Are Passports and Passport Cards Mailed Separately?
In recent years, there has been a growing trend of people applying for both passports and passport cards for their travel needs. This has raised the question: are passports and passport cards mailed separately? The answer to this question depends on the process followed by the passport agency and the type of passport card being issued.
Passport applications are typically processed by the government agency responsible for issuing passports. In the United States, this agency is the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs. When a person applies for a passport or a passport card, they are required to submit a completed application form, proof of U.S. citizenship, proof of identity, a passport photo, and payment for the application fee.
Once the application is submitted, the passport agency reviews the documentation and processes the application. For standard passport applications, the applicant will receive their passport book and/or passport card in separate mailings. The passport book includes a traditional passport with pages for visa stamps, while the passport card is a smaller card that can be used for land and sea travel to certain countries.
When applying for both a passport book and a passport card, some applicants may wonder if they will receive both items in the same mailing. The answer to this question is no. The passport agency typically sends out the passport book and passport card in separate mailings to prevent both items from getting lost or damaged during transit.
It is important to note that the processing times for passport applications can vary depending on the volume of applications received by the passport agency. Typically, it takes 6-8 weeks for a standard passport application to be processed and delivered to the applicant. If the applicant needs their passport book and passport card sooner, they may opt for expedited processing, which typically takes 2-3 weeks.
In some cases, applicants may receive their passport book and passport card in the same mailing if the passport agency is able to process both items simultaneously. However, this is not a common practice, and applicants should expect to receive their passport book and passport card in separate mailings.
It is also important to note that passport cards are not available for all types of travel. While passport cards can be used for land and sea travel to certain countries, they cannot be used for international air travel. Therefore, travelers who plan to fly to an international destination will need to apply for a traditional passport book.
In conclusion, passports and passport cards are typically mailed separately by the passport agency. Applicants should expect to receive their passport book and passport card in separate mailings to ensure both items are delivered safely and securely. If the applicant needs their passport book and passport card sooner, they may opt for expedited processing. Applicants should also be aware that passport cards are not valid for international air travel and are only valid for land and sea travel to certain countries.
