What To Know
- A passport card is a smaller, more convenient alternative to a traditional passport book, and it does not include your address.
- A passport card is a good option for people who frequently travel to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, or Bermuda by land or sea.
- Can I get a passport card and a passport book at the same time.
When it comes to international travel, a passport is essential. But what about a passport card? Does that have your address on it? The answer is no. A passport card is a smaller, more convenient alternative to a traditional passport book, and it does not include your address.
What is a Passport Card?
A passport card is a credit card-sized document that serves as proof of U.S. citizenship and identity. It is designed for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda. Unlike a passport book, which is valid for 10 years, a passport card expires after 5 years.
Benefits of a Passport Card
There are several benefits to having a passport card:
- Convenience: It is smaller and easier to carry than a passport book, making it ideal for quick trips across the border.
- Security: It features advanced security features to prevent forgery and identity theft.
- Cost: It is less expensive than a passport book.
Limitations of a Passport Card
While a passport card has its advantages, it also has some limitations:
- Travel Restrictions: It is only valid for land and sea travel to certain countries. It cannot be used for air travel or travel to countries outside of the designated areas.
- No Address Information: As mentioned earlier, a passport card does not include your address. This can be a disadvantage if you need to provide proof of residency for certain purposes.
- Renewal Process: You will need to renew your passport card every 5 years, which can be inconvenient.
Who Should Get a Passport Card?
A passport card is a good option for people who frequently travel to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, or Bermuda by land or sea. It is also a convenient backup to a passport book for domestic travel within the United States.
How to Apply for a Passport Card
To apply for a passport card, you can follow these steps:
1. Complete Form DS-11.
2. Submit two passport-style photos.
3. Pay the application fee.
4. Mail your application to the National Passport Processing Center.
Passport Card vs. Passport Book
| Feature | Passport Card | Passport Book |
| — | — | — |
| Size | Credit card-sized | Booklet |
| Validity | 5 years | 10 years |
| Travel Restrictions | Land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda | Worldwide travel |
| Address Information | No | Yes |
| Cost | $65 | $165 |
| Renewal Process | Every 5 years | Every 10 years |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why doesn’t a passport card have my address on it?
A passport card is designed for quick and convenient travel, and including an address would make it less portable and more susceptible to identity theft.
2. Can I use a passport card for air travel?
No, a passport card is only valid for land and sea travel to designated countries.
3. What if I need to prove my residency with a passport card?
You may need to provide additional documentation to prove your residency, such as a utility bill or bank statement.
4. Can I get a passport card and a passport book at the same time?
Yes, you can apply for both documents simultaneously, but you will need to pay separate fees for each.
5. How long does it take to get a passport card?
The processing time for a passport card can vary depending on the time of year and the volume of applications. Typically, it takes 4-6 weeks to receive your passport card.
