Passport cards are a simplified passport book but operate in many of the same ways and go through similar processes. The time it takes to get a passport card can vary depending on the method that you choose to apply for it.
Many people aren’t very familiar with passport cards and their uses. In short, they are an alternative to getting a passport book, but can only be used under certain circumstances. Passport cards operate the same as passport books in the fact that they allow you to enter a foreign country where some type of passport identification is needed. While passports are universal and can be used with any method of travel to any country, passport card have certain limitations to their use. The most significant difference between passport cards and passport books is that passport cards can only be used when traveling from the US via land or sea. With these restrictions, there are also only certain countries that will accept just the use of a passport card for entering their country. Destinations that permit you to only have a passport card are Canada, Mexico, islands in the Caribbean, and Bermuda. These are essentially the quickest countries to travel to from the US by the allowable methods. While you can also choose to fly to these destinations, passport cards cannot be used for traveling internationally by flying.
If you have specific travel plans set and know where and how you plan to travel, then a passport card can be a great option as opposed to getting a passport book. There are certain advantages to getting a passport card over the book. One of the biggest advantages is cost. Due to their simplicity, passport cards are cheaper to obtain than a book. You can obtain a passport card for $65.00 for applicants over the age of 16, $50.00 for applicants under the age of 16, or just $30.00 when you are applying for a card renewal. For comparison, a passport book will cost $145.00, $115.00, and $110.00 for the respective criteria. There may also be additional fees associated with getting a passport book such as shipping.
You can also find many similarities with getting a passport book. The biggest similarity is in the processing time of the passport card. Generally speaking, passport cards take the same amount of time to process as a passport book. The processing time is dependent largely in how your application is submitted. The longest processing time for the passport card is when you apply for it by mail. It can take up to several weeks before you get your passport card when applying by mail. You can also apply for it directly through a regional passport agency. Applying through this method is much faster, taking only a few days to receive your passport card back. There is an even quicker option also. You can apply for a passport card through a company such as Texas Passports and we’ll be able expedite the passport card process. This is a great alternative for people who have last minute trips approaching or simply don’t wait to deal with the wait for your card to arrive.
Texas Passports is a premier travel services company that specializes in getting passport cards for travelers who ae looking for a simpler option than getting a complete passport book. Delivery is even faster when you’re getting a passport card. Those who apply for the card automatically will get expedited 1-2 days shipping for their card. This option is available for passport books too but it will incur an additional cost.
It’s hard to say whether a passport card is better than a passport book. It all depends on where and how you’re planning to travel. If you trip falls within the restrictions of the passport card and you don’t have plans on traveling elsewhere, then the card is definitely preferred. It’s a faster, cheaper option and more convenient to carry. If, however, you do have current or future plans for air travel internationally, then you should opt to get a full passport book to support your trip. If you really want flexibility, you can also get both a passport book and passport card. The forms and the submission process is the same for the passport card and book. You can apply to the both simultaneously.
Passport cards are becoming much more popular for traveling from the US at any of the before-mentioned countries. The fastest, most convenient way to get a passport card is by using Texas Passports.