Below is a handy list of pros and cons to help you decide. 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. The passport card is a fully valid passport that attests to the u. Only available for passport book applicants in the united states not canada. You cannot use a passport card when traveling by air internationally. Applying for a new passport or passport card quicklyeither before or after the april 2 deadline passesmay be a good idea. Save yourself hassle with expedited passport services if you dont have the time or patience for applying for your u. However, the passport card cannot be used for travel by plane.
Applicants ages 16 or older who passports were issued more than a year ago, need to apply for a. That is considering youre applying for a firsttime adult passport book. Take note that application fees and execution fees are paid separately. What is a us passport card, and how can you get one. Passport books and cards are alternatives to a stateissued id. How to get a passport card fast applying for a passport card by mail will take up to 8 weeks. I currently have a passport card that was issued in june 2009. Applying at a passport agency you can pay all fees at their location with a credit or debit card. A passport card is the same size as a drivers license, and is official proof of your identity and us citizenship. See the chart below to decide which is best for you. Only available for passport book applicants in the u.
Aug 10, 2012 a passport book is bigger than a passport card. Well help you determine whether you want or need to pay extra for the passport card. The passport bookcard can take four to six weeks to receive. A passport card is more convenient and less expensive than a passport book, but it cannot be used for international travel by air. Applicants must provide documents which attest to their u. 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. How a passport card differs from a passport book dmv. The adult and minor passport card fees are about the same. Government fees have increased, but they havent increased the speed. To date, more than 17 million passport cards have been issued, according to the state department, representing about 10 percent of all passport holders. Passport fees 2020 for routine and expedited services. The passport card was designed for specific needs of northern and southern u. How much does it cost to get a us passport in 2020.
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. We are an independent entity providing assistance to obtain passports. If you already have a passport book or passport card, you can renew by mail using form ds82. 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 fees to increase in april, to offset cost of providing the consular service. Applicants ages 16 or older who passports were issued more than a year ago, need to apply for a renewal using form ds82 and pay the renewal fee. Feb 12, 2019 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. There are different passport card fees depending on if you are an adult or a minor. What is the differences between a passport book vs card with additional information and requirement for getting both a card and book. In this video we explore should you use a passport book or a passport card when you travel. Department of state expedite fee paid per application, in addition to required fees.
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. This is a privately owned website and not a government agency. Passport book vs passport card difference and comparison. To pay your passport renewal fee and any additional service charges, make all checks and money orders payable to us department of state. The total amount will depend on the service you require and any additional services you might need or want. Here is a table showing the principal differences between a passport book and a passport card. But given the cards restrictions, does it even make sense for a u. Us passport book and passport card online application.
A passport card can be used to enter the us states at land border crossing or seaportsofentry from canada, mexico, the caribbean and bermuda. To be considered as an adult you must be 16 or older, and to be considered a minor, you must be 15 or less. Adult first time applicants age 16 years and older. There are several options when it comes to forms of identification for travel. Feb 06, 2018 us passport fees to increase in april, to offset cost of providing the consular service. Here are the countries and territories where a us passport card is valid. 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. If you need a passport faster than 23 weeks, a thirdparty expediting service can submit your passport application for you for same day processing. Not including photo costs, a passport book for a firsttime adult.
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. A passport card fits in your wallet, making it a more convenient form of id to carry on certain trips. Use the 2020 passport fees table to help you calculate the cost of getting your passport. Passport books are valid for travel by united states citizens.
The passport book is the only document approved for international travel by air. Adult passports are valid for 10 years and may be renewed by mail. As such, the passport card is adjudicated to the exact standards as the passport book. Department of state standard processing times are now longer. When you apply for a passport card, youll spend less money than you would when.
May, 2019 in this video we explore should you use a passport book or a passport card when you travel. What are the benefits of the passport book vs passport card. 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. Differences between a passport book and passport card. The passport application fee and the execution fee are nonrefundable. Excellent form of official identification for children or nondrivers. Instead, it is the acceptance, or execution fee, that is. Jan 22, 2020 passport cards for adults age 16 and older. The passport card can be used only to reenter the u. Passport cards cannot be shipped to you using overnight delivery. If any of the following apply to you, you may want to obtain a passport card. Like a traditional passport book, a passport card is issued by the u. There are very important differences between the passport card and the passport book.
Unfortunately, you cannot upgrade your passport card to a passport book. You must complete all pages of the form and sign and date it. The us passport card is a credit cardsized identification document. 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. We are a privately owned website that is not affiliated with, owned or operated by the us government. The average cost of the us passport will change if youre applying for. There is a mandatory passport application fee for most services.
United states citizens can get either a passport book or a passport card for their travels abroad. They are collected and retained by law even if a passport is not issued. The main advantages of the passport card are its cost and practicality. No additional fees delivery by usps priority mail for new 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. The passport card contains a radio frequency identification chip as well as the traditional photograph and personal information found in a passport book. Can i apply for the passport card and passport book at the same time using the same application. Apr 23, 2018 luckily, there are a few options available to you. You can renew a passport book, a passport card, or both documents.
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. If you are also applying for a renewal of your passport book and you opt for expedited service by mail, your passport book will arrive in 23 weeks, but your passport card. Additional fees may apply for specific passport requests. However, depending on where youre travelling, you might be ok with just the card. H ave you ever wished your passport could fit inside your wallet. Both the passport book and card are valid for 10 years for adults 5 years for minors under age 16. I will be needing to get a passport book within the next couple of years so i can travel to barbados. List of passport fees us passport office locations. If im remembering correctly, you can use your passport card when travelling by land or sea to mexico, canada, the caribbean and bermuda.
A passport card is less expensive than a traditional passport book. What is the differences between passport book vs passport. You can get a us passport card, whether or not you currently hold a passport book. A passport book and a passport card serve the same purpose of attesting to your u. Adults renewing a passport do not have to pay an execution fee, although this is paid at the time of first application. Applicants ages 16 or older whose passports were issued less than a year ago, pay no fee. Fees for renewing or getting a new passport depend on several factors such as.
Whats the difference between a passport book and a. Undamaged other than normal wear and tear issued when you were age 16 or older. It is smaller and more convenient to carry than a passport book, and it is less expensive to obtain. 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. 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. The passport book card can take four to six weeks to receive. Varies fee and form for a passport name change vary depending on circumstances. Any frequent traveler knows how pricey foreign travel can. All american citizens are required to present a valid passport to exit and reenter the united states. Mar 18, 2020 the passport card, meanwhile, is both less expensive and less flexible. Passport card the standard passport book covers all the bases.
It may often be used as an identity card for purposes other than international travel, such as domestic air travel. It was designed for people who travel frequently between the u. 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. If you own a current passport book, you can apply for a card by mail. Us passport fees to increase in april, to offset cost of. You can mail your renewal application directly to the state department yourself. Passport cards cannot be used for international air travel, even within the 19 mostly caribbean countries that accept the cards at land or sea ports. This service is not available for passport card applicants. You must have the original copies of all required documents. If issued for the full validity, they are both proof of your u. I have a passport card but need a passport book to travel. Although, keep in mind, while both can be used as forms of id. If you already have a passport, use form ds82 to apply for a passport card by mail and avoid the execution fee.