1. What is the difference between a Passport Card and a Book in California?

A Passport Card is a wallet-size card issued by the US government that is used for international travel by land and sea to Mexico, Canada, and the Caribbean. A Passport Book is a larger, more traditional passport issued by the US government that is used for international air travel. Both types of documents provide proof of US citizenship and identity.

2. Does California accept both Passport Cards and Books as valid forms of identification?

Yes, California accepts both Passport Cards and Books as valid forms of identification.

3. Is a Passport Card accepted as valid proof of citizenship in California?

No, a Passport Card is not accepted as valid proof of citizenship in California. California requires either a valid U.S. passport or Certificate of Naturalization as proof of citizenship.

4. What are the fees associated with obtaining a Passport Card or Book in California?

The fees for obtaining a passport card or book in California are as follows:

Adult passport book/card: $145.00
Child passport book/card: $115.00
Expedited service: Additional $60.00
Execution fee: $35.00 per application

5. How long is a Passport Card valid for in California?

A Passport Card is valid for 10 years from the date of issue or until the expiration date of the passport, whichever comes first.

6. How long is a Passport Book valid for in California?

A Passport Book in California is valid for 10 years from the date of issue for adults and 5 years from the date of issue for minors age 15 and younger.

7. Are there age restrictions for obtaining a Passport Card or Book in California?

Yes, there are age restrictions for obtaining a Passport Card or Book in California. All applicants must be 16 years of age or older to apply for a U.S. passport. Minors under the age of 16 must have parental consent before applying for a U.S. passport.

8. Can a Passport Card or Book be used as a form of photo identification in California?

Yes, both a passport card and a passport book can be used as forms of photo identification in California.

9. Are both the Passport Card and the Book accepted for international travel from California?

No, the Passport Card is not accepted for international air travel. The Passport Book is the only document accepted for air travel to international destinations.

10. Is a background check required for obtaining a Passport Card or Book in California?

Yes, a background check is required for obtaining a passport in California. All applicants must submit a completed application with their application fee, current valid identification, and two passport photos. Additionally, all applicants must provide proof of U.S. citizenship.

11. Is a passport card or book required to enter the US from California?

A passport card or book is not required to enter the US from California; however, a valid government-issued photo ID such as a driver’s license is required. U.S. citizens and permanent residents may also use an Enhanced Driver’s License, Global Entry Card, or NEXUS Card. Non-U.S. citizens need a valid passport and visa to enter the country.

12. What documents are needed to apply for a passport card or book in California?

To apply for a passport card or book in California, you will need to provide proof of U.S. citizenship such as a certified copy of a birth certificate issued by the state you were born in, a valid naturalization certificate or certificate of citizenship issued by the U.S. government, and a valid photo identification like a driver’s license or state-issued ID. In addition, you will need to provide two identical passport photos taken within the past 6 months, and will need to provide payment for the passport fee.

13. Are additional fees required to renew a passport card or book in California?

Yes, there are additional fees required to renew a passport card or book in California. The total cost of a passport renewal (card or book) is $110 for an adult and $80 for a child, plus a $35 execution fee.

14. Are passport cards or books accepted as valid forms of identification in all of California’s counties?

No, passport cards or books are not accepted as valid forms of identification in all of California’s counties. Each county may have different requirements for valid forms of identification.

15. Can both the passport card and the book be used to apply for jobs in California?

No, the passport card is not a valid form of identification for employment purposes in California. The passport book must be used.

16. Is it necessary to present a passport card or book when applying for driver’s licenses in California?

Yes. California requires all applicants for driver’s licenses to present a valid passport book or card as proof of identity.

17. Can a passport card or book be used as proof of residence in California?

No. A passport card or book is not accepted as proof of residence in California. To prove residence in California, an individual must provide a valid California driver’s license, voter registration card, or other valid government-issued identification that shows the individual’s current address.

18. Are there any restrictions on where passport cards and books can be used within California?

Yes. Passport cards and books can only be used to enter the United States from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda at land border crossings or sea ports-of-entry. They cannot be used for international air travel.

19. Can a passport card or book be used to register to vote in California?

No, a passport card or book cannot be used to register to vote in California. In order to register to vote in California, you must provide proof of identity, such as a valid California driver’s license, a California identification card issued by the DMV, or another form of identification issued by the federal or state government.

20. Does California have any special requirements for passport cards and books issued within its borders?

Yes, California requires all passport cards and books issued within its borders to be issued with a California address.