BajaNomad

FMM/Passport Card

KurtG - 7-13-2017 at 07:33 AM

Time to renew passport and considering just getting the Passport Card since I likely won't be doing international travel anymore except for Mexico and Canada. Has anyone gotten a FMM using just the card or does Mexico require the full passport? Hoping someone has first hand experience.

bajatrailrider - 7-13-2017 at 07:39 AM

To get the FMM they want passport book.

BigBearRider - 7-13-2017 at 07:43 AM

I've gotten the FMM with the passport card only at San Ysidro. YMM.

Don Jorge - 7-13-2017 at 07:44 AM

Have gotten the FMM, both free 7 day and paid for 6 month visa multiple times with the passport card at TJ/SY crossing. Passport card is good for land and sea travel only, not airline travel.

David K - 7-13-2017 at 07:51 AM

While I typically use my passport book (it gets stamped as a backup proof of having the FMM, should the little paper vanish), the card works as well for land travel.

SFandH - 7-13-2017 at 07:58 AM

Quote: Originally posted by KurtG  
Time to renew passport and considering just getting the Passport Card.......


I didn't know you could do that. I thought everybody gets the book and the card is optional and additional cost. Has it changed?

I always use the card to get an FMM at San Ysidro.

KurtG - 7-13-2017 at 08:41 AM

Quote: Originally posted by SFandH  
Quote: Originally posted by KurtG  
Time to renew passport and considering just getting the Passport Card.......


I didn't know you could do that. I thought everybody gets the book and the card is optional and additional cost. Has it changed?

I always use the card to get an FMM at San Ysidro.


Yes, one can get the card only without the passport book. Only $30 for the card alone. Thanks for the first hand replies, looks like we will go with just the cards.

BigBearRider - 7-13-2017 at 08:54 AM

You may want to consider the fact that if you have to fly out of Mexico for some reason, the card won't suffice.

del mar - 7-13-2017 at 10:46 AM

Quote: Originally posted by BigBearRider  
You may want to consider the fact that if you have to fly out of Mexico for some reason, the card won't suffice.


good point, I have both, probably a good idea also if one is lost or stolen.

"The passport card is only good for land and sea travel. If you have lost your passport book but you have your passport card, you can still use the card to travel via land and sea. If you have lost your passport card, but you have your passport book, you can still travel any way you’d like. The passport book is good for land, sea, and air travel."

sancho - 7-13-2017 at 11:23 AM

With the card, no 1st hand experience, it is my understanding
the card is accepted for domestic flights by Mex Imm for
flights within Mex, TJ/Cape. That is a little quirk, at Mexicali West, they
diligently stamp my passport book, if I presented the card,
it would be, well never mind the stamp, es Mex


[Edited on 7-13-2017 by sancho]

KurtG - 7-13-2017 at 11:32 AM

Well, the renewals are in the mail for cards only. I'm not really concerned about air travel since my avowed goal is to never get on a commercial airliner again. If I had to fly out of Baja it would only be in case of a medical emergency and at that point I doubt the passport type would make much difference. I appreciate the comments from those who used the card to get their FMM. If I were to plan a trip that included international flying I would then get a new passport book, that option is always available.

Another reason for an ID card

AKgringo - 7-13-2017 at 01:05 PM

My state (Alaska) is one of those that has not yet come into compliance with the new security requirements that go into effect in 2018. If the state does not get it's act together, my driver's license will not be an acceptable ID, but the passport card will get me on domestic flights with no delay.

It is an inexpensive, durable ID, and is the one I am going to buy for my six grandchildren if we are able to pull off a Baja retreat before they all get much older.

Passports for minors are only good for five years anyway, and the cards will be much easier to deal with.