It is necessary to have a passport to leave or enter the United States. The U.S. Department of State offers two different types of passports — the traditional booklet that has been used since 1925 called the “passport book” and the portable card called the “passport card.”
You may be familiar with a passport book, as you have likely seen one in the past. A passport book is a traditional option. It is a booklet that contains pages where travel visas are stamped. A passport card is much like a driver’s license, as it contains the holder’s picture and vital information. It is chip-enabled and only used for land and sea travel.
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To know more about a passport card, here are frequently asked questions that may help you:
What is the difference between a passport book and a passport card?
A passport book and a passport card are two distinct documents that serve different purposes. A passport card is a wallet-sized passport that allows U.S. citizens or travelers from Canada, Mexico, or Caribbean countries or territories to re-enter the U.S. by land or sea. A passport book is a larger document that is required to be able to leave or enter the U.S. by air.
Although they are different, both a passport book and a passport card are valid documents to prove U.S. citizenship and identity. They are valid for five or ten years from the date of issue, depending on the age of the passport holder.
Is the passport card worth it?
A passport card is generally worth it. It is estimated to be more economical for passport holders as passport cards are less expensive than passport books. With its size, you may find it more convenient to carry as it takes up less space in the wallet.
You may use a passport card to cross the United States land border crossings and seaports of entry from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda.
However, you cannot use a passport card for international air travel. If you are not a frequent traveler or you visit the U.S. borders through land or sea, you can apply for a passport card rather than a passport book to save money.
If you are age 16 or older and a first-time passport card applicant, you need to pay a $30-application fee and a $35-execution fee. If you are under age 16 and a first-time passport card applicant, you need to pay a $15-application fee and a $35-execution fee. If you have an expired yet valid passport card, you may renew it by mail with a $30-application fee.
How can I get a passport card fast?
A passport card can be processed in 18 weeks. You can speed up your passport card application if you avail of the expedited service. By paying an additional $60-fee, you can have a passport card processed in 12 weeks.
You may get a passport card as fast as 24 hours if you apply at a private passport expediting agency. However, not all passport agencies expedite a passport card application.
The U.S. Department of State offers passport card applications by mail or in person.
To apply for a passport card by mail, you need to be eligible to file Form DS-82, U.S. Passport Renewal Application for Eligible Individuals. You are eligible if:
- You have your passport in your possession to submit with your application;
- Your old U.S. passport is undamaged other than normal wear and tear;
- Your old U.S. passport was issued when you were age 16 or above;
- Your old U.S. passport was issued within the last 15 years; and
- Your old U.S. passport was issued in your current name, and you have your name change documents.
If nothing applies to you, you must apply in person. Go to your local passport acceptance facility and submit Form DS-11, Application For A U.S. Passport.
Where can I go with a passport card?
A passport card is primarily intended as a travel document to cross the U.S. land and sea borders within the Western Hemisphere, including Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda.
However, you can still use your passport card as another travel document when you travel internationally by air, and you have been required to furnish two travel documents.
Is a U.S. passport card a REAL ID?
Yes, a passport card is REAL ID-compliant. As of October 1, 2020, a passport book or passport card will be required for domestic air travel and entering federal facilities, military installations, and nuclear power plants. However, a passport card is only valid for land and sea travel within the U.S. or domestically. A passport book is still valid for international overseas travel.
Can you fly with a passport card after 2020?
Yes, you can fly with a passport card after 2020 if it is REAL ID-compliant. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) mandated that individuals have a REAL ID-compliant document to fly domestically.
You can use your passport card as a passport document for domestic air travel. If you are flying abroad, you cannot use your passport card to board an international flight. You still need to use your passport book.
What documents are needed for a passport card?
If you are a first-time passport card applicant, you need to bring the following documents to a passport acceptance facility:
- Form DS-11;
- Citizenship evidence, such as your U.S. birth certificate or baptismal;
- An unfiltered, clear, colored, with a plain white or off-white background passport photo;
- Photo identification, such as your driver’s license or any government-issued or valid IDs; and
- A $65-passport fee if you are age 16 or older or a $50-passport fee if you are under age 16.
If you have an old yet valid passport book and passport card, renew your passport card by mail. Submit the following documents:
- Your old yet valid passport book and card as your citizenship evidence;
- Form DS-82;
- Photo identification;
- Name change documents, if applicable;
- Passport photo; and
- A $30-renewal fee.
What is the advantage of a passport card?
The advantages of having a passport card are:
- It is a passport document acceptable for traveling by land and sea from the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Caribbean countries, Bermuda, and the possessions of the U.S.
- It is a valid identification that allows you to enter federal facilities and nuclear power plants.
- It is approved by the TSA for flying domestically.
- It is a valid document to prove citizenship and identity.
- It is cheaper than a passport book.
- It is less bulky than a passport book.
- It has all the same security features as a passport book.
- It is processed faster than a passport book.
Which is better, a REAL ID or a passport card?
The TSA accepts a REAL ID driver’s license as a valid document in addition to your passport book for domestic travel. However, if you have a passport card that is a REAL ID-compliant, you may use it as an alternative for the Real ID.
Although a REAL ID driver’s license and a passport card have different purposes, having a passport card may be better as a travel document. Having a passport card and a passport book is necessary for international air travel.
Can I get a passport card on the same day?
Yes. If you submit your passport application at a private passport expediting agency, you can receive a passport card the same day. As fast as eight hours, your passport card will be processed and mailed to you. However, the application fee may be more expensive for this type of service. If you do not want to spend more money, you may avail of the routine service for $30 or the expedite service for $60.
Can I fly to Cancun with a passport card?
No. A passport card is only valid for sea or land travel, although you may still use it as a supplementary travel document. If you want to board a flight to Cancun, you need a passport book.
However, if you want to travel to Cancun by sea or land, you may use your passport card alone.
What is the best color to wear for a passport photo?
You may wear any color for your passport photo. However, you must wear solid-colored clothing without bold patterns for passport photos.
Your passport photo must be clear and plain. If you are taking a passport photo in your home, make sure to take it near a natural, white light source to have a white background. A passport photo taken near an artificial light source gets a yellowish or bluish hue that looks odd on passport documents.
If you are taking passport photos at a passport photo center, make sure to bring several clothing options so that you do not have to wait in line again when passport photos are not satisfactory. Although passport photographs do not have restrictions on colors, passport photo centers prefer passport photos in lighter shades.
Can I just get a passport card and not the book?
Yes, mark the “U.S. Passport Card” box in your Form DS-11 or Form DS-82 to apply for a passport card. The application process for a passport card and a passport book is the same.
However, having both a passport card and a passport book allows you to travel with ease by land, sea, or air. You can use a passport card for domestic travel but must have a passport book to fly abroad.
How do I get a passport card if I already have a passport?
If you already have a valid passport book, you may get a passport card by mail using Form DS-82. To do so, submit with your Form DS-82 your valid passport book, passport photo, $30-renewal fee, and name change documents, if applicable.
Your passport card will be sent to you via First Class Mail.