We do not send cards via 1-2 day delivery services. I applied for both a passport book and passport card: You may receive three separate mailings; one with your citizenship documents, one with your newly-issued passport book, and one with your newly-issued passport card.
Passport Cards are delivered separately from passport books. The cards are shipped directly from the U.S. government and usually take about 3 weeks to process. Select the option that best meets your travel needs.
Format and size. Passport books and passport cards have physical differences. Passport books are 3.5-by-5-inch booklets with blank pages for foreign immigration stamps and visas. Although they're pocket-sized, passport books are bulkier than passport cards, which are the size of a credit card or driver's license.
Passport cards have specific travel purposes
You're golden. Passport books allow U.S. nationals to travel by land, air, and sea to a cornucopia of countries all over the world. Whereas with passport cards, they are not valid for international air travel.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) accepts the passport card as ID for domestic flights. Use the passport card when entering the United States at land-border crossings and sea ports-of-entry from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda. Do not use it for international air travel.
U.S. citizens must present a valid U.S. passport book or card, in addition to an entry permit (Forma Migratoria Multiple or FMM) issued by Instituto Nacional de Migración (INM). Travelers should be sure to enter Mexico with valid proof of automobile registration, even if remaining in the border zone.
Getting a Passport card takes 2-3 weeks, passport cards can on occasion be processed sooner than 2-3 weeks but always longer than a few days.
The passport card was designed for the specific needs of northern and southern U.S. border communities with residents that cross the border frequently by land. The passport book is the only document approved for international air travel.
Introduced in 2008, the passport card is a relatively inexpensive personal identification card that can be used in place of a passport book or driver's license at land and sea entry points to the United States.
You cannot use the passport card to fly internationally. However, the TSA and airlines will accept a passport card as valid proof of identification for domestic flights in place of a Real ID.
You can use the passport card to reenter the United States at sea ports of entry from Mexico, Canada, Bermuda, and the Caribbean. However, if you are not able to return on the cruise ship for any reason (e.g., for an emergency evacuation, you will need a passport book to fly back to the United States.
Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements
U.S. citizens are generally required to present a valid U.S. passport when traveling to The Bahamas, as well as proof of anticipated departure from The Bahamas. Those traveling to The Bahamas on a cruise may use another Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) compliant document.
Note that there is no significant difference in processing time for a passport card versus a passport book. Both can be expedited, but some passport agencies do not expedite passport cards.
The U.S. Passport Card can be used to enter the United States from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda at land border crossings or sea ports-of-entry and is more convenient and less expensive than a passport book. The passport card CANNOT be used for international travel by air.
Entry into Canada: Canadian law requires that all persons entering Canada carry proof of citizenship and identity. A valid U.S. passport, passport card, or NEXUS card satisfies these requirements for U.S. citizens.
When filling out your application form, make sure you click the Large Book box to indicate you want to get the 52-page passport. It does not cost extra, so you will get a great deal.
How long is a passport valid and is it true that it needs to have at least 6 months of validity remaining? If you were age 16 or older when your passport was issued, your passport is valid for 10 years. If you were under 16 when your passport was issued, your passport is valid for 5 years.
Flying to Cancun You will need your passport
For the purpose of flying into as well as out of Mexico, it is necessary. It must be a legitimate passport book and not just an ordinary passport card, as the card isn't valid to travel internationally.
Best way to apply for your passport
If you need to submit extra documents, the ten days processing time starts when we receive them. If you have already submitted a paper application, you cannot apply online. Passport Online is the fastest way to apply for or renew your passport.
Do I need a passport to visit Puerto Rico? United States citizens and permanent residents don't need a passport to travel to Puerto Rico or the US Virgin Islands.
If you are a non-citizen visa holder or visitor, you may be denied entry into the United States if you refuse to answer officers' questions. Officers may not select you for questioning based on your religion, race, national origin, gender, ethnicity, or political beliefs.
Best Places to Travel Without a US Passport
Puerto Rico. US Virgin Islands. Northern Mariana Islands. American Samoa.
Contrived expressions such as raised eyebrows, squinting or frowning are not acceptable. When having their photos captured, applicant may smile, but without showing their teeth and gums. The 'Mona Lisa' smile is recommended. Eyeglasses should always be removed before capturing the applicant's photo.