Understanding the Differences Between Passport Books and Passport Cards — and Why It Matters

When traveling internationally, having the right documentation is essential, usually requiring a U.S. passport — a compact book with your photo and blank pages for visa stamps. However, did you know there's also a passport card? This option is perfect for Americans heading to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, or the Caribbean via land or sea. Although both documents have certain restrictions, passport cards are typically more affordable and easier to obtain than standard passport books. Here’s what you should know about their differences and how to choose the best option for you.

What Is a Passport Book?

When you envision a passport, it’s likely a passport book comes to mind — the gold standard for international travel credentials issued by your government. In the U.S., these passport books are navy blue and serve as a Real ID, a form of federally accepted identification. Your photo and personal details, such as your date of birth, place of birth, and gender, are located at the front, alongside your passport number, issue date, and expiration date. Passport books are valid for 10 years for adults and five years for children under 16. Following your personal details, you’ll find blank pages designated for visas — stamps or stickers that you collect at border control.

What Is a Passport Card? 

In the U.S., a passport card serves as a Real ID-compliant form of identification, allowing travel to certain international locations but limited to specific modes of transportation. It cannot be used for air travel, only for land crossings to Canada and Mexico or for sea travel to Caribbean nations and Bermuda. Resembling a driver's license, it features your photo and personal information on the front and is compact enough to fit in your wallet. Like a passport book, the passport card is valid for 10 years.

The Difference Between Passport Books and Passport Cards

While both passport books and cards are valid government-issued IDs for international travel, there are key distinctions between them. Most notably, passport books are accepted for all forms of travel to any international destination, whereas passport cards are limited to land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean. Therefore, for any international flight, you will need a passport book. They also differ in size: passport books are pocket-sized (five by inches), while passport cards are the size of a credit card, making them easily portable in your wallet.

There is also a significant difference in cost. The fee for a first-time passport book application is $130, whereas it is only $30 for a passport card. Regardless of your choice (or if you opt for both), a $35 processing fee applies. For children under 16, the costs are slightly lower — $100 for a passport book and $15 for a passport card — but the processing fee remains at $35. Renewal costs match the first-time application fees, excluding the additional $35 fee.

Should I choose a Passport Book or a Passport Card?

Passport books are essential for most types of international travel, especially if you intend to fly abroad. Consider investing in a passport wallet to protect it while traveling. On the other hand, passport cards are typically more suitable for those who frequently drive into Canada or Mexico or plan to cruise to the Caribbean or Bermuda. They also serve as a great alternative for domestic flights if you lack a driver's license, qualifying as a Real ID. Although you can use your passport book, it's bulkier to carry around.

Is it possible to have both a Passport Book and a Passport Card?

You can hold both a passport book and a passport card simultaneously — in fact, if you already own a passport book, the processing fee for your passport card will be waived. For those without a driver's license, the passport card is a convenient option for domestic flights as a Real ID. However, remember that it cannot be used for international travel.

How to Obtain Passport Books and Passport Cards

The application process for both passport books and passport cards is identical, allowing you to use the same forms — simply indicate which document you are applying for or select both options. First-time applicants must visit a passport office in person to complete their application. For renewals, you can apply via mail, and starting June 2024, you may even have the option to complete the application online. To apply, you need to complete the necessary forms and provide proof of U.S. citizenship (original or certified copies of birth certificates and other relevant documents), along with a second form of acceptable ID and a passport photo that meets strict size and style criteria (no glasses or smiling allowed, among other guidelines).

You can expect to receive your passport book or card in approximately six to eight weeks (or two to three weeks if you choose expedited service for an additional fee), so it’s important to apply well ahead of your international trip. If you need your passport even sooner, there are options for expedited processing available, but you will need to pay an additional fee and schedule an appointment at a passport agency. To avoid any complications during international travel, ensure that your current passport book has at least six months of validity remaining before its expiration, as some countries enforce this requirement for entry.