now that I am US Citizen, I will apply for a Passport tomorrow. I need to get a passport book ($110) since I will travel to Europe. For an additional $30 I can also get a Passport card. This can only be used for travelling to Canada (which I do) and some other destinations listed below (FAQ from their web site). But I can travel to Canada with the passport book just as well. Is there any reason to get both book and card? I can see that someone who travels only to Canada or Mexico, always by land, never by plane, might want to get only the card and save money by not getting a passport book. But if you get the book anyway, why spend money on the card?

Or is there any advantage of having the card? suppose you loose your passport in Europe, but you have the card with you as well, will that help you in getting a replacement passport book any better than a photocopy of the passport book?


here is FAQ:
[travel.state.gov]

What is the passport card?


The passport card is the wallet-size travel document that can only be used to re-enter the United States at land border-crossings and sea ports-of-entry from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda. The card provides a less expensive, smaller, and convenient alternative to the passport book for those who travel frequently to these destinations by land or by sea. The passport card cannot be used for international travel by air.

My youngest got both, mostly because he keeps his passport card in his wallet as an additional government issued photo ID. From my perspective, that's the main reason to keep it.

I do agree that having the card would help if your passport suddenly evaporates (or is 'seized' by authorities), and you have to scurry to a US consulate or embassy to get a replacement.

Again, congratulations !

There are plenty of people who choose to only "cruise" for their vacations and adventures. For most of the cruises that depart out of Florida, the card is all they need.

But you are correct, if you need the book, then why get the card. Except as you travel to Canada, you are not placing the full Passport at risk.

Surely there is a FAQ at the site? (Yes, YES there is . . . you provided it!)

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Bill
Flagler Beach, FL 32136

Carpe Vino!

Fermentation may have been a greater discovery than fire.
— David Rains Wallace



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 09/23/2014 03:20PM by WHiiP.

"convenient alternative to the passport book for those who travel frequently to these destinations"

For people who travel daily between the USA and Canada it is great. I met a truck driver who says it is the only way to go because his passport would wear out otherwise. I imagine if you work on a cruise ship you would find it very convenient to carry a card rather than a book (or don't cruise ship employees require a passport for ports of call?)

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Saint Cloud, Minnesota, where the weather is wonderful even when it isn't.

Wallet size and always handy are the advantages.

For walk across border crossings, a card that stays in your wallet is a lot more convenient than a passport book. When driving, the card is still in your wallet and not accidently left on the table/in the safe/etc at home.

If your mode of travel does not fit with the restricted use of the card, then there is no need for it.

thanks, I will consider getting it since the post office charges $25 when you apply, it doesn't matter if you apply for one or both, still $25.

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space-time
thanks, I will consider getting it since the post office charges $25 when you apply, it doesn't matter if you apply for one or both, still $25.

Note that the post office will take your passport photo.

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Saint Cloud, Minnesota, where the weather is wonderful even when it isn't.

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Speedy

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space-time
thanks, I will consider getting it since the post office charges $25 when you apply, it doesn't matter if you apply for one or both, still $25.

Note that the post office will take your passport photo.

Not in these parts, they won't...
Make sure your local Post Office passport acceptance station can before you bet on it. Costco, on the other hand, does Passport photo's. So, I think, does Walgreens.

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Paul F.
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A sword never kills anybody; it is a tool in the killer's hand. - Lucius Annaeus Seneca c. 5 BC - 65 AD
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Good is the enemy of Excellent. Talent is not necessary for Excellence.
Persistence is necessary for Excellence. And Persistence is a Decision.
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Eureka, CA

I already have the photos, I do my own. They were good for the Citizenship certificate. Same requirements for the passport.

The passport card is only useful if you are crossing the US border, North or South, by land only. If you plan to fly to Canada or Mexico, you need a passport book. If you don't live on the border and cross regularly it does not make too much sense to have both. And, by the way, congratulations to you. Put your naturalization certificate in a very safe place. They are a pain to replace even if you have the certificate number.

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richorlin

Have been crossing from Canada to Washington usually once a week (or more frequently) for about fifteen years now. Never even thought about a passport card.

Frequent border crossers may want to look into NEXUS.

[nexuscard.ca]

Some border states, like Michigan, have enhanced driver's licenses, negating the need for the card.

The Nexus card looks interesting.