Difference between passport book and passport card. The passport card contains a radio frequency identification chip as well as the traditional photograph and personal information found in a passport book. Soon enough all visas will be cards but for now i would call cic and ask them its a simple call. I have a passport card but need a passport book to travel to.
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. Depending on how you plan to visit canada, you may be able to use a passport book, passport card, or even a nexus card. How to apply, application forms and what supporting documents you need. Us passport book vs us passport card us visa connection. At service canada centres clients are able to submit general passport applications adult. A passport card is cheaper to get but is only valid for travel to canada, mexico and the caribbean islands. Passport card is also valid for international travel but by land or sea only. A passport card carries many of the same benefits as a passport book, it just resembles a credit card and has certain restrictions. The us passport card is a credit card sized identification document. Passport book and passport card are two terms that are often used these days by many citizens of the united states who are applying for a passport for the first time. Passport book vs passport card difference and comparison diffen. The united states passport card is an official identity and limited travel document issued by the.
As like the passport book, the card also must be renewed after validation gets completed. First of all, a passport card can be used for travel by sea to barbados. Passport card is wallet sized document while passport book size is 5. Passport card vs passport book canada immigration forum. If youre a frequent traveler to canada or mexico by land or sea, then the passport card can be a budgetfriendly option. Enhanced drivers license many people may not know but depending on the state that you live in a third option is available to you.
Generally speaking, when someone is thinking about a passport, chances are good that they are thinking about a passport book. Traditional passports are valid for international travel by air, sea, and land. In this video we explore should you use a passport book or a passport card when you travel. You only need a passport book if you travel by air. These countries include canada, mexico, and the caribbean. It was designed for people who travel frequently between the u.
Nov 23, 2018 proof of social security number ss card, a w2, or a pay stub with full ssn. 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. A passport card, while cheaper, only works when entering the united states at landborder crossings and via ports of entry from canada, mexico, the caribbean and bermuda. A passport card is valid for travel to and from canada, mexico, the caribbean and bermuda at land border crossings and sea portsofentry. Service canada offers passport service s in over 300 locations on behalf of the passport program, giving canadians broader access to passport services across the country. Learn more about how a passport card differs from a passport book. Jan 02, 2020 it will not work as it doesnt show when youve entered the country. If you need to travel internationally, you must have a passport book.
A name change document, like a marriage certificate, may also be required. Yes, you can use your passport card in order to apply for a passport book. The passport card is a walletsize identification card with your picture, information, and barcode. Oct 07, 2017 whether you get the passport book card both are valid for 10 years. But it is only recgonized between canada and the us. Sep 26, 2016 we already have nexus passes for frequent crossers i. The passport card can be used only to reenter the u. The passport book is valid for travel anywhere and is. Does canada have plans for a canadian passport card. Renewal cost of the passport book and passport card. 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 nexus card used to be the bestkept secret of frequent travelers to canada.
Canada is our closest neighbor to the north, but u. A passport card is the size of a drivers license and can be used only for travel by land or sea to canada, mexico, bermuda, and parts of the caribbean. 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. A passport book provides valid identification for any national or international travel. Passport card department of foreign affairs and trade. Passport book vs passport card difference between passport book and passport card can be a new subject to you if you are not a citizen of the united states of america. Feb 12, 2019 what are the benefits of the passport book vs passport card. Passport book vs passport card difference and comparison. S citizens visiting canada need a passport book or will a passport card be sufficient. You cannot use a passport card when traveling by air internationally.
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. What is a us passport card, and how can you get one. May, 2019 in this video we explore should you use a passport book or a passport card when you travel. This is because a passport book is the booklet containing information about the person to whom it has been issued, which is in addition to a number of blank pages that can be used for travel visas as well as the stamps when said individuals enters and exits a country. The passport card is only valid for land and sea travel to canada, mexico, and the caribbean. Visa, mastercard, diners club international and american express cards are accepted. The passport card can be used for identification purposes.
You are not limited to how or where you travel if you obtain a passport book. There are very important differences between the passport card and the passport book. The card, which requires a background check and indepth interviews with authorities from both the us and canada to obtain, gives you trusted. There is no available way to get a same day passport, but you can choose to get same day service on a regular passport book with us passport now. The passport card is only valid for travel to canada and the bahamas. 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. Obtaining the pass requires an extensive application process, but once youre eligible, youll be able to move to quicker, nexusonly lanes at customs. 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. A passport card also could be useful for alaska cruises, as long as all border crossings into canada are done by land or sea. You can now apply for a passport, or renew it, at over 300 service canada centres.
The passport card, meanwhile, is both less expensive and less flexible. 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. What is the diffference between a passport book and a. A passport book is valid for any international travel by air, sea or land. Mar 18, 2020 the passport card, meanwhile, is both less expensive and less flexible. Residency document rental or lease agreement, mortgage or utility bill, etc. But for the visa part of it im not sure how they are doing it with the card or if they even are. It is valid for 10 years for adults and 5 years for minors under 16. Jul 05, 2018 canada is our closest neighbor to the north, but u.
Apr 24, 2015 as the other two answers have hinted at, unless you live near the us border or youre traveling by sea vessel, the passport card is rubbish at its stated purpose. However, the passport book is valid for all forms of travel. For canada crossings, nexus card no longer beats a us passport. Differences between a passport book and passport card. Carry both the card and the passport book in case of an emergency and you need to fly home. Your passport book allows you to travel by land, by sea, or by air. As passport books allows more activities as compare to passport card so they tend to cost more as well. 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. Difference between passport book and passport card compare. Perhaps the biggest difference between a passport card and a traditional passport is that.
The passport card cannot be used for international air travel. S citizens visiting canada need a passport book or will a. While both passport book and card are valid to cross into canada by train, united states citizens over the age of 16 also have several alternative options. That means you cannot use the passport card for air travel. Start today by applying for or renewing your passport. You must have the original copies of all required documents. However, if youre considering a passport book vs passport card, just get both.
Find a passport office or service canada receiving agent for inperson service. Passport cards are valid only for reentering the u. However, people find a passport card more convenient and accessible when carrying. Aug 10, 2012 passport cards and passport books are no exception. The passport card is only valid for land and sea border crossings to canada, mexico, bermuda, and the caribbean. It is also used for domestic travel to countries by land or sea. So, given the differences between a passport book vs passport card, which one is right for you. Does a passport card work to go to canada by train.
We hope this helped you to consider your options about a passport vs. 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. Whether you get the passport bookcard both are valid for 10 years. An alternative to a passport card or book is the nexus pass, which is designed for frequent travelers between the u. 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 passport card will match the expiry date of your passport book, if you have less than 5 years validity remaining. There are several options when it comes to forms of identification for travel. A passport book commonly called a passport, is used for travel anywhere in the world by air, land sea. How is a passport card different from a passport and when can i use one over the. If the kids are the first generation offspring i couldnt tell from the post then you dont need a passport for them because you. In this case, you would apply for a passport renewal by mail.
What to do if your passport is lost or stolen, how to avoid identity theft and information for canadian law enforcement. Yes you may use passport cards for all land travel. How a passport card differs from a passport book dmv. May 22, 2010 thats what im saying a passport card is a passport. The passport book is valid for all international travel. Enhanced drivers license many people may not know but depending on the.