Whether you’re a frequent traveler or planning your first trip abroad, understanding the differences between a U.S. passport card and a passport book is important in making informed travel documentation choices. Both options serve unique purposes and offer specific benefits, so why choose just one when you can benefit from both?
In this post, I’ll explain what a passport card is, why it might be a smart addition to your travel docs, and how it acts as a complement to the indispensable passport book. We’ll explore the advantages of having both, ensuring you’re fully equipped for any travel scenario—from traveling stateside and quick trips across the border to the far reaches of international destinations.
Ready to become a savvier traveler? Let’s get started with a closer look at what each type of passport has to offer and how they can make your travel experiences that much smoother.
Table of Contents
What’s a Passport Card and Why Consider It?
The U.S. Passport Card was designed as a compact (think: the size of a credit card) alternative to the passport book created specifically for land and sea travel between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda.
Not only is it wallet-friendly—both in size and cost—but the passport card is particularly helpful if you frequently travel to these nearby international locations, providing a convenient way to cross borders without having to carry your larger, bulkier passport book.
Additionally, the passport card meets Real ID requirements, making it a valid federal ID for domestic flights and everyday identification purposes. Any U.S. citizen, including minors with parental consent, can apply for a passport card, making it accessible for all family members —super convenient if you take a lot of family cruises or frequently travel to these nearby locations with your family!
The passport card application process is simple, requiring just a Form DS-11, appropriate fees, and standard documentation like proof of U.S. citizenship and a photo ID. For more detailed information, check out The Essential Guide to U.S. Passport Cards: How to Apply and FAQs.
Understanding the Importance of Passport Books
The passport card sounds great, right? So, if the passport card is so efficient and affordable, why should you have a passport book, too?
A passport book is essential for anyone looking to travel internationally by air and even, in some cases, by sea. I cannot stress enough that the passport book is the most reliable, universally recognized proof of your identity and nationality, and is the only form of identification that is accepted by most countries around the world.
Unlike the passport card, the passport book allows you to travel the entire globe, entering and exiting countries that are beyond the reach of a passport card alone.
Holding a passport book not only facilitates uninterrupted international travel but also serves as a critical resource in case of emergencies abroad, ensuring that you can receive assistance from U.S. embassies and consulates no matter where you are in the world. When you’re traveling abroad, you must be prepared for anything!
Additional Uses and Limitations of the Passport Card
The passport card can be used for land and sea travel to specified regions, but is not valid for international air travel. It is, however, perfect for cruises that begin and end in the U.S. and travel to Bermuda, the Caribbean, Canada, and Mexico. The passport card is also a practical choice for quicker border crossings, as it includes an RFID chip that speeds up the process without compromising security.
The Dual Advantage of Having Both
Holding both a passport card and a passport book covers all bases for travel documentation.
For domestic travel, the passport card meets the Real ID requirements (make sure you’re aware of these requirements because your regular, old driver’s license won’t cut it!). This makes it a valid form of identification for state-to-state flights, ensuring you’re prepared no matter where your travels take you within the U.S.
In case of an emergency while traveling abroad, having both documents is invaluable. Should you lose your passport book/card or have a document stolen while abroad, having another trusted form of ID that provides proof of your U.S. citizenship can expedite the replacement process at any U.S. embassy or consulate. This can mean the difference between a quick resolution and extended travel disruptions, ensuring that you are issued a full-term passport rather than a temporary, limited-validity one.
What Does it Cost to Have Both?
Opting for both a passport card and a passport book involves some upfront costs but can lead to savings and convenience in the long run. Here’s the breakdown:
- For adults, the combined cost for a new passport book and card is $195, which includes a $160 application fee for the book and a $30 application fee for the card, plus a $35 execution fee. Individually, a passport book costs $165, and a passport card alone costs $65 if you don’t already hold a valid passport book.
- For minors (under the age of 16), the combined cost for a new passport book and card is $150, which includes a $115 application fee for the book and a $15 application fee for the card, plus a $35 execution fee. Alone, a passport book costs $130, and a passport card costs $30.
What About Processing?
Standard processing for the passport card is the same as the passport book; it takes about 4 to 6 weeks, with an expedited option reducing this to 2 to 3 weeks.
For the fastest service, applying in person (don’t forget to make an appointment first!) at a Regional Processing Center or through a registered expediter service can get you your new passport card in as little as 24-48 hours.
Having both the passport book and the passport card is just smart travel planning. Having both makes sure you’re fully equipped for both domestic and international travel and offers both adults and minors a cost-effective solution.
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FAQs
Most of your frequently asked questions about having both a passport card and passport book are answered here; however, if you find you have more questions, please see our detailed guides: The Essential Guide to U.S. Passport Cards: How to Apply and FAQs and How to Obtain a U.S. Passport [Book].
Q: Can I use a passport card for international air travel?
A: No. The passport card is only valid for entering the United States at land border crossings and sea ports-of-entry from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda. It cannot be used for international air travel.
Q: What is the cost of obtaining a passport card (alone)?
A: The cost for an adult to obtain a passport card is $65 if you do not already hold a valid passport book. This includes a $30 application fee and a $35 execution fee. For minors, the cost is $50, which includes the $15 application fee and the $35 execution fee.
Q: Is the passport card a valid form of identification for domestic air travel?
A: Yes, the passport card is a Real ID-compliant form of identification, which has been accepted for domestic flights within the United States since May 2023.
Q: How long is the passport card valid?
A: For adults over the age of 16, the passport card is valid for 10 years—the same as a passport book. For children 15 and younger, it is valid for 5 years.
Q: Can I apply for a passport card and passport book at the same time?
A: Absolutely! You can apply for both a passport card and a passport book at the same time, a super-efficient way to handle all your travel documentation needs all at once.
Q: What supporting documents are required to obtain a passport card?
A: You’ll need proof of U.S. citizenship, such as a birth certificate or a previously issued U.S. passport, and a government-issued photo ID.
For more comprehensive details about the required supporting documents and application process, see The Essential Guide to U.S. Passport Cards: How to Apply and FAQs.
Q: Can minors get a passport card?
A: Yes, minors (under 16 years old) can get a passport card! The process and requirements are similar to those for adults, though the validity of the passport card for minors is only 5 years (compared to 10 years for those 16 and older). The passport card is a very practical option for families planning travel by land or sea to neighboring regions, not to mention a much easier way to carry the IDs of an entire family while traveling!
Q: Where can you get a passport card?
A: You can apply for a passport card at any designated passport application acceptance facility (post offices, some public libraries, and other government offices).
You can also apply at a Regional Processing Center or through a registered expediter service if you need the card urgently. Just a heads up: For your initial application, you’ll need to submit the required documents in person or have a registered expeditor do so on your behalf.
Q: Can you renew a passport card?
A: Yes, you can renew a passport card. If you already have a passport card that is expiring, you can renew it by mail as long as you meet certain conditions, such as having your current passport card undamaged and in your possession. If your situation does not meet the criteria for mail renewal, you may need to apply in person.
The Smart Choice for Savvy Travelers
Having both a passport book and a passport card is like having a complete travel toolkit at the ready. Whether you’re hopping on a domestic flight, cruising to the Caribbean, or preparing for an international journey, these travel documents ensure you are always prepared.
The passport book is your golden ticket for global air travel, providing recognized proof of your identity and citizenship worldwide. It’s indispensable for international trips and becomes crucial in emergencies abroad, where access to U.S. consular services can be a lifeline.
On the other hand, the passport card is your go-to for quick trips across U.S. land borders or sea ports to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda. It’s not only a budget-friendly option but also offers a compact, easy-to-carry size and Real ID compliance—perfect for domestic flights and everyday ID needs.
Be Travel-Ready, Always!
As you map out your next adventure or just plan ahead for future travel needs, think about how each type of passport can cater to your travels. Opting for both a passport card and a passport book is not just practical—it’s a savvy decision to ensure seamless and stress-free travels. So, why not cover all your bases and make this smart travel choice today?
Safe travels, Laura
