaper alternative to the passport book. May 17, 2011 i want to get my 3 kids passports for our cruise in october. Aug 10, 2012 passport cards and passport books are no exception. However, the former limits where citizens can travel. See below the differences between a passport book vs. Conveniently, both the passport book and the passport card have the same renewal period. It is my understanding that it is better to have them in case of emergency. They are valid for five years from the date of issue, just like a minor passport book. 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. It is smaller and more convenient to carry than a passport book, and it is less expensive to obtain. What are the benefits of the passport book vs passport card.
A passport book is required for all international travel by air. As mentioned, a passport card is basically one creditcardsized i. What is the difference between a passport card or book answers. A passport card is valid for travel to and from canada, mexico, the caribbean and bermuda at land border crossings and sea portsofentry. First of all, a passport card can be used for travel by sea to barbados. A passport card is more convenient and less expensive than a passport book, but it cannot be used for international travel by air. Mar 01, 2010 passport books are too fragile, and birth certificates lack photos or expiration dates. The us passport book vs passport card salon prive mag. You are not limited to how or where you travel if you obtain a passport book. In a short period of time, passport services received over 350,000 applications for the passport card. Its issued by the federal government, which is the only entity that can determine citizenship. To be considered as an adult you must be 16 or older, and to be considered a minor, you must be 15 or less. Valid for all forms of travel by land, sea, and air.
Minor passport application process is slightly different from an adult passport application process. Concerning passport card cost, this option is more affordable than the book. It is similar to a drivers licence in terms of design as it is small, plastic. Differences between a passport book and passport card. Passport card vs passport book carnival cruise lines. So as not to get confused anymore, here a few points to remember on how to distinguish use of each. What is the difference between a passport card or book. How a passport card differs from a passport book dmv. 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. Mar 02, 2015 the 4 kids need their passports renewed before our fall cruise.
What is the price for a passport book and a passport card. Passport book vs passport card for kids the dis disney. One is a passport book, the traditional passport with the pages that get stamped. Department of state passport services recently began issuing the passport card as an alternative to the traditional passport book. Passport book vs passport card norwegian cruise line. Aside from the size, a passport book and a passport card difference is that the latter cannot be used when traveling abroad via air, the passport book is required. In july of 2008, due to requests from residents along us borders for a more portable and easier application process than a regular passport, the united states department of state began issuing passport cards, a wallet sized identity card usable for international travel by land and sea, valid only for travel to canada, mexico, the. The passport card contains a radio frequency identification chip as well as the traditional photograph and personal information found in a passport book. A passport card fits in your wallet, making it a more convenient form of id to carry on certain trips. The requirements are the same for the passport card as. Since the pass card lasts for 10 years, it might be a good investment for the whole family as it makes it easier to travel for us citizens. What is the difference between a passport and a passport card. Yes, you can use your passport card in order to apply for a passport book. Passport card or book for my kids to go to the bahamas via cruise.
What is the differences between passport book vs passport card. Us passport book vs us passport card us visa connection. What is the difference between a passport card number and. Passport fees are based on which type of passport you need, as well as the processing time that you need the passport. Passport card or book for my kids to go to the bahamas via. State department requires that the passport application be completed online, on their website. It is valid for 10 years for adults and 5 years for minors under 16. The other is the passport card, which is just like a drivers license. This card is not valid as a passport when traveling by air, but you can use the passport card for identification purposes. The cards are only accepted at sea ports and us border crossings, and not for international flights. That small book is the key for entry into over 150 countries throughout the world. You can use this creditcardsized document to reenter the united states from mexico, canada, bermuda and the caribbean when traveling by land or sea.
Do i need a passport book, passport card, or passport book. The difference between the numbers is two digits and the letter c. For children age 15 and under, the passport is valid for 5 years and for adults 16 and older it is valid for10 years. A us passport allows you to travel anywhere in the world by plane, car, or boat. Passport card department of foreign affairs and trade. Here is an infographic that has simplified the complete minor passport application process along with a. Passport the application process is the same for either the passport book or card, even if you want both at the same time. 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.
Enhanced drivers license many people may not know but depending on the state that you live in a third option is available to you. For the love of physics walter lewin may 16, 2011 duration. The daughter booked everything through an online travel agency ota, which i will not name, but an ota is continue reading passport card vs. Minor passports are issued to us citizens age 15 or younger and required both parents presenceconsent while applying for the passport. Aug 22, 2016 passport card is a walletsize travel document that can be used for land or sea travel to canada, mexico, bermuda, and the caribbean whereas a passport book can be used for international travel to all destinations by air, land, or sea. Passport book vs passport card difference and comparison. All you have to do is mark the passport application to show you are requesting both the passport book and passport card. Apr 06, 2016 all you have to do is mark the passport application to show you are requesting both the passport book and passport card. The passport card will match the expiry date of your passport book, if you have less than 5 years validity remaining. While an enhanced drivers license does prove citizenship, the passport card is better because its more authoritative. Learn more about how a passport card differs from a passport book.
The passport book has plenty of pages for visas and arrivaldeparture stamps, while the passport card is a onepiece creditcardsized id card. Validity of a passport book is 10 years for adults, 5 years for minors under age 16 the size of a passport book is approximately 5 x 3. We chat about passports, visas, international driving permits, vital documents, technology and more. A passport book provides valid identification for any national or international travel. Department of state expedite fee paid per application, in addition to. Nov 04, 2014 conveniently, both the passport book and the passport card have the same renewal period. Visa, mastercard, diners club international and american express cards are accepted. Entering the united states at land border crossings and sea portsofentry from. Wouldnt be so bad if child passports lasted 10 years like the adult passport, but renewing them every 5 yea. Minor children will need to have their passports renewed every 5 years until they reach 16 years of age. What is the differences between passport book vs passport.
Difference between a passport book and passport card. A passport card is also used for international travel, but on a more limited basis. The adult and minor passport card fees are about the same. See the chart below to decide which is best for you.
Your passport book allows you to travel by land, by sea, or by air. The passport card is only for land and sea travel, which means there is no way travelers can use the. Passport cards are valid for land and sea travel to and from canada, mexico and the countries of the caribbean. The passport card is cheaper to obtain than the passport book. I have a passport card but need a passport book to travel. The passport book comes as either 28 or 52 pages and is valid for five years. However, the passport card cannot be used for travel by plane. A passport book is valid for any international travel by air, sea or land. The good news is a passport card is generally valid for the same time and has the same application process as a 26 or 52page passport book. This is the base fee and does not include any fees to expedite.