Why are passport cards not more popular?
Jul 14, 2015, 7:27 am
#91
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Not sure if this was pointed out, but your Passport Card can be used as proof of US citizenship to renew a passport book. Or to replace a lost passport book. This means no pulling your hair out to get a copy of your birth certificate.
Here is a unique situation that may occur with a frequent int traveler in need of renewing their passport. The catch is they have an immediate trip and can't travel without it. So instead of sending in their passport, they can send in the card with the renewal application.
Here is a unique situation that may occur with a frequent int traveler in need of renewing their passport. The catch is they have an immediate trip and can't travel without it. So instead of sending in their passport, they can send in the card with the renewal application.
Where I think this would work is if one is applying for a second USA passport to use for visa applications or for travel to certain countries.
I always carry both the passport card and the global entry when I travel by car, by air or internationally. But I never get to show off both those cards as I wanted to. In international they asked for the passport book and inside the US, they want to see your drivers license. I still like having them both with me, just in case 
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Jul 14, 2015, 8:07 am
#92
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Jul 14, 2015, 8:16 am
#93
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The passport card seems more like an official ID to more common people than the Global Entry card.
I've seen CBSA at YYZ and another Canadian airport accept US passport cards -- not mine -- as proof of citizenship and identity for purposes of admissibility to Canada in conjunction with certified birth certificates and regular driving licenses from the U.S. But I've not only seen but also had my passport card rejected by CBSA at Canadian airports when I've tried to use them but did not care to make life unnecessarily difficult for myself and/or others.
It's really not that hard to get on a flight to Canada with a passport but then end up at CBSA airport checkpoint without a passport.
That link seems to be from a guide for carriers, and is the official policy.
However, given that a birth certificate is valid for entry to Canada:
http://www.cbsa.gc.ca/travel-voyage/td-dv-eng.html#_s2a
I think it is likely that a passport card would be accepted at the airport port of entry if one ever made it there. However, I doubt the airline would let someone travel from the US to Canada without a passport booklet, as the US requires that all passengers carry a passport booklet or NEXUS card to leave the country.
However, given that a birth certificate is valid for entry to Canada:
http://www.cbsa.gc.ca/travel-voyage/td-dv-eng.html#_s2a
I think it is likely that a passport card would be accepted at the airport port of entry if one ever made it there. However, I doubt the airline would let someone travel from the US to Canada without a passport booklet, as the US requires that all passengers carry a passport booklet or NEXUS card to leave the country.
It's really not that hard to get on a flight to Canada with a passport but then end up at CBSA airport checkpoint without a passport.
Last edited by GUWonder; Jul 14, 2015 at 8:22 am
Jul 14, 2015, 9:40 am
#94
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Jul 14, 2015, 12:50 pm
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Passport cards are good for getting speeding tickets too. I accidentally handed it to the officer with my registration and insurance last time I got pulled over. I did not realize it was not my DL until she handed it back to me, with a ticket. I was surprised that she didn't ask for the DL to ensure I was in possession of it, but my DL number came through off the registration/insurance.
I accidentally handed it to the officer with my registration and insurance last time I got pulled over. I did not realize it was not my DL until she handed it back to me, with a ticket. I was surprised that she didn't ask for the DL to ensure I was in possession of it, but my DL number came through off the registration/insurance.