Do I Need a Passport Book or Card?

Both a passport book and a passport card are available to United States citizens who wish to travel abroad but only the passport book can be used for travel by air. The card is restricted to travel by land or sea to and from the following destinations only: Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and the Caribbean region. Be aware that some Caribbean nations do not accept the card for entry into their country. Note, any emergency that would require you return to the United States by air would require you to have a passport book. Passport requirements are the same for both the passport book and card. In fact, you can request both on the same application. Besides completed Form DS-11, applicants age 16 or older will need evidence of U.S. citizenship, proof of identity, a copy of their ID, a passport photo and payment for fees. Both parents are required to appear with a minor and present valid identification and evidence of the parent/child relationship. Applications and supporting documents can be submitted at the nearest passport application acceptance facility for standard processing in 4 to 6 weeks or expedited service in 2 to 3 weeks. Processing as fast as the same day can be obtained at a regional agency although not all regional passport agencies expedite passport cards. Applicants who need either the book or card that quickly but are unable to personally visit a regional agency can employ the services of a registered expediter such as Fastport Passport. For more information, visit our Passport Card FAQ page.

Source: http://www.us-passport-service-guide.com/passport-card.html

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