A passport book is an essential travel document that allows you to leave and enter countries. It contains your personal information and photo to identify you. Each passport book has a unique passport book number located on the data page in the top right corner. This black eight-digit number is also known as the passport identifier or control number. It differs from the passport card number.
You can find your passport book number by looking in your valid passport book on the data page. The “passport book number” identifies your specific passport book and allows you to distinguish it from one passport book from another.
This unique nine digits number is assigned by the passport office that issued your passport. If you need to provide your passport number, they ask for this unique eight-digit passport book number, not the passport card number.
If you need to renew your passport or get a new one if it is lost, it is important to know your passport book number. Why it’s important to know your passport number is covered in more detail in our guide. By the end, you’ll understand where to look for it and why it’s so important to use your passport. (Read Can You Bring Sewing Needles On A Plane)
Understanding Passport Book Number
The Passport Book Number is a unique identifier of the passport that is assigned to the passport holder. It is a nine-digit long number that is used to identify the passport book. The book number is the unique number assigned to the passport and is used to make it different from other passports.
On the personal information page, you’ll find the passport book number is located on the top right-hand corner. This page includes the passport holder’s photo, name, and other personal information. The Passport Book Number is listed as “Passport No.” or “No. du Passport,” followed by a nine-digit number.
The book number is a unique number assigned to the US passport book and card and used to identify it from other passports. The passport book number is also on the machine-readable zone (MRZ) at the bottom of the page. The MRZ page contains all the information encoded in the passport’s machine-readable strips. The book number is present in the first line of the MRZ, which starts with “P<“.
Location of Passport Book Number
Each passport book has a distinct nine-digit identification number called a “passport book number.” It is a crucial piece of information necessary for numerous passport-related services and applications. The passport book number is found on the second page of your passport book. The black number is found on the top right corner of the page, under the “Passport No.” label. In some passports, the number may be embossed on the center bottom of the third page.
If you need help locating your passport book number, refer to the machine-readable zone (MRZ) page. The MRZ page is at the bottom of the personal information page, and it contains all the information encoded in your passport’s machine-readable strips. The passport book number is one of the pieces of information found on this page.
Different countries may have further guidance on where to look for your passport book number. As an example, the US Department of State, you’ll find the location of the passport book number inside the cover, yet may vary depending on the country that issued the passport.
Therefore, it is essential to check the guidance of the country of issuance for your passport, as you will need to provide your passport book upon entry. (Read Can You Bring Disposable Cameras On An Airplane)
Comparing Passport Card Number vs. passport Number
Passports are essential documents to identify individuals when they travel internationally. The passport number and the passport book number, which are both printed on the inside of the cover of the passport, are two different numbers that are present in every passport. Despite being unique to the passport, both numbers serve different reasons.
A unique identification number for the holder of a passport is the passport number. Although both numbers are unique to the passport, they serve different purposes.
The passport number is a unique identification number assigned to the holder. It is used to identify the passport holder in various government databases, and it is also printed on the passport’s biographical page. The passport number is always two letters followed by six numbers.
The passport number vs passport book number are two different numbers that serve different purposes. The passport number is used to identify the holder, while the passport book number is used to identify the passport. Although both numbers are printed on the passport, they should not be confused. Also, the first two numbers of your passport number show which passport office issued your passport.
Distinction Between Card Vs Passport Book
Passport books and passport cards are official documents allowing individuals to travel internationally.
Passport Book
A passport book is a traditional passport issued by the United States government. It is a small booklet with a navy blue cover that contains blank pages for visas and stamps. The passport book is accepted for all forms of international travel to any international destination.
Passport books are more expensive than passport cards, costing $110. They are also larger and bulkier than passport cards, making them less convenient to carry, yet you need a passport book for international travel.
Passport Card
A passport card is a wallet-sized card also issued by the United States government. It’s plastic, has a blue background with a white eagle in the middle, and has that design.
Travel by land or sea to the Caribbean, Bermuda, Mexico, and Canada are the only destinations that are eligible for the passport card. It is restricted for use on international flights. Another difference between a passport book and a passport card is the numbers. A passport card has a number assigned, a C followed by eight numbers, while a book contains nine numbers. (Read Can You Bring Coffee Beans On A Plane)
If You Need A Passport Book and Card
When someone has a lost passport book and needs to apply for a passport, they can apply for one at a US Department of State Passport Agency or a US Embassy or Consulate. Getting a new passport is straightforward and requires a few steps.
The first step is to compile the required paperwork. An application form, documentation of US citizenship, and a passport photo are all required from the applicant. You can submit the application form in person or online. The candidate is required to provide their entire name, birthdate, and social security number.
After the applicant has the correct document number, they must make an appointment to submit their application. The applicant can schedule an appointment and must bring their completed application form, proof of US citizenship, passport photo, and payment to get a passport.
A new passport’s price varies according on the applicant’s age and the type of passport they are requesting. It typically takes 4-6 weeks to process a new passport. For a charge, the applicant can ask for expedited processing if they need their passport more quickly.
Lost Passport and Replacement of US Passport Book
Losing a passport can be a stressful experience, but it’s essential to take action quickly to prevent any potential misuse of your personal information. You should notify the US Department of State right once if you misplace or have your passport stolen.
You can fill out Form DS-64, Statement Regarding a Lost or Stolen Passport, and send it in by mail or online to report a lost or stolen passport. Once you report the loss or theft, the State Department will invalidate your old number, and you won’t be able to use a passport book or card once it has been deactivated.
To replace a lost or stolen passport, you must submit Form DS-11 in person. You can still use Form DS-64 to notify the U.S Department of State of the loss or theft if you also lost your passport book number.
Understanding Passport Holder’s Information
The passport data page includes:
- The passport holder’s full name.
- Date of birth.
- Place of birth.
- Identification passport number.
- Passport book number.
- Passport expiration date.
The passport book has a unique number, nine-digit number that identifies the passport book, and the “passport book number is also used” to identify the name and date of birth in international records.
This is located in the top right corner of the personal information page. The passport book number can be found on the machine-readable zone (MRZ) page for US citizens. The MRZ page identifies your passport and contains all the information encoded in the passport’s machine-readable strips. (Read Are Pens Allowed On Planes)
FAQs
What is the difference between a passport and a passport book?
There is no difference between a passport and a passport book are the same thing. It is common to refer to the same document by both terms. When applying for a visa or renewing your passport, passport book number is required.
What is the difference between a passport number and a passport book number?
The unique identification granted to a passport is called a passport number, but the one given to a passport book is called a passport book number. Located in the top right-hand corner of the data page of the passport is where you may find the passport book number.
How can I find my passport book number?
Look in your passport toward the top right-hand corner of the data page. It’s a long number that is printed in black ink.
