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.
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- Do You Need a Passport for Cancun? [Cases Explained]
- US Passport Colors [Blue, Black, Gray, and Maroon]
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What’s the Difference Between a Passport Card and a Book?
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.
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.
You can also use your smartphone’s camera to take a self-portrait and upload it using the button below.
Related reading:
- How to Fill Out a Money Order for a Passport? [5 Steps]
- How to Get a Cheap Passport Photo: Your Best Options
- How to Staple Your Passport Photo [Visual Examples]
- Passport Photo Rejected—Now What?
FAQ
What’s the difference between a US passport book and a card?
Can you use a passport card for a cruise?
How do I know if I need a passport book, card, or both?
I have a passport card. How do I get a passport book?
Can I use a passport card to fly domestically?
Sources:
- https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/need-passport/card.html
- https://www.passportindex.org/passport/united-states-of-america/
- https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/need-passport/apply-in-person.html#Step%20Seven
- https://www.dhs.gov/real-id
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.
