Passport Book vs Card (Differences & Which Is Best for You)

In the US, you can choose between a passport book and a passport card.

Which one should you get?

Read on to find out if a passport card meets your needs or if a passport book is better.

Confused man holding a passport book and a passport card

Both US passport types are valid for 10 years for adults and five years for minors under 16. The key differences lie in their functionalities and limitations.

Let’s explore these differences.

Price

First-time adult applicants must pay $165 for a passport book and $65 for a card. A travel document for your child (16 or younger) will set you back $135 (passport book) or $50 (passport card).

If you’d like to explore a detailed breakdown of passport costs, our guide will help you navigate the fees.

Format and size

While both documents serve as proof of citizenship, their designs differ significantly.

The passport book has blank visa stamp pages and intricate security features to prevent forgery. The size is closer to a booklet (5×3½ inches).

On the other hand, the passport card is made of durable two-sided plastic and will fit easily in your wallet—like your credit card.

International travel

A passport book is more expensive due to its numerous travel options.

It allows for international air, sea, and land travel. Additionally, a US passport book offers visa-free entry to 116 countries.

With a passport card, you can travel only by land or sea to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and Caribbean countries.

Key differences between a passport book and a passport card.

Is It Better to Get a Passport Book or Card?

Now that you understand the differences between passport books and cards, it’s time to decide which one to get.

Below, we’ve summarized the key benefits of each to help you choose the best travel document for your needs.

Get a passport book if:

You want to travel internationally by land, sea, and plane.
Plan on applying for a visa.

Get a passport card if:

You plan to only travel to neighboring countries like Canada or Mexico by land or sea.
Your budget is tight (a passport card is $100 cheaper).
You need an everyday identification document.
You need a Real ID to fly domestically.

Pro tip: Do you already have a passport card but want to apply for a passport book? You can do so by submitting Form DS-82 (used normally for renewals), provided your passport card was issued less than 15 years ago.

As far as the application process is concerned, it’s the same for both. In the following section, we’ll discuss the steps necessary to obtain a US passport.

Applying for a Passport Book and Card: Checklist

To apply for your first passport book or card, follow these steps:

Fill out Form DS-11.
Get evidence of your US citizenship, such as a US-issued birth certificate. See also what other documents you can use for a passport application instead of a birth certificate.
Prepare a government-issued photo ID (e.g., a valid driver’s license or Global Entry card).
Take a picture that meets all US passport photo requirements.
Pay fees.

Now, all that’s left is to visit a passport acceptance facility such as a post office. If you need a passport urgently, make an appointment at a passport agency or center.

As for your photo, we’ve got great news.

You can download the PhotoAiD® app for iOS or the PhotoAiD® app for Android and take your own picture without stepping outside.

Benefits of taking a passport photo at home with a service for compliant ID photos, including expert verification, refunds, and acceptance guarantee.

You can also use your smartphone’s camera to take a self-portrait and upload it using the button below.

Related reading:

FAQ

What’s the difference between a US passport book and a card?

A passport book allows international air travel and has multiple pages for visas and stamps. A passport card is valid for land and sea travel to select countries and is more compact for everyday use.

Can you use a passport card for a cruise?

Yes, the passport card can be used for cruises to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda.

How do I know if I need a passport book, card, or both?

Get a passport book if you travel internationally by air. For land or sea travel to nearby countries and a cost-effective ID solution, the passport card may suffice.

I have a passport card. How do I get a passport book?

If you already have a passport card and need a passport book, you can apply for one, provided your passport card is undamaged and was issued within the last 15 years. Complete Form DS-82 and submit it with the required documents and fees at a passport acceptance facility.

Can I use a passport card to fly domestically?

Yes, both a passport book and a card are Real ID-compliant and can be used for domestic flights.

Sources:

Sylwia Green

Sylwia is a skilled writer with a BA in English Studies and an active SPJ member. For nearly three years now, she’s been writing captivating articles for international companies, turning her lifelong passion into a career.

Passport Book vs Card (Differences & Which Is Best for You)

Contents