To get a passport more quickly, you need to make an appointment at a regional agency. The passport card is designed to be a less expensive and more portable alternative to the passport book. My passport was issued to me when i was 17 years old and now. John will rent a car and drive from buffalo to toronto on his quarterly sales calls. Whether you get the passport book card both are valid for 10 years. In order to apply for your first passport card, you ll need the same documentation you need to apply for a passport book. The passport card is a wallet side document that will be used to expedite document processing from the u. 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. You should also check with your states licensing agency about how to get a.
You cannot use the passport card for international air travel, nor can you use it for travel to other international destinations. In a short period of time, passport services received over 350,000 applications for the passport card. If you are applying for both a book and a card at the same time, you only need to submit one passport. Can you upgrade from a passport card to a passport book. Should i get a passport card to go along with my passport. Frequently asked questions bureau of consular affairs us. However, if you re going on a caribbean cruise departing from the u. A passport book is required for all international travel by air.
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. Yes, passport cards can be renewed just like passport books. Note, however, that you will have to submit your most recently issued passport book. If you are applying for a passport, youll need to consider whether to get a passport book or a passport card.
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. Passport cards, like passport books, are valid for 10 years from the date of issue or 5 years, for children age 15 and younger. You can now apply for a passport book and a passport card. However, depending on your itinerary, you may only need a passport card. 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. However, it doesnt always make sense to have only the passport card, especially if you plan to travel by plane overseas. To enter canada, your passport book or card must be valid at the time of entry.
The one you find is usually located in the upperright corner of your document. 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 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. 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. What if i have an emergency and need to get a passport quickly. You ll use the same form that you would use to apply for a passport book either a ds11 or ds82. Ed perkins a nationally recognized reporter, writer, and consumer advocate, ed perkins focuses on. To date, more than 17 million passport cards have been issued, according to the state department, representing about 10 percent of all passport holders. The passport book is a real passport, and allows you to fly internationally. Carry both the passport card and the passport book in case of an emergency and you need to fly home. There is a checkbox on the form for you to indicate that you are applying for a passport card. 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. To use this option, your current us passport must be undamaged and in your possession.
Can i apply for the passport card and passport book at the same time using. You cannot use a passport card when traveling by air internationally. It can also be used for domestic air travel in the usa. Yes, if you have a passport card, you can obtain a passport book. I f you ve wondered what the difference is between a passport book and a passport card, you ve come to the right place. The passport card has the same validity as the passport book. Us passport book and passport card online application. Any time you board an international flight, you will need a valid us passport book. Fortunately, expediting a passport book is easy to do. However, before you apply for a new passport card, consider carefully whether or not you might be better off getting a us passport book. There is no reason to ever get a passport card, unless you only travel to canada, mexico or caribbean. If you are traveling on to europe, you ll need a passport with at least three months of remaining validity from.
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. You ll need to submit both documents when you do your next renewal. If you already have a passport or if you are renewing your passport card, you might be able to submit your application by mail. United states citizens can get either a passport book or a passport card for their. You must apply in person for a passport card using form ds11 if you do not meet the requirements. You should expect significant delays receiving your u. 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. How to get a passport card when renewing your passport. Should americans have both a passport book and a passport. A us passport card can only be used for land and sea travel to canada, mexico or the caribbean. 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. If you get a passport book and card at the same time, they will expire at the same time. Depending on where you are traveling outside of the u.
I currently have a passport card that was issued in june 2009. What is a passport card, and what should you know when youre considering a passport book vs. 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 have a valid passport book, you do not have to get a passport card as well. If you do not meet the requirements for renewal by. In conclusion, the passport book versus passport card is important to know. If you already hold a valid passport book, you may apply for a passport card by mail with form ds82. 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.
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. As long as your passport is not significantly damaged, you should be able to apply for a. Yes, you can use your passport card in order to apply for a passport book. If youre planning a trip to any other destination, then you would need a u. Passport cards are delivered separately from passport books. The passport card cant be used for international journeys by air. 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. Besides passports, limited use passport cards and are issued by the same organization subject to the same requirements. The passport card will match the expiry date of your passport book, if you have less than 5 years validity remaining. 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 state departments website offers complete details and an online application form. But, what if you have an emergency while youre in mexico and you need to fly home. Passport cards can only be purchased as an addon feature when applying for a passport book. 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.
I have a passport card but need a passport book to travel. How to apply for a new passport card rush my passport. Department of state passport services recently began issuing the passport card as an alternative to the traditional passport book. Visa, mastercard, diners club international and american express cards are accepted.
Along with this, you need to submit your passport card, one passport photo and payment. Travel articles do you need a passport or a passport card. The primary justification i had for doing so was tha. They are valid for five years from the date of issue, just like a minor passport book. 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. Conveniently, both the passport book and the passport card have the same renewal period. I have a passport card, but also need a passport book for overseas. Differences between a passport book and passport card. The passport card will facilitate entry and expedite document processing at u.
However, you will not find any other number in your nigerian passport. Adults will need to have their passport renewed every 10 years. You must have the original copies of all required documents. Otherwise you will need to use form ds11 to apply for a passport card.
Below is a handy list of pros and cons to help you decide. Whats the difference between a passport book and a passport card. 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. 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 have a us passport, you may be able to apply for a new passport card using passport renewal form ds82. 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 books or passport cards are both valid for 10 years after issue for adults, and five years for travelers under age 16. 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 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. You can request expedited service to get it done in 23 weeks. 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.
If your cruise itinerary takes you outside of the u. Passport renewal requirements if you can submit form ds82, you will not be required to pay the execution fee. But given the card s restrictions, does it even make sense for a u. You may be searching over do i need a passport for a cruise. It will otherwise carry the rights and privileges of the u. I recently got my very first united states passport, and i got a passport card at the same time. If you still got any questions about whether you need a passport book or card, please contact travel visa pro. Passport card department of foreign affairs and trade. If you already hold a passport book, your card will be issued with a different number. Tuesday, june 3 rd, 2014 by travelmaestro comments. If you miss your ship or have an emergency and need to fly home, the card will do you no good. You can use your passport card in order to apply for a passport book.
I will be needing to get a passport book within the next couple of years so i can travel to barbados. In this case, you would apply for a passport renewal by mail. On the form, you indicate that you re applying for a passport card. I have a passport card but need a passport book to travel to barbados. Do you know the difference between a passport and a passport card. The card is for people who frequently drive across the border but dont intend to fly. This means that you will be without it for the 46 weeks that it takes to process the application for 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.
The book covers all the international requirements you need and there are no travel restrictions. If you already only have the passport book, you can get the passport card as well when you apply for your next passport renewal. Should americans have both a passport book and a passport card. 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. Passport cards are wallet sized while the passport book is larger and thicker. Ds11 only has options under have you ever had either a passport card book for no, loststolen, or submitted with application. Nonetheless, any visitor who will be touring with no passport will want proof of citizenship reminiscent. What is a us passport card, and how can you get one. The passport card is a very handy tool to have in your vital document wallet. If you already have a passport book or passport card, you can renew by mail using form ds82. 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. You can use your passport card for travel by land or sea to and from canada, mexico, bermuda and the caribbean.
Do i need a passport book, passport card, or passport book. However, if you get a passport card, it cannot be used for travel by air. What is the difference between a passport book and. The card may not be used to travel by air outside the united states. Does a passport card does the same as a passport card. A real passport book can get you anywhere in the world, while the passport card is limited. But, the passport card can only be used for international travel by land and sea. If you have a passport card and you are eligible to use form ds82. An adult passport card looks similar to a drivers license, and is valid for ten years.