What To Know
- A passport card is a wallet-sized document designed for land and sea travel between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean.
- On the other hand, a passport book is a traditional passport required for international air travel and entry into foreign countries.
- If you apply for a passport card and book separately, they will be processed independently and may arrive at different times.
When applying for a passport, many individuals wonder if the passport card and book arrive together. This blog post will delve into this question, exploring the timeline and factors that determine the arrival of these documents.
Passport Card vs. Passport Book
Before proceeding, it’s crucial to understand the distinction between a passport card and a passport book. A passport card is a wallet-sized document designed for land and sea travel between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean. On the other hand, a passport book is a traditional passport required for international air travel and entry into foreign countries.
Do Passport Card and Book Arrive Together?
The answer is often, but not always, yes. In general, if you apply for both a passport card and book simultaneously, they will arrive in the same envelope. However, there are exceptions.
Exceptions to Simultaneous Arrival
1. Different Processing Times
Passport cards and books have different processing times. Passport cards typically take 4-6 weeks to process, while passport books can take 8-11 weeks. Therefore, if one document is approved before the other, it may arrive separately.
2. Separate Applications
If you apply for a passport card and book separately, they will be processed independently and may arrive at different times.
3. Expedited Processing
If you pay for expedited processing, your passport book will be processed within 5-7 weeks. However, this accelerated timeline does not necessarily apply to passport cards, which may still take 4-6 weeks to arrive.
Tracking Your Passport
To track the status of your passport, visit the U.S. Department of State’s website (https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports.html). You will need your application number or tracking number to access the information.
Additional Considerations
1. Expiration Dates
Passport cards and books have different expiration dates. Passport cards expire every 10 years, while passport books expire every 5 years. Keep this in mind when planning your travel.
2. Travel Restrictions
Passport cards are not valid for international air travel. If you plan to travel by air outside the designated land and sea borders, you will need a passport book.
3. Lost or Stolen Documents
If your passport card or book is lost or stolen, you must report it immediately. You can do this online or by calling the National Passport Information Center at 1-877-487-2778.
In Summary
While it is common for passport cards and books to arrive together if applied for simultaneously, there are exceptions. Different processing times, separate applications, and expedited processing can result in separate arrivals. It is important to track the status of your passport and be aware of the different expiration dates and travel restrictions associated with passport cards and books.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I track my passport card and book separately?
A: Yes, you can track each document separately using its unique application or tracking number.
Q: What if my passport card and book expire at different times?
A: You will need to renew the document that expires first. You can apply for a renewal up to 6 months before the expiration date.
Q: Can I apply for a passport card and book in person?
A: Yes, you can apply in person at a passport acceptance facility. However, appointments are required, so it is best to schedule one in advance.
Q: How long does it take to replace a lost or stolen passport card or book?
A: The processing time for a replacement document is generally the same as for a new application.
Q: Can I use my passport card for international travel by land or sea?
A: Yes, passport cards are valid for land and sea travel between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean.
