

Passport books and cards are equally useful as a source of identification.Ĭard: Passport cards are much more limited than books if you are planning to do extensive traveling. However, they are more expensive to both apply for and renew, and are bulkier. Overall Convenience for Passport book and cardīook: Passport books are generally more convenient than passport cards, because they allow you to travel internationally without any worry of restrictions. Minors under 16 will need to renew their passport every 5 years. Younger children will need to renew their passport after 5 years.Ĭard: Like the book, passport cards are good for 10 years if you are 16 or older. Time before Expiration for Passport book and cardīook: If you are 16 or older, your passport book is good for 10 years. You can also use it as your ID for domestic air travel. A passport book can also be used as your ID for domestic air travel.Ĭard: As with a passport book, a non-expired passport card can serve as your proof of identity and citizenship. Identification Uses for Passport book and cardīook: A non-expired passport book can be used as valid proof of identity and citizenship. Cards are cheaper than books.Ĭombined application: If you want both a passport book and card, you can request them at the same time for a fee of $165.

The first-time fee for a minor under 16 is $40. Books are more expensive than cards.Ĭard: Currently, the first-time application fee for a passport card for an adult is $55. For a minor under 16, the first-time fee is $105. Cost for Passport book and cardīook: Currently, the first-time application fee for a passport book for an adult is $130. If you run out of pages before your book expires, you can request to add more pages (or order a new book altogether).Ĭard: A passport card is a one-page identifier, and is wallet-sized. A standard passport book comes with 28 pages, but you can also request an extra-large 52-page book. Size of Passport book and cardīook: A passport book is larger than a card at 5×3.5 inches. Problems may arise if you are forced to fly or disembark at an international location where you legally need a passport book to return through. A passport card can be used on cruises that loop through the Caribbean, for example. and Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda. Travel restrictions may still apply if there is a travel warning or ban on your destination country, however.Ĭard: Passport cards are designed only for land and sea crossing between the U.S. You are not restricted by travel type, and may use your passport to travel by land, air, or sea. If you obtain a passport book, you can travel internationally freely. It is a single page and is not stamped or marked while going through customs.ĭifferences Between a Passport Book and Card Travel Restrictions for Passport book and cardīook: A passport book has no inherent travel restrictions. It comes with many blank pages to be stamped at customs.Ī passport card is another form of identification, and allows for limited travel. Depending on your budget and travel plans, you can choose between a passport card or book.Ī passport book is a common source of identification for many travelers. Along with allowing for international travel, passports can be used to prove your identity and citizenship, especially when you need multiple forms of identification.

citizens looking to travel abroad will need to obtain a passport.
