Passport Card vs. Passport Book: What’s
the Difference and Which One Do You Need?
When applying for U.S. travel documents, citizens can
choose between two major options: the U.S. Passport Book and the U.S.
Passport Card. Although both serve as official identification and proof of
citizenship, they are not the same, especially when it comes to where you
can travel, how they are used, and how much they cost.
If you’re unsure which one suits your travel needs,
this guide breaks down everything you should know.
 |
| A sample of Passport Book |
Passport Card vs. Passport Book: Key
Differences
The biggest difference between the passport card and
the passport book is where they can be used.
1. Where You Can Travel
- Passport
Card:
Can only be used for land and sea travel to certain North American locations.
You cannot use it for international air travel. - Passport
Book:
Valid for air, land, and sea travel worldwide, making it the standard document for international trips.
2. What They Look Like
- Passport
Card:
Small, plastic, wallet-sized like a driver’s license. - Passport
Book:
A booklet (about 5 x 3.5 inches) with multiple pages for visas and stamps.
Side-by-Side Comparison
|
Feature |
U.S. Passport
Card |
U.S. Passport
Book |
|
Travel
Eligibility |
Land/sea travel
to Canada, Mexico & select Caribbean/North American territories |
Worldwide air,
land & sea travel |
|
Cost (First-Time
Adults) |
$65 |
$165 |
|
Size |
Wallet-sized ID
card |
Small booklet |
|
Validity |
10 years (5
years for minors) |
10 years (5
years for minors) |
Passport Book Number vs. Passport Card
Number
Both documents have unique numbers.
- Passport
Card Number: Starts with a “C” and
followed by eight digits.
- Passport
Book Number: A unique 9-digit code printed
on the data page.
The numbers are not interchangeable and will
not match.
Cost of Passport Book vs. Passport Card
Below is the official pricing based on age and
application type:
Passport Book Fees
- Adults
(first-time): $165
- Children
under 16: $135
- Renewals:
$130
Passport Card Fees
- Adults
(first-time): $65
- Children
under 16: $50
- Renewals:
$30
Additional Required Fee
A mandatory $35 execution (acceptance) fee
applies to both documents for first-time applicants.
Who Is Eligible to Apply?
To qualify for a U.S. passport book or card:
- You
must be a U.S. citizen or U.S. national.
- Permanent
Residents (Green Card holders) cannot get a U.S. passport.
- Applicants must not have certain legal issues (details below).
What About Criminal Records?
Applicants may be denied a passport if they:
- Owe
child support
- Have
unresolved felony warrants
- Are
under certain court restrictions
- Owe
large IRS tax debt
- Submitted
incorrect or incomplete information
In most cases, the government will contact you to
correct a fixable mistake.
 |
| Passport Card vs Passport Book |
What Does Each Document Look Like?
Passport Book
A foldable booklet used globally. Includes:
- Photo
page
- Visa
pages
- Security
features
- Personal
details
Passport Card
Made of durable plastic, designed for convenience
during:
- Road
trips to Canada or Mexico
- Cruises
to Caribbean destinations
- Identity
verification inside the U.S.
Validity Period
Both the passport book and passport card are valid
for:
- 10
years for adults
- 5
years for applicants under 16
Minors must apply for a new document once they turn
16.
How to Apply for a Passport Card
You can apply in two ways:
1. Apply in Person
Required for:
- First-time
applicants
- Minors
- Adults
who do not qualify for mail renewal
Location examples:
- Post
offices
- Clerk
of court offices
- Selected
libraries
2. Apply by Mail
You can apply by mail only if you already have
a passport book or card and meet renewal criteria.
You must mail:
- Completed
application
- Your
old passport
- Fees
- A
compliant passport photo
Processing time is about 10 weeks (standard
service).
Steps to Apply for a Passport Book (First
Time Applicants)
1.
Complete Form DS-11
Fill it online using the Form Filler tool, then print it. Avoid handwritten
corrections.
2.
Gather Required Documents
These include:
· Proof
of U.S. citizenship (birth certificate, naturalization certificate, etc.)
· Photocopy
of your government ID
· Passport
photo
3.
Pay the Fees
Payment is submitted at the acceptance office.
(Credit/debit cards are not accepted use check or money order.)
4.
Submit in Person
Visit an authorized acceptance facility.
Appointments may be required (especially at USPS locations).
Do You Need Both a Passport Book and a
Passport Card?
Not necessarily.
Choose a Passport Card If:
- You
mostly travel to Mexico or Canada by land
- You
take round-trip cruises to Caribbean countries
- You
want a convenient wallet-sized ID
Choose a Passport Book If:
- You
travel internationally by air
- You
visit countries outside North America
- You
want maximum travel flexibility
Choose Both If:
You frequently cross land borders and fly
internationally.
Countries You Can Visit With Only a
Passport Card
A passport card allows travel only by land or sea
to the following regions:
- Canada
- Mexico
(border zone)
- The
Caribbean
- Bermuda
- Bahamas
- British
Overseas Territories
- Several
island nations including:
· Antigua
& Barbuda
· Jamaica
· Grenada
· Saint
Lucia
· Saint
Kitts and Nevis
· Aruba
· Dominican
Republic
· Turks
& Caicos
· Anguilla
· Cayman
Islands
· Montserrat
· Saint
Vincent & the Grenadines
· Caribbean
Netherlands (Bonaire, Saba, etc.)
You cannot fly internationally with a
passport card.
Can You Fly Domestically With a Passport
Card?
Yes.
The passport card is a valid TSA-approved ID for domestic flights within the
United States.
Why Applications Get Denied
Your passport card or book may be denied if:
- Documents
are incomplete
- Information
is incorrect
- The
passport photo does not meet requirements
- There
is an issue with your birth certificate
- You
changed your name but did not submit legal proof
- You
owe child support or tax debt
- You
are subject to certain legal actions
Applicants are usually notified to fix errors where
possible.
Related Search: US Visa Waiver Program
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