What’s the Difference Between a Passport Book and Card?

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

What is a passport card used for compared to a book? And which one should you get?

Or do you need both?

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

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Is a Passport Card the Same as a Passport?

No, it’s not. A passport book (the regular biometric passport) is bigger, more expensive, and has different benefits compared to a passport card. They both allows you to travel internationally, but have different limitations.

What’s the Difference Between a Passport Book and a Card?

Confused man holding a passport book and a passport 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.

But these aren’t the only differences between the two. Let’s explore them in detail.

Price

How much is a passport book and a card?

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.

Did you know? The regular passport book you use is also called a passport Type “P.” You can learn more about the benefits of a Type P passport in our article.

Which Is Better: Passport Card or Book?

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.

Should I Get a Passport Book and Card?

No, you don’t need both documents. If you want a travel ID that allows both domestic and international travel, you only need a passport book. It’s more expensive, but has benefits a passport card doesn’t.

Passport Book Versus Card: How to Apply

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

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.

Do I need a passport card if I have a passport book?

No, you don’t. A passport book is “better” than a passport card as it allows travel both within an outside the US. If you often travel to Canada or Mexico, getting a passport card can be an alternative as it’s smaller and you can always have a spare travel document in case you lose the card.

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.

Is the passport book and card number the same?

No, a passport book and a card are two separate documents and have different numbers, even when issued for the same person. A passport card number starts with a “C,” and a passport book number is an alphanumeric codes that begin with a letter and ends with eight digits.

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.

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