|
I got this from travel.state.gov:
What is the passport card?
The passport card is a wallet-size card that can only be used for land and sea travel between the United States and Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda. The card will provide a less expensive, smaller, and more convenient alternative to the passport book for those who travel frequently to these destinations by land or by sea.
The passport card will facilitate entry and expedite document processing at U.S. land and sea ports-of-entry when arriving from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda. The card may not be used to travel by air. It will otherwise carry the rights and privileges of the U.S. passport book and will be adjudicated to the exact same standards.
How much will the passport card cost?
For first time applicants, the passport card will cost $45 for adults and $35 for children under the age of 16, which includes the execution fee of $25. Adults with fully-valid passports issued within the last fifteen years can apply for the card by mail using Form DS-82, at a cost of $20.
To me, this sounds like it is supposed to be just like a passport- you just can't fly with it, and you're only able to use it within the above mentioned areas. Just seems to me like a more affordable option for some. I do see the advantage of having a regular passport, but just think this is a nice option... unless I am really missing something here? Again, I'm a passport virgin so I'm just learning about all of this...
|