Passport Book AND Passport Card?

[Stevephoto 230]

Hi Everyone,

 

This topic popped in a recent discussion that I am a part of and I though it would make an interesting discussion in its own right. I did not see a similar discussion when I did a search (although truth be told, I did not look through all 14 pages that came up with the key words). So here is the topic/question:

 

The US Passport is obviously the golden egg for all, but especially new, US Citizens. The passport book has no restrictions and is used for worldwide travel. The passport card is good for land travel between US/Canada and US/Mexico. The book is clearly the winner for any air or other international travel. However, some people get BOTH and use the card as a federal ID, in some cases using it for domestic air travel from states whose ID (i.e., drivers license) does not meet some security standard (Hawai'i is not one of those states, so I am not worried about that). There are a couple of things that I would like to throw out to the VJ community for opinions/discussions:

 

1) What do you see as pros and cons of getting both?

2) Do you see having the card as a beneficial ID for your now-US Citizen Spouse? For example (and especially in border states or states where ID checks are more common), state IDs don't prove citizenship and did not prove LPR status---which is why your spouse was supposed to carry the GC), your spouse no longer has a Greencard (which they were supposed to carry on them at all times) and I doubt anyone carries the Naturalization Certificate around! Do you see the passport card as a viable, better or even necessary alternative?

3) Do you see any benefit to the "old" USC getting a passport card to supplement the book if they travel mostly to places besides Canada and Mexico. 

 

I am beginning to form my own opinions and will share them later, but I'm interested in the views of all of you. 

[jtona 98]

5 hours ago, Stevephoto said:

Hi Everyone,

 

This topic popped in a recent discussion that I am a part of and I though it would make an interesting discussion in its own right. I did not see a similar discussion when I did a search (although truth be told, I did not look through all 14 pages that came up with the key words). So here is the topic/question:

 

The US Passport is obviously the golden egg for all, but especially new, US Citizens. The passport book has no restrictions and is used for worldwide travel. The passport card is good for land travel between US/Canada and US/Mexico. The book is clearly the winner for any air or other international travel. However, some people get BOTH and use the card as a federal ID, in some cases using it for domestic air travel from states whose ID (i.e., drivers license) does not meet some security standard (Hawai'i is not one of those states, so I am not worried about that). There are a couple of things that I would like to throw out to the VJ community for opinions/discussions:

 

1) What do you see as pros and cons of getting both?

2) Do you see having the card as a beneficial ID for your now-US Citizen Spouse? For example (and especially in border states or states where ID checks are more common), state IDs don't prove citizenship and did not prove LPR status---which is why your spouse was supposed to carry the GC), your spouse no longer has a Greencard (which they were supposed to carry on them at all times) and I doubt anyone carries the Naturalization Certificate around! Do you see the passport card as a viable, better or even necessary alternative?

3) Do you see any benefit to the "old" USC getting a passport card to supplement the book if they travel mostly to places besides Canada and Mexico. 

 

I am beginning to form my own opinions and will share them later, but I'm interested in the views of all of you. 

I have Had Both for years now and am glad I got them. It is only a little more $$ to obtain both and ,to me, there is a great advantage.

1)Using it as an ID instead of License or State ID....It is Legal to use and does not contain your Address which I don't want everyone knowing.

2)Land Border Crossings (Canada and Mexico) you only need the card and can leave your passport ....

3)Having the Card is proof you are Legally in the USA..

 

[lilsweetie 31]

For the minimal cost, I say get it. One more proof that you are a citizen. For just a few more bucks it's well worth it I think

[Lemonslice 4,838]

IMO, if you prefer a small card, getting a Nexus card is cheap and gets you benefits such as Global Entry and TSA Precheck.  

 

2) If ever I were to become an American citizen, I would enjoy the privilege of not having to carry proof of that.

[Stevephoto 230]

Salamat everyone! Joan got both the book and the card. Lemonslice, isn't the Nexus card only valid for US-Canada travel?

[Lemonslice 4,838]

14 minutes ago, Stevephoto said:

Salamat everyone! Joan got both the book and the card. Lemonslice, isn't the Nexus card only valid for US-Canada travel?

Nexus card can be used to travel between the US and Canada, to Mexico by land, but it includes Global Entry and TSA Precheck; so you pretty much skip some line whenever you fly within or to the USA.   

[Stevephoto 230]

1 hour ago, Lemonslice said:

Nexus card can be used to travel between the US and Canada, to Mexico by land, but it includes Global Entry and TSA Precheck; so you pretty much skip some line whenever you fly within or to the USA.   

...and that is never a bad thing! hanks for the tip. We'll look into it!