How Does a U.S. Passport Card Work?

U.S. passport cards are about the same size as a credit card that fit comfortably inside wallets and purses and are issued by the United States Department of State. How does use a U.S. Passport Card work? Does it replace the need for a U.S. Passport Book?

Validity of a U.S. Passport Card

A U.S. Passport Card is similar in some ways to a U.S. Passport Book, as it is valid for 10 years for adults and 5 years for minor children under the age of 16.

If you wish to apply for a U.S. Passport Card, the card will be valid for entry to the United States, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda at land borders and at sea ports-of-entry, according to the United States Department of State. U.S. Passport Cards are more affordably priced than U.S. Passports.

Limitations of a U.S. Passport Card

U.S. Passport Cards are convenient and easy to carry with you and are valid for international travel to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda by land or by sea.

However, there are limitations of U.S. Passport Cards. They are not valid for use if you plan to travel internationally by air. If you wish to visit any of the above mentioned countries, or you will be going further afield for business or for pleasure, you will need to apply for a blue U.S. Passport Book, so that you will not experience any restrictions or limitations on travel, provided you have any applicable visas for your proposed destinations.

Choosing the Right Travel Documents

U.S. citizens who are considering applying for a passport have the option of applying for just a U.S. Passport Book, a U.S. Passport Card, or both. If you are a first-time applicant, there is a discount for minors who are applying for both a U.S. Passport Book and a U.S. Passport Card. Adults who wish to apply for both do not have a discount applied to their application.

A U.S. Passport Card does not replace the need for a U.S. Passport Book if you would like to have unlimited international travel options outside the United States. However, if you simply wish to travel to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean or Bermuda by land or sea, a U.S. Passport Card may be the best option for you and your family. Some U.S. citizens apply for both a U.S. Passport Card and a U.S. Passport Book, so that they can have unlimited travel options at their disposal.

Source:

Travel.State.gov , U.S. Passport Card.