Passport Card vs Passport Book

A passport book and a passport card are the two forms of travel documents that are available to citizens of the United States from the government of the United States. Although both of these documents can be used as forms of identification when traveling, there are significant differences between them in terms of the locations to which you are permitted to travel as well as the way they look. 

Travels

Distinctions Between the United States Passport Book and the United States Passport Card

The primary distinction between a passport book and a passport card is that the latter can only be used to travel via land borders or seaports in Canada, Mexico, and a few other North American nations. A passport book, on the other hand, can be used around the world. On the other hand, a passport book can be utilized for both domestic and foreign travel out of the United States, and it can be utilized for travel by air, land, or sea.

Other important distinctions that can be made between a book and a passport card include the following:

US Passport Card	US Passport Book
Valid for travel (land or sea) within only the US and some North American territories.	Valid for international and domestic travels.
It costs $65.	It costs $165
It’s smaller in size, similar to an ID.	It’s issued in the form of a small booklet.

Number on the Passport Card vs. Number on the Passport

Both the book and the card that makes up your passport have their own unique numbers. The numbers on passport cards begin with the letter C and are followed by eight numbers; however, the number on the page of your passport book is nine and is exclusive to each citizen of the United States.

Comparing the Cost of a Passport Book to That of a Passport Card

A passport book for an adult costs $165, but a passport card may be obtained for only $65. This is a significant price difference. However, the cost of obtaining a passport book and card varies according to the applicant's age as follows:

Passport Book Fees	Passport Card Fees
For first-time applicants (adult): $165	For first-time applicants (adult): $65
For first-time applicants under 16: $135	For first-time applicants under 16: $50
For renewals (adults and minors): $130	For renewals (adults and minors): $30

Note that in addition to the application price, there is an execution fee of $35 that must be paid for either form of application.

CHECK OUT: How To Apply For Germany Visa | Easy Steps

Who Can Get a Passport Book and Card, and What Are the Requirements?

Only lawful residents of the United States are eligible to submit an application for a passport book or passport card. It is important to note that this does not apply to people who have Green Cards; you can use your Green Card to travel in Canada, Mexico, and a few other countries, but in order to travel internationally, you will need a passport that was issued by the country in which you currently reside.

In addition, in order to be eligible for a passport book or card, you cannot have any sort of criminal history.

When Compared to a Passport Book, What Does a Passport Card Look Like?

When it is folded, the booklet that contains your information and is issued in the form of a passport in the United States measures around 5 inches by 3.5 inches when it is closed. Plastic material makes up the far more compact and portable passport card, which is the same size as a photo identification card or a driver's license.

The following is an illustration of what a passport book looks like, as well as an example of a passport card:

Passport Card vs Passport Book

Validity of Passport Cards Compared to Passport Books

Both the book and the card in a passport are valid for ten years. However, the validity duration of these papers is cut to five years for applicants who are under the age of 16. Applicants who are under the age of 16 are required to reapply for their new passport card or book once they reach the age of 16.

How Do I Get a Card for My Passport?

In order to obtain a passport card, an application must be submitted to the office that accepts passports in one of the two following ways:

• Put in a request in person. If this is your first time applying for a passport card or book, you are required to deliver your application in person at a passport office that is conveniently located near you (post office, clerk of court, or library).
• Send your application in by mail. If you already have a passport and wish to apply for the renewal of that passport, you have the option of selecting this particular option. Along with your application, you are required to send in either your old passport book or passport card.

Procedures to Follow When Applying for a Passport Book

The following steps need to be taken in order to obtain a passport book for the first time in the United States:

• Complete the application by filling out the form. In order to apply for a passport, you will need to fill out a form called the DS-11. You are strongly advised not to make any changes by hand after you print out your filled out application form as this will cause a delay in the processing of your application. Please be aware that you are required to use the Form Filler tool in order to complete your form online, and then you can download it. In addition, please note that your application will be processed more slowly if you do this.
• Prepare your documents. In order to apply for a passport, you will need to compile a number of documents, including evidence of your citizenship in the United States (such as your birth certificate, certificate of naturalization, and certificate of citizenship), a photocopy of your national identification card, and an identification photograph.
• Make sure you've paid the application cost. The visa acceptance office requires that you give them the application money in order to process your visa. Please take note that we are unable to process your credit or debit card payment; cheques are the only acceptable form of payment.
• Submit your application. In the end, you are required to deliver your application in person to the appropriate passport office, the location of which can be found on this page. You are need to schedule an appointment through USPS.com in order to submit an application at the post office.

The process of obtaining a passport from the United States government typically takes ten weeks on average.

When I apply for a passport, do I have to choose between a book and a card?

You are able to submit your application for a passport book as well as a passport card all at the same time. However, you can submit applications for each one separately if it is more convenient for you depending on which one you require for your trips.

Where Will I Be Able to Travel If I Have a Passport Card?

If you only have a passport card, you are only able to travel to the following countries:

Anguilla	Grenada
Antigua and Barbuda	Jamaica
Aruba	Mexico (within the border zone)
Bermuda	Montserrat
British Virgin Islands	Saint Kitts and Nevis
Canada	Saint Lucia
Caribbean Netherlands (Bonaire; Sint Eustatius and Saba; Curaçao; Sint Maarten)	Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Cayman Islands	The Bahamas
Dominica	Turks and Caicos Islands
Dominica Republic

When I fly domestically, can I use the Passport Card that I have?

You can fly domestically within the United States with just your passport card; but, you will need your full passport book in order to go outside the country.

Do I Need a Passport Book in Addition to My Passport Card?

You are not need to bring along both your passport book and your passport card. You have the option of selecting the answer that best fits your circumstances. If you frequently travel between Canada and Mexico, for instance, you can get by with just the passport card provided by your country. Nevertheless, you should get your passport book if you have plans to travel to any other nations outside of the United States.

Reasons for Refusal of a Passport Card and Book

If any of the following apply to you, then it is possible that your request for a passport book or card will not be approved:

• You submitted information that is incorrect.
• There is something that is lacking from the documents you have.
• Your photo does not adhere to the specifications that are required for a passport photo.
• Your birth certificate has an error that needs to be corrected.
• You informed us that you changed your name but failed to provide the appropriate documentation.
• You are required to pay child support.
• You have a tax liability with the IRS.
• You are under legal procedure.

If the reason for your rejection is something that can be readily remedied, the United States government will typically write you a letter or send you an email asking you to make the necessary changes so that you can continue with your application.

Related Search: US Visa Waiver Program

Disclaimer: This is NOT the official scholarship page. This is only a one-page summarized listing of the scholarship. While we endeavor to keep the information up to date and correct, information may change at any time without notice. For complete and updated information, please always refer to the official website of the scholarship provider. Any reliance you place on information from scholarzone.com.ng is strictly at your own risk. Please read our Privacy Policy for more information.