What To Know
- Before delving into the mailing process, it’s essential to understand the key differences between a passport book and a passport card.
- The passport card can only be mailed to a home address, while the passport book can be mailed to a post office box.
- While you do not receive a tracking number for the passport card, you can track its delivery status online using USPS Informed Delivery or the Post Office Mobile App.
When applying for a passport, you may wonder if the passport card is mailed separately from the passport book. This question often arises due to the different processing times and delivery options available. In this comprehensive blog post, we will explore the answer to this query and provide detailed information about the mailing process for both passport types.
Passport Book vs. Passport Card: Understanding the Differences
Before delving into the mailing process, it’s essential to understand the key differences between a passport book and a passport card.
- Passport Book: This is a traditional passport that contains multiple pages and is required for international air travel to most destinations.
- Passport Card: A passport card is a smaller, wallet-sized document that is valid only for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean.
Mailing Process: Is Passport Card Mailed Separately from Passport?
The answer to this question is Yes. The passport card and passport book are mailed separately from each other. This is because they are processed at different facilities and have different delivery timelines.
Passport Book Mailing
- The passport book is typically mailed within 6-8 weeks of applying.
- You can choose to have it mailed to your home address or a post office box.
- You will receive a tracking number to monitor the delivery status.
Passport Card Mailing
- The passport card is typically mailed within 3-5 weeks of applying.
- It is always mailed to your home address, not a post office box.
- You will not receive a tracking number for the passport card.
Delivery Options for Passport Card
While you do not receive a tracking number for the passport card, you can track its delivery status online using the following methods:
- USPS Informed Delivery: Sign up for this service to receive digital images of your incoming mail, including the passport card.
- Post Office Mobile App: Download the USPS Mobile App to track the delivery status of the passport card using the reference number provided in your application.
Reasons for Separate Mailing
There are several reasons why the passport card and passport book are mailed separately:
- Different Processing Times: The passport card has a shorter processing time than the passport book.
- Different Delivery Options: The passport card can only be mailed to a home address, while the passport book can be mailed to a post office box.
- Security Measures: Mailing the passport card separately helps prevent fraud and identity theft.
Tracking Your Passport Card Delivery
If you have applied for a passport card, you can track its delivery status using the methods described above. If you do not receive your passport card within 5 weeks of applying, you should contact the National Passport Information Center at 1-877-487-2778.
Summary: Understanding the Separate Mailing Process
In summary, the passport card is mailed separately from the passport book due to different processing times, delivery options, and security measures. While you do not receive a tracking number for the passport card, you can track its delivery status online using USPS Informed Delivery or the Post Office Mobile App. If you have any questions or concerns about the mailing process, do not hesitate to contact the National Passport Information Center.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why is the passport card mailed to my home address and not a post office box?
A: The passport card is mailed to your home address for security reasons. It is a smaller document that is easier to steal or lose than a passport book.
Q: Can I have my passport card and passport book mailed to the same address?
A: No, the passport card and passport book must be mailed to separate addresses.
Q: What should I do if I have not received my passport card within 5 weeks of applying?
A: Contact the National Passport Information Center at 1-877-487-2778.
Q: Can I use my passport card for international air travel?
A: No, the passport card is only valid for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean.
Q: Can I apply for a passport card and passport book at the same time?
A: Yes, you can apply for both documents simultaneously using the same application form.
