The card is much cheaper, the full fees are below, but both documents are good for 10 years once youre over 16 years old and if you can. Use the 2020 passport fees table to help you calculate the cost of getting your passport. The total amount will depend on the service you require and any additional services you might need or want. As passport books allows more activities as compare to passport card so they tend to cost more as well. However, the passport card cannot be used for travel by plane. To be considered as an adult you must be 16 or older, and to be. However, before you apply for a new passport card, consider carefully whether or not you might be better off getting a us passport book. What is the difference between a passport book and a. Us passport books and us passport cards the differences. We may be compensated if you make a purchase via a link on this site. What are the benefits of the passport book vs passport card. Passport card is wallet sized document while passport book size is 5. It was designed for people who travel frequently between the u. The passport book has lots of pages for visas and arrivaldeparture stamps.
It fits in most wallets, and is more resistant to damage as it does not have any pages. Learn more about how a passport card differs from a passport book. The adult and minor passport card fees are about the same. The passport card is a cheaper alternative to the passport book. That means you cannot use the passport card for air travel. The passport book vs card question is one you may have if you are a firsttime international traveler. Difference between passport book and passport card. How to apply for a new passport card rush my passport.
Visa, mastercard, diners club international and american express cards are accepted. Us passport book and passport card online application. The passport card cannot be used for international travel by air. The passport card is cheaper to obtain than the passport book. Only one execution fee is charged for an individual applying for both a card and book at the same time. You can use the irish passport card for travel within the european. Department of state expedite fee paid per application, in addition to. Passport the application process is the same for either the passport book or card, even if you want both at the same time. State department issues two versions of a passport. No passport or passport card is required to travel to overseas u. There are very important differences between the passport card and the passport book.
While youre not absolutely required to have a government issued photo id to fly domestically, having one will surely make it. Some visas may require a sticker that can take up one full page in your passport book. 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. 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. While traveling domestically, if my state drivers license is lost or stolen, i wont be able to get a new one until i return home. Differences between a passport book and passport card. The fee is not as high as a passport book since it is use for some countries. 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. Any us citizen wishing to travel internationally via air must have a passport book. There are different passport card fees depending on if you are an adult or a minor. The passport card shares the same validity period as the passport book.
Adults applying for a passport the first timeand children under age 16must use form ds11 and apply in person. This is the base fee and does not include any fees to expedite. However, people find a passport card more convenient and accessible when carrying. Since people abroad may not be familiar with every u. You can use this creditcardsized document to reenter the united states from mexico, canada, bermuda and the caribbean when traveling by land or sea. It can also be used for domestic air travel in the usa. However, it has a great number of limitations, so clients requesting a passport card should give serious consideration to applying for a passport book as well.
A passport card can be used to enter the us states at land border crossing or seaportsofentry from canada, mexico, the caribbean and bermuda. While that might seem like a pretty penny, your passport book is valid for ten years if youre an. 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. Mobile passport is a favorite mobile app among travelers. If youre a frequent traveler to canada or mexico by land or sea, then the passport card can be a budgetfriendly option. I currently have a passport card that was issued in june 2009. You cannot use a passport card when traveling by air internationally. 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. Us passport book vs us passport card us visa connection. The passport card contains a radio frequency identification chip as well as the traditional photograph and personal information found in a passport book.
The passport book is valid for all international travel. It is smaller and more convenient to carry than a passport book, and it is less expensive to obtain. Both the passport book and passport card serve as proof of your u. 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. I have a passport card but need a passport book to travel to barbados. 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 cards and passport books are no exception. Although it carries the same rights and privileges of the u. It gives travelers access to a special expedited lane to get through customs fast. There are few travelers in this world who arent interested in trying to save money while on vacation. Fees vary based on age, the speed of service you request and whether you already have a passport. Like the traditional passport book, it reflects the bearers origin, identity, and nationality and is. You must have the original copies of all required documents. However, each of these items comes with certain restrictions regarding when you can use them. The passport book is designed with heavy travel in mind. If issued for the full validity, they are both proof of your u. When a passport card might be just what you need for travel. What is a us passport card, and how can you get one. 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. I have a passport card but need a passport book to travel.
The difference between a passport book or card getaway usa. Simply scan your passport and skip the long lines at customs. Both of these documents give you the ability to travel outside of the country. If so, youve probably noticed the option for a passport card. Passport fees 2020 for routine and expedited services. 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. Also, if you get a passport card separately from your passport, it has a different number and expiration date also costs a bit more. The department of stateissued documentswhich allow u. The application fee for a passport card is also lower than the passport book. Passport card fees is determine by the state department and is standard.
The us passport card is a credit cardsized identification document. Because the passport card has more limited uses, its less expensive than the passport book. This card provides a smaller, less expensive alternative for people who frequently travel between the united states and these countries. Since the passport card is apparently worthless, it is better to leave that than your actual passport. I f youve wondered what the difference is between a passport book and a passport card, youve come to the right place. It is required during the international travel via air, land or sea. The passport card will match the expiry date of your passport book, if you have less than 5 years validity remaining. Passport card fees how does the passport card fees. Passport book is a globally recognized travel document while passport card is not a globally recognized document. 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. Its a small booklet with a semirigid dark blue cover and it allows for reentry anywhere. Weigh the cost of a passport versus a passport card. This is a privately owned website and not a government agency.
A passport book provides valid identification for any national or international travel. A passport book is what most people think of when you say a passport. A passport card is an acceptable id for flying domestically, according to tsa. A us passport card can only be used for land and sea travel to canada, mexico or the caribbean. Your passport book allows you to travel by land, by sea, or by air. The passport card is not valid for any air travel, including to canada and mexico. Passport card department of foreign affairs and trade. What is the difference between a passport book and. See the chart below to decide which is best for you. You can use the card for land and sea border crossings at canada, mexico, the caribbean, and bermuda only.
However, it is possible to damage a passport book so its best to carry a passport protector or wallet to keep it safe. 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 will be needing to get a passport book within the next couple of years so i can travel to barbados. What is the difference between validity of the passport book and passport card. Our fees listed on this page are for those applying for or renewing their passport in the united states and renewing by mail from canada. If youre leaving for an international trip, your passport is. A passport card can be used to enter the us states at land border crossing or seaportsof. The passport card is only valid for land and sea travel to canada, mexico, and the caribbean. How a passport card differs from a passport book dmv. A passport card is more convenient and less expensive than a passport book, but it cannot be used for international travel by air.