The US Department of State issues two versions of passports. Besides the traditional passport book, there is also a passport card that differs visually and is used for different purposes.
The passport card is basically an ID card, while the passport book is a normal passport that has enough pages for different stamps and visas. To learn more about the US passport book vs. card, how much they cost and most importantly, which one is suitable for your case – continue reading this article.
What is a passport book?
A passport book is an official document for international travel by land, sea, or air. For adults (age 16 or older), the books are valid for 10 (ten) years. Travelers under 16 get passports with 5 (five) years of validity.
The US passport book size is 5’’ X 3.5’’ when it is closed.
Your passport in book form can include visas and customs stamps that you acquire before and during visiting foreign countries.
If you’re interested in passports, you can also check out:
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- Traveling within the US with Only a Mexican Passport [Your Questions Answered]
- Can a Felon Get a Passport? It Depends
- How to Fill Out Passport Form DS-11 [Complete Guide]
- Can You Travel With a Damaged Passport? [Ultimate Guide]
- Do You Need a Passport to Go to Canada? [Ultimate Guide]
Passport book cost
First-time applicants that are 16 and older will have to pay a $145.00 passport book fee, whereas in order to get an American passport book if you are under 16, you will have to pay $115.00. If you want to renew your passport book by mail, this will cost you $110.
The urgent passport book price includes delivery that takes 1 (one) to 2 (two) days and costs an additional $17.13 (the usual processing times are between 4 (four) and 6 (six) weeks and 2 (two) weeks for expedited passport books.
Advantages of passport books
The main advantage of the passport book over a passport card is that a passport in book form can be used for international air travel. Also, it includes 17 pages reserved for stamps and visas to travel abroad. Therefore, passport books are more convenient when it comes to acquiring visas for international travel. US passport books are also proof of your US citizenship and identity.
What is a passport card?
The passport card is an official United States document that is used at land border crossings and seaports for several countries.
The US passport cards cannot be used for international air travel but they are alternatives to state issued ID documents.
The passport card is an official United States document that is used at land border crossings and seaports for several countries. The US passport cards cannot be used for international air travel, but they are alternatives to state issued ID documents.
The validity of the US passport card is 5 (five) years if you are under 16. Your United States passport card will be valid for 10 (ten) years if you are older than 16.
List of countries and territories where the US passport card is valid to be used:
- Canada
- Mexico
- The Bahamas
- Anguilla
- Bermuda
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Aruba
- Dominica
- British Virgin Islands
- Cayman Islands
- Dominican Republic
- Grenada
- Saint Lucia
- Caribbean Netherlands
- Jamaica
- Saint Kitts and Nevis
- Montserrat
- Turks and Caicos Islands
Passport card cost
US passport cards are cheaper than passport books.
First-time applicants that are older than 16 pay only $65 to get an American passport card. If you are under 16, you have to pay $50 as the passport card fee.
US passport cards can be renewed online or by mail for $30. You can also opt for First Class mail and your card will be delivered faster.
The processing time is usually 4 (four) to 6 (six) weeks and 2 (two) weeks for the expedited passport card.
Advantages of passport cards
One of the main advantages of the passport card is that it is very convenient, because it’s compact and fits in your wallet. Moreover, it can be used at sea ports of entry or land border crossings when you visit destinations such as Bermuda, Mexico, Canada, the Caribbean, and more.
Therefore, if you’re planning to visit such an international destination on one of those closed loop cruises, you can definitely get a passport card as in this case it´s an accepted identification, just like a birth certificate.
Passport cards can also be used as a form of ID when boarding domestic flights. You can also save money if you go for the passport card as US passport cards are less expensive than the American passport book. Also, a US passport card can be used as an identification document for non-drivers and children.
A passport book and a passport card—differences
Many people are unsure as to the difference between a passport book and a passport card.
The key difference between a passport card and a book is that the latter is the only document approved for international air travel. Passport cards, on the other hand, are mainly issued for northern and southern US border residents who often exit and enter the country by land or sea.
Passport cards obviously can’t include visas or stamps, however they’re very convenient for those who often cross the border(s) with Mexico, Canada, the Caribbean, or Bermuda by land or sea.
Another difference between a passport in book and card form is the size – the US passport card is smaller than the passport book. However, just like the US driver’s license, both passport cards and passport books are Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative approved documents.
Do I need a passport book and card?
Are you asking yourself – should I get a passport card or book, or perhaps both? If you want to travel internationally by air, you will need to have a traditional passport book. If you have a passport book, you won’t need to get a passport card.
The passport card is more suitable for people who frequently cross the Canadian or Mexican border by land, for citizens who don’t hold a driver’s license and need an ID document, for children who don’t have another identification card, as well as for sailors that sail in international waters between the Caribbean, Mexico, Canada and the US.
Still, note that cruise passengers are encouraged to have both – a passport card and book (in case of an emergency). Sometimes it’s convenient to carry both your passport card and book for international travel.
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See what people say about Passport Photo Online:
Passport book versus passport card – wrap up
To determine whether a passport card or book is more suitable for you, you have to think about what foreign countries you plan to visit (if any) and in what way.
For example, if you’re going to travel to any of the Caribbean countries, Bermuda, Canada, or Mexico by land or sea – a passport card will suffice.
However, if you’re visiting any foreign country on a flight, you will be required to have a valid passport book.
There are plenty of advantages to having both, however for safety and ease-of-travel purposes travelers are encouraged to carry as many forms of government ID on them as possible.
Passport card and passport book: FAQ
Can passport cards be used as a form of identification when traveling to Europe by ship?
No. Passport cards are not a valid form of ID at European ports of entry, and you will be required to have a traditional passport book with you.
Do I need to bring my birth certificate with me on a closed loop cruise if I have a valid passport card?
There’s no need to bring your certificate of birth with you if you have a passport card.
Can I use my passport card for domestic flights?
Absolutely. Your passport card is accepted identification when flying domestically, equivalent to a driver’s license or passport book in this case.
What is the cost of a passport card versus book?
A passport card costs $65 (adults) and $50 for children, whereas the book costs $165 (adults) and $135 (children).
What foreign countries can I visit with a passport card?
You can visit Bermuda, Canada, the Caribbean, and Mexico, however, keep in mind that these have to be land or sea border crossings/ports of entry.
Do you need a passport book and card?
No, you don’t. A US passport card is suitable for people who frequently travel to Mexico, Canada, or the Caribbean (by land or sea). A US passport book, on the other hand, is a travel document recognized at all international borders. US citizens can decide which document best fits their travel needs.
Do I need a passport card if I have a passport book?
No, you don’t. A passport book allows US citizens to travel to all international countries (by land, sea, or air). A passport card is more localized to North America and allows holders to enter Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean by land or sea.
Why would you need both a passport book and a passport card?
Using a passport card for land-based travel into Canada and Mexico may be more convenient for frequent travelers due to its smaller size. The passport book can then be reserved for international air travel.
Sources
- [1] https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/need-passport/card.html
- [2] https://nl.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/passports/apply-passport-card/
Karolina’s passion for law, technology and photography led her to PhotoAiD S.A., where for the past 3 years she has been an expert in the implementation of passport photo compliance procedures in +80 countries around the world.
