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Your passport number and, sometimes, passport book number are required to certify your identity and citizenship, permitting you to travel to and from foreign countries. This blog takes you through the detailed definition of what a passport book number is, where it is located, and what the difference between a passport number and a passport book number is.
What Is A Passport Book Number?
The passport book number, which identifies one passport book from another, is a special combination of numbers and letters that are unique to every passport book. It is also often referred to as the “inventory control number” or the “booklet number.
When leaving a nation by air, land, or sea for international or domestic travel, a passport book number is required.
In addition to the passport number, the passport book number may also be written on a passport.
However, it is not always issued.
According to sources, “If your passport is issued to you as a military dependent, the number will likely start with the digit 90.”
Where Is The Passport Book Number Located?
The position of the passport book number differs depending on the country where it was issued. For a US-issued passport, it is on the second page of a US passport book, and in the upper right-hand corner as a combination of dig
Both numbers and letters that represent details about the passport holder and the document itself can be found in the passport book number. For instance, the first two numbers of US passports identify the passport office that issued the book.
For numerous South American nations, the U.S. Embassy & Consulates in the United Kingdom issue visas using the passport book’s booklet number rather than the actual passport number. Some countries may have a passport book number in some versions of their passports, whilst some may not.
Note that passports of most countries do not have passport book numbers. The booklet number is less frequently used as a result of biometric passports‘ greater security.
Additionally, a passport book number is less likely to be present on a contemporary biometric ePassport.
How To Find A Passport Book Number?
The location and presence of a passport book number vary in every country. The location of a passport book number is different for every country. For example, on the second page of a US passport book, in the upper right-hand corner, is the passport book number.
However, many countries choose not to allocate the passport book number so you may not find it on the passport at all.
You will see a black number with the label “Passport No./No. du Passeport/No. de Pasaporte” beneath the United States of America title. Your passport book number is that.
You can find the passport book number of a Chinese passport in the lower right-hand corner on its second page, written vertically. While in Mexican and Australian passports, you can find the passport book number in the upper right-hand corner on the second page.
In old Canadian passports, the passport book number is mentioned over the barcode of the passport.
In some passports, the passport book numbers can be mentioned under some other name.
For example, in a Malaysian passport, a passport book number might be mentioned as a “control number” on the right-hand side of the second page. Some passports of El Salvador and Pakistan have passport book numbers mentioned as “booklet numbers.”
So, you can see that the location of a passport book number depends on the country that has issued the passport.
It is also possible to not have a passport book number in a passport as fewer countries mention passport book numbers.
Here’s a video on how to find the passport book number:
Which Countries Do and Don’t Include The Passport Book Number?
Passports from most countries such as Austria, Switzerland, Bangladesh, Denmark, Brazil, Greece, Egypt, Italy, India, Luxembourg, Japan, Malaysia, Poland, Portugal, Thailand, Slovakia, the United States of America, and the United Kingdom do not have passport book numbers.
In some nations, a new passport does not carry a passport book number but an older passport does. For example, in some versions of passports of Finland, France, Malaysia, Germany, Ireland, and Spain, passport book numbers are mentioned.
There are a few countries where all versions of passports have passport book numbers. For example, all Swedish, Chinese, and Canadian passports have passport book numbers.
What Is The Use Of A Passport Book Number?
A passport book number is used to identify if the person using the passport at the airport is the same person whose details are mentioned in the passport. The passport book number finds its most common usage while filling the form D-160 of the United States of America.
Filling out the online DS-160 form is typically the first step of the visa application procedure if you need a non-immigrant visa. All non-immigrant visas, such as fiancé(e) visas (K-1) and temporary worker visas (E-1, E-2, L-1, and H-1B) require the DS-160 form.
The D-160 form asks for your passport information. Here you can check how to apply for a non-immigrant visa in the US. You need to retrieve your passport or travel document, and fill in the following information in the form:
- the type of travel and document
- the document number
- the passport book number
- the issuing country or authority of the passport or travel document
- details of the place where the passport or travel document was issued
- the issuance and expiration dates of the passport or travel document
It must be a passport or other travel document that is current and valid, and able to prove your identity and nationality.
Note: If your passport does not have a passport book number, then put ‘Does Not Apply’ in the box while filling out the D-160 form.
What Is A Passport Number?
A passport’s distinctive, identifying number is referred to as its “passport number.” It confirms the holder’s nationality and identity for travel purposes, especially international travel. Your passport number consists of nine digits. These nine digits are used to link your passport application to a specific set of numbers.
They are also used to identify the passport office that issued it.
On the first page of your passport, next to your portrait and other identifying information, is where you may find your passport number.
The passport number serves as both personal identity information and paperwork, particularly while traveling abroad. It, therefore, has a big significance.
In addition to the security data, it carries, a passport’s number identifies it as belonging to a specific person. The passport number is essentially a code that the government stores in a database.
How To Find The Passport Number?
The passport number is located on the first page of your passport, next to your passport photo and other identifying information. It is usually a combination of digits and numbers and is important for many forms, including the DS-160.
What Is The Use Of A Passport Number?
The passport number is mainly used to certify the identity and nationality of its holder for the purpose of international travel. Apart from that, a passport number can be used for bank transfers (if the transfer is going through a foreign bank), college registration, and emergency ID.
It can also be used for work authorization, proof of citizenship, driver’s license application, SIM card approval process, bank account application, proof of age at a club or restaurant, and a few other purposes.
What Is The Difference Between A Passport Book Number And A Passport Number?
A passport number relates to the identity of the passport holder, whereas a passport book number relates to the passport booklet. The passport book number is a distinctive combination of numbers and letters that separates two passports. The passport number certifies the nationality and identity of the passport holder.
Moreover, not every country allocates a passport book number to the passport.
The pin or password for your credit card is more private than your passport number or passport book number. However, unless it is absolutely required and you are positive that the recipient of the information is a trustworthy entity or individual, you shouldn’t divulge it.
Before giving you your passport number or passport book number, make sure the individual asking for it is a member of a reputable group or company. Organizations very rarely request passport book numbers in the normal course of business.
Read More: What Is The Difference Between the “Country of Issue” and “Country of Citizenship” Of A Passport?
Visa And Passport – What Is The Difference Between The Two?
A visa is a document issued by a foreign government allowing individuals to enter a country for a specific purpose. A passport, on the other hand, is an internationally recognized travel document issued by a national government that certifies the holder’s identity and nationality.
Most of the time, anyone traveling to another country needs to have a passport. Some nations have visa agreements that allow their residents to travel visa-free. A visa is an entry permit to a foreign nation that is tied to a passport.
A passport and a visa are two different documents that are both necessary for foreign travel, despite the common misconception that they both serve the same purposes.
Here you can check the most powerful passports in the world.
A visa is issued by an embassy or consulate that stands in for another nation. However, when two nations have a visa facilitation agreement, a visa is not necessary. The validity of a visa often lasts from a few days to a few months.
To obtain one, you must apply at an embassy or consulate that is a representation of the nation you wish to visit. Generally speaking, in order to obtain a visa, you must have a passport that is valid for at least three months beyond the date of your intended departure.
As a result, make sure you first obtain a passport before requesting a visa.
The embassy or consulate will stamp your passport if you receive a visa, however recently, several nations have started providing visas as distinct documents.
Consequently, if you apply for an electronic visa, you must print the visa and bring it with you rather than having your passport stamped.
How Is A Passport Different From A Visa?
A passport is a type of identification used when traveling abroad. It is issued by the nation in which you were born or where you currently reside. When traveling abroad, it is frequently necessary. It typically lasts between five and ten years.
The method to get a passport varies from country to country. However, generally, you’ve to log in to the official portal for passport application and apply for a new passport. Then, you’d need to book an appointment and visit the passport office. Thereafter, the passport authorities will carry out the required procedure.
A passport has various details mentioned, especially on its second page. Two of such important information are passport book number and passport number.
Read More: What Is The Difference Between Customs And Immigration?
What Is A Passport Reference Number?
A passport reference number is a number that is given to a person when they apply for a passport. It allows a person to follow the status of their passport application online. The passport reference number is a unique number assigned to passport applicants.
It is based on the application they submit. This number is an alphanumeric combination that was created by the system. It is also known as the passport reference file number.
What Is A Passport Card Number?
The United States passport card is a credit card-sized optional national identity card and travel document provided by the United States federal government. On passport cards, a passport card number begins with the letter C and is followed by eight numbers.
It is used for foreign travel as well as personal identity.
Final Words
The passport number is not the same as the passport book number in most countries. More often, a passport number relates to the identity of the passport holder, whereas a passport book number relates to the passport booklet.
As mentioned, most countries do not issue passports with passport book numbers. There are a few countries that no longer issue passports with passport book numbers, but older passports in these countries still carry passport book numbers.
On the other hand, a passport number is a uniform way to verify the identity of a person using a passport.
FAQs
Can My Passport Number Change After I Renew It?
If your personal information changes, your passport is lost or damaged, or its pages run out, you can apply for a new one. Upon renewal and reissual of the passports, or simply, when you receive your new passport, it will have a different number.
Can Someone Misuse My Passport Number?
If your passport number falls into the wrong hands, it can be exploited and cause significant harm. Identity theft, forgery, and misuse of Proof of Identity are some of the things a fraudster may do with your passport number. Therefore, it must be protected.
What Is an Inventory Control Number?
A passport book number is also called an inventory control number and, in some countries, simply a control number. The inventory control number is a special combination of letters and numbers that distinguish one passport from the other. It is also known as the booklet number.
What Is a Booklet Number?
A passport book number is also called a booklet number. The booklet number or the passport book number is a combination of numbers and letters. This combination can distinguish one passport from the other since this combination is unique to each passport.
How Long Is a Passport Book Valid?
Adults are often awarded passports with a 10-year validity period. Minors’ passports have a 5-year validity period or until they reach the age of 18, whichever comes first. The validity of your passport may differ based on the type of passport issued to you.
Do Passports of Every Country Have Passport Book Numbers?
No, your passport may or may not have a passport book number. So whether or not you receive the passport book number is dependent on your country. When a passport number is issued to you on your passport, it is usually located on the second page.
