| The U.S. Department of State Passport Services | | | | The U.S. State Department along with the |
| recently began issuing the passport card as an | | | | Department of Homeland Security stated that the |
| alternative to the traditional passport book. In a short | | | | U.S. Passport Card is now in full production and is also |
| period of time, Passport Services received over | | | | being distributed. The Passport Card is a convenient |
| 350,000 applications for the passport card. What is | | | | document that you can slip right into your wallet and |
| the purpose of the passport card? How does it differ | | | | is used for land and sea travel. It is NOT valid for |
| from the passport book? Which travel document | | | | international air travel. |
| should you choose? Is one better than the other? | | | | Starting in June, 2009, travelers will have to show |
| These are just a few of the questions for which you | | | | their Passport Card that denotes both their identity |
| will find answers below. | | | | and citizenship when coming into the U.S. through a |
| You may use the passport card when traveling by | | | | sea or land border. |
| land and sea anywhere in the U.S. when you arrive | | | | Passport Cards Vs. Passport Books |
| from Mexico, Canada, Bermuda and the Caribbean. | | | | Passport Book- Valid if you travel by air, sea and land |
| The Passport care may NOT be used if you are | | | | Passport Card - This is only valid if you travel by sea |
| going to travel by air. Other than that, it carries all of | | | | and land only. It is limited to travel between the |
| the privileges and right of the U.S. passport book. | | | | United States and Mexico, the Caribbean, Canada and |
| The State Department has begun issuing passport | | | | Bermuda. |
| cards in response to the needs of resident | | | | Passport Book and Passport Cards - These are both |
| communities that are located on the borders of our | | | | valid for adults for 10 years and 5 years for minors |
| great country. It is a less expensive and a much | | | | Passport Book Cost - The first time fee for an adult |
| more portable alternative to the traditional passport | | | | applicant is $100 and $85 for minors. This includes |
| book. The passport card has the same validity as the | | | | both the application fee and the execution fee. |
| passport book - ten years for adults and five years | | | | Passport Card Cost - $45 for those 16 and over |
| for children ages 15 and younger. If an adult already | | | | including execution fee and $35 for those under 16. |
| has a passport book, they may apply for the card | | | | It there is the slightest chance that you might travel |
| and only have to pay $20 because it would be | | | | by air over the next 10 years, I would suggest that |
| considered as a passport renewal. First time adult | | | | you go ahead and obtain the passport book. It allows |
| applicants will pay a fee of $45 while for children it is | | | | you to travel anywhere that you can with the |
| $35. | | | | passport card with the additional benefit of being able |
| The passport card contains a radio frequency | | | | to travel by air. Just keep in mind that the book is a |
| identification chip or RFID in order to facilitate U.S. | | | | bit more expensive. If you don't mind the expense, |
| citizens who are living in border communities. No | | | | you may opt for both the passport book and the |
| personal information is written on the RFID chip. | | | | passport card. |