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

For many people, a passport is just a passport. However, there are actually two different types of passports issued by the United States: a passport book and a passport card.

Both documents serve the same purpose – to prove your identity and citizenship – but there are some key differences between the two. Here are the top three things you need to know about passport books and cards.

Introduction: 3 Differences Between a Passport Book and Card

A passport book is a document that allows you to travel internationally. It contains your personal information, as well as a passport photo.

A passport card, on the other hand, is a credit card-sized document that can be used for travel between the United States, Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean.

Both passport book and card holders are allowed to enter the United States from these countries. However, a passport card cannot be used for international air travel.

Can I use my passport card for domestic flights?

Passport cards are only valid for land and sea travel between the United States and Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda. If you’re planning on taking a domestic flight within the United States, you’ll need to use a passport book.

The main difference between a passport book and a passport card is that passport books can be used for international travel while passport cards are only valid for domestic travel. So, if you’re planning on taking a trip outside of the United States, make sure to use a passport book.

What is the difference between a Real ID and a passport card?

A passport book is a document that allows you to travel internationally and is typically used for air travel. A passport card, on the other hand, is a smaller, wallet-sized card that can be used for land and sea travel between the United States, Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean.

While both a passport book and a passport card allow you to travel internationally, there are some key differences between the two.

Passport Card v/s Book – Cost Differences

There is a $30 fee to apply for a passport book, and an additional $15 fee to also apply for a passport card. So the total cost to get both a passport book and card is $45.

A passport card is a wallet-sized card that can be used for travel by land or sea between the United States and Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda. A passport book is a larger document that can be used for travel by air internationally.

Both the passport card and passport book contain your name, date of birth, photo, and other identifying information.

The main difference between the two is that the passport book can be used for international travel while the passport card cannot. The passport card is also cheaper and easier to obtain than the passport book.

How to Apply for a Passport Card

If you’re looking to travel internationally, you’ll need a passport. There are two options for passports: a passport book or a passport card. Both allow you to enter another country, but there are some key differences between the two.

A passport book is a larger document that allows you to travel by air, while a passport card is a smaller document that can only be used for land and sea travel. Passport cards are also less expensive than passport books.

If you’re planning on doing any international travel, you’ll need to apply for a passport. The application process is the same for both a passport book and a passport card. You’ll need to fill out an application, submit photos, and pay a fee. Once your application is approved, you’ll receive your passport in the mail.

How to Renew or Replace Your Passport Card

If your passport card is lost, stolen, or damaged, you will need to replace it. You will need to fill out form DS-11 and submit it, along with proof of U.S. citizenship and a photo ID, in person at a passport acceptance facility or a passport agency. There is a fee for replacing a passport card.

How to Choose Between a Passport Card and Book

When applying for a passport, you must decide whether you want a passport book or a passport card. Both options allow you to travel internationally, but there are some key differences between the two. A passport book is required for air travel, while a passport card is only valid for land and sea travel. Passport cards are also significantly cheaper than passport books.

However, passport cards can only be used for travel to certain countries, so you’ll need to do your research to see if a passport card is right for you. There are over 190 countries that you can travel to with a passport book.

Pros of Passport Book:

• A passport book is a physical document that can be used as proof of identity and citizenship.
• A passport book can be used to travel to any country in the world.
• A passport book can be used as a form of identification when applying for jobs, opening bank accounts, and other activities.
• A passport book is more difficult to lose than a passport card.

Cons of Passport Book:

• A passport book is more expensive than a passport card.
• A passport book is larger and bulkier than a passport card, making it more difficult to carry around.
• A passport book can be stolen more easily than a passport card.

Passport cards are more convenient and less expensive than passports, but they offer less protection and fewer benefits than passports.

Pros of Passport Cards:

• Passport cards are more convenient than passports because they are smaller and easier to carry.
• Passport cards are less expensive than passports.
• Passport cards offer fewer benefits than passports, but they still provide some protection and perks.

Cons of Passport Cards:

• Passport cards offer less protection than passports because they do not allow for travel to as many countries.
• Passport cards can be lost or stolen more easily than passports.

List of countries you can go with a Passport card

There are a number of countries you can visit with a passport card, although the list is shorter than for a passport book. You can visit the following countries with a Passport card.

The United States, Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean.

Summary

There is no definitive answer as to whether a passport book or card is better. It depends on the individual’s needs and preferences. However, all U.S. citizens ages 16 and older should have a passport book. Passport cards are only for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda.