Now that you’ve finally become a US citizen, you can enjoy one of the greatest benefits of citizenship: a US passport. With it, you can travel to more than 180 countries without a visa. So, if you’re thinking about traveling soon, you only need to pack your bags and grab your ticket.
But wait… did you know you don’t always need a passport book to travel? There’s another option that’s smaller and more convenient: the passport card. And yes, it is also official.
So, which should you apply for? The passport book or the passport card? What’s the difference, and which is better? If you’re wondering, keep reading – we’ll break it all down for you.
What is the Passport Book?
First, let’s get one thing straight: the passport book is not the same as the passport card. Both are used for travel, but there are some key differences.
The passport book is the classic navy blue booklet issued by the US Department of State. It allows you to travel just about anywhere in the world. It contains your photo, personal information, and many blank pages for foreign countries to stamp when you enter and leave.
Plus, it works as a Real ID, which means you can use it for national flights and to enter federal buildings. You can also use it as proof of citizenship for legal purposes, such as updating your social security number or family reunification program.
The passport book is valid for 10 years if you’re an adult. For children under 16, it’s valid for 5 years.
Keep reading: How to Apply for a US Passport: Step-by-Step Guide
What is the Passport Card?
The Passport Card is also a valid form of ID and counts as a Real ID. It’s smaller and more compact than the book – about the size of a driver’s license – so you can easily carry it in your wallet.
But here’s the thing: It can’t be used for just any kind of international travel. And this is where the real comparison begins – US passport book vs. passport card.
The passport card is excellent for domestic travel and limited international travel. You can only use it to cross the land border into Canada or Mexico or to travel by sea to places like Bermuda and certain Caribbean countries.
US Passport vs Card: Which is better?
Well, that depends on your travel plans and priorities. Before you decide between the book and the card, ask yourself: Where do I want to travel? And not just now – think about where you might want to go in the future.
If you’re planning to travel internationally by air or dream of visiting Europe, Asia, or Latin America, the passport book is the better option. But if your travels are limited to land trips to Canada, Mexico, or cruises to the Caribbean, the passport card might be all you need.
In addition to your destination, you’ll want to consider cost and processing time because that’s another area where the US passport book and card differ.
The passport book costs $130, while the passport card costs $30. There’s also a $35 application fee, which is the same for both the book and the card.
To make things even easier, we’ve included a comparison chart below so you can quickly see the differences between the passport book and the passport card.
| US Passport Book | US Passport Card | |
|---|---|---|
| Travel Use | International air, land, and sea travel | Land and sea travel only to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean |
| Cost | $165 for adults$135 for children under 16 | $65 for adults$50 for children under 16 |
| Validity | 10 years for adults5 years for children under 16 | 10 years for adults5 years for children under 16 |
| Format and size | 3.5-by-5-inch booklets | Same as a credit card or a drive licence |
| Processing Time | 6-8 weeks (standard); 2-3 weeks (expedited) | 6-8 weeks (standard); 2-3 weeks (expedited) |
Can You Have Both a Passport Book and Card?
Of course you can! In fact, if you want to cover all your bases, it is best to apply for both the passport book and the card simultaneously. This will save you money – you can include both in one application and pay only one $35 processing fee. That’s it.
And when it comes time to renew, it’s no hassle either. All you have to do is pay the renewal fees: $130 for the passport book and $30 for the card if you’re an adult.
Summing up…
Now you know the main differences between the US passport book and the passport card. Here’s what matters:
- The passport book allows you to travel by air, land, or sea to more than 180 countries.
- The Passport Card is only valid for land or sea travel to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and some Caribbean countries.
- The card is cheaper, smaller, and super convenient if you’re staying in the US or traveling nearby.
So, if you’re mainly into road trips, weekend getaways, or Caribbean cruises, the Passport Card works fine for you. You can keep it in your wallet like a driver’s license and travel stress-free without worrying about keeping your passport book safe.
But if you want the freedom to fly anywhere worldwide, the passport book is the most complete option.
And remember, you can always apply for both. That way, you don’t have to choose, and you’ll be ready for whatever travel plans come your way.
But if you’re torn between the two, our advice is to go with the book. It covers all your needs.