Getting a passport book with a passport card

Children too young to get a driver s license or other stateissued identification card. However, before you apply for a new passport card, consider carefully whether or not you might be better off getting a us passport book. 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. Passports bureau of consular affairs us department of state. Lets take a look at the simplest and quickest ways to get your hands on a valid passport book or card. Passport cards are delivered separately from passport books. How to get a passport card if you already have a us passport.

If you have a passport card, you can also use it to drive across the canadian border and to. The passport card facilitates entry and expedites document processing at u. For instance, if there is a medical or family emergency, you will not be able to fly out of the country to return home. Will i have to apply for the book as a first time applicant or can i renew. See the table below to determine which one is best for you. Feb 12, 2019 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. Passport cards are a relatively new addition to travel documents, and it can actually be used instead of a passport book in some instances. To date, more than 17 million passport cards have been issued, according to the state department, representing about 10 percent of all passport holders. Also, if you get a passport card separately from your passport, it has a different number and expiration date also costs a bit more. If you plan on traveling by air internationally, then you need to get the book. Finally, your passport card will be returned to you.

I have a us passport book, and i would like to apply for a us passport card to have in addition to my passport book. You can get a passport card and passport book at the same time online as part of a bundle under 18 you can only get a passport card with a passport book as part of a bundle which is an option you can select when renewing your childs passport online. A passport card can be used to enter the us states at land border crossing or seaportsofentry from canada, mexico, the caribbean and bermuda. If i apply using form ds82, submitting my current passport book as proof of citizenship, does it get returned to me still valid, or does it get cancelled. Passport card department of foreign affairs and trade. If you need to get your passport within two weeks, youll need to make an appointment at a regional passport agency to apply.

Passport cards for under 18s will be valid for the same period as the passport book. 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. In order to apply for your first passport card, youll need the same documentation you need to apply for a passport book. Jun, 2019 how to get a us passport book first time. Yes, you can use your passport card in order to apply for a passport book. A passport book is required for all international travel by air. The passport card is available to all irish citizens who hold a valid irish passport book. It may often be used as an identity card for purposes other than international travel, such as domestic air travel. What is a us passport card, and how can you get one. If you already hold a valid passport book, you may apply for a passport card by mail with form ds82. Differences between a passport book and passport card. Aug 10, 2012 complete your passport card application.

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. Well help you determine whether you want or need to pay extra for the passport card. Firsttime passport card applicants who do not have a passport book traditional passport must go in person to a passport application facility, such as a post office or courthouse,and submit a completed passport application form, proof of us citizenship, one passport photo and the required fee. Applying for both passport book and passport card both for adults and minors applying for a passport card while renewing your passport book for adults age 16 and above requirements for passport card application with valid passport book your actual passport book. Next day passport card order your us passport card today. A us passport card can only be used for land and sea travel to canada, mexico or the caribbean. You can mail your renewal application directly to the state department yourself. 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. I have a passport card, but also need a passport book for overseas. You only need a passport book if you travel by air. Reasons to get a passport book or card a passport card and book are both considered us passports. Issued in your current name or you can document your name change with an original or certified. Firsttime passport card applicants who do not have a passport book traditional passport must go in person to a passport application facility, such as a post office or courthouse, and submit a completed passport application form, proof of us citizenship, one passport photo and the required fee. Passport information getting a passport for the first time to obtain a passport for the first time, you will need to apply in person to one of the many passport acceptance facilities located throughout the united states with two passport photos, proof of u.

The passport card s usefulness as an international travel identification document is so limited, its not adequate for most of its intended use. Whats a passport card, and can it replace a real id. If you lose your passport book you still have your passport card and vice versa. If you are traveling to canada or mexico or bermuda or the caribbean or within the united states, it can come in handy, especially if you dont want to carry around your actual passport. 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. If none of these apply to you, then you must apply for a passport in person. If you are applying for a passport, youll need to consider whether to get a passport book or a passport card. If you already have a passport book, you might be able to apply for your very first passport card by mail. You can use form ds82 to renew your passport book at the same time you apply for your first passport card. April 15, 2020 update because of public health measures to prevent the spread of covid19, effective march 20, we have limited u. Although, keep in mind, while both can be used as forms of id. Its easy to get a passport card for your child when you apply for their minor passport book. How to apply for a new passport card rush my passport. Us passport book and passport card online application.

All you have to do is mark the passport application to show you are requesting both the passport book and passport card. All passport cards will be mailed using first class mail only. The passport card can be used only to reenter the u. Last summer i was in michigan and the opportunity arose to go to canada for the day. If they are issued for full validity, they both can be used as proof of your us citizenship and identification. Getting your us passport as easily and quickly as possible.

The passport book is the traditional multipage document that border agents stamp as you travel through. You must have the original copies of all required documents. Carry both the card and the passport book in case of an emergency and you need to fly home. The state departments website offers complete details and an online application form. Since the passport card is apparently worthless, it is better to leave that than your actual passport. However, if you do not plan on traveling on a plane outside of the u. A passport card fits in your wallet, making it a more convenient form of id to carry on certain trips. Department of state recommends the passport book as it is more versatile. If youre 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. In this case, you would apply for a passport renewal by mail. Passport books or passport cards are both valid for 10 years after issue for adults, and five years for travelers under age 16.

Passport card faq get answers to your passport card questions. It can also be used for domestic air travel in the usa. But given the card s restrictions, does it even make sense for a u. United states citizens can get either a passport book or a passport card for their travels abroad.

The card cannot be used for international air travel. The information that will go on your passport card or book comes from details on the application as well as other items required to fulfill travel document requests. Depending on where you are traveling outside of the u. If youre not inclined to take the time to get a real id, heres a lesserknown alternative. May 10, 2010 the passport card s usefulness as an international travel identification document is so limited, its not adequate for most of its intended use. You can imagine my surprise when i found myself putting an x in the checkbox on my u. The passport card cost is a lot cheaper than the book due to the limitations that the card has.

And because passport cards are much cheaper than their book form cousin, they make for a good choice for those looking to. No passport or passport card is required to travel to overseas u. But, the passport card can only be used for international travel by land and sea. However, if you get a passport card, it cannot be used for travel by air. If you already have a passport book or passport card, you can renew by mail using. Your passport or passport card will arrive by mail in approximately four weeks. How a passport card differs from a passport book dmv. Select both and you will pay additional fees for the passport book and passport card. I have a passport card but need a passport book to travel.

Passport application form ds82 which is completely filled out, printed and signed. If youve 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 youre living in the us and are an adult. Passport books and cards are alternatives to a stateissued id. May, 2019 in this video we explore should you use a passport book or a passport card when you travel. While the passport card is permissible for a cruise, you may want to reconsider getting the card over the book. In order to apply for a passport book by mail, your current passport must meet the following requirements. Weigh the cost of a passport versus a passport card. If any of the following apply to you, you may want to obtain a passport card. The passport card is designed to be a less expensive and more portable alternative to the passport book. Passport cards are wallet sized while the passport book is larger and thicker. Apr 06, 2016 its easy to get a passport card for your child when you apply for their 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. Just a few years later, the number of passport cards issued rose to over one million.

People who frequently cross the mexican or canadian border by car or train. Requirements for passport card applicants who hold a valid passport book your current us passport this must be the actual book, not a photocopy. Undamaged other than normal wear and tear issued when you were age 16 or older. I have a passport card but need a passport book to travel to. Passport cards are easier to carry than a passport book and they have some hidden benefits. Adults applying for a passport the first timeand children under age 16must use form ds11 and apply in person. Below is a handy list of pros and cons to help you decide. Adult passports are valid for 10 years and may be renewed by mail. Passport card faq get answers to your passport card. Completing a passport application in arkansas and anywhere in the u. Find out if the passport book or passport card is right for you. When i last renewed my passport i decided to pay the extra few bucks for a passport card and im glad i did. Passport application form ds82, completed offline or filled out online at.

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. This card provides a smaller, less expensive alternative for people who frequently travel between the united states and these countries. I didnt have my passport with me but i did have my c. Otherwise, it carries the rights and privileges of the u. You cannot use a passport card when traveling by air internationally.