Passport Book vs. Passport Card: What You Need to Know

It’s imperative to have the correct travel documents for your trip but knowing which documentation you need can be confusing. Your passport acts as your identification when you travel outside of the United States. It’s also the key to your re-entry back into the country. Here are the differences between a passport book and a passport card so you can determine which one you’ll need for your upcoming trip.

An Overview

There are two versions of a passport issued by the U.S. Department of State: a traditional passport book and a passport card. You’ll notice the passport book has multiple pages for stamps upon entry into a country. A passport card looks similar to an ID and is about the size of a credit card. Attaining one or the other will depend on how often you travel and the type of travel you plan to do. 

The Passport Book

The passport book will cover you wherever you decide to go. It’s all the U.S. government requires to travel internationally and re-enter the U.S. It’s also what most foreign countries require U.S. citizens to carry as well, with a small number of countries requiring visas. For first-time applicants, you can expect to spend $145 on application and processing fees. While that might seem like a pretty penny, your passport book is valid for ten years if you’re an adult and five years if the traveler is under 16.

Some countries may not let you enter unless your passport is valid for at least 6 months after returning home and has 2 or more blank pages. Your passport can also not be damaged in any way.

The Passport Card

A passport card is only valid for land border crossings from Canada and Mexico and sea ports of entry from the Caribbean, Bermuda, and Mexico. The passport card cannot be used for international air travel. For a first-time passport card applicant, the cost is $65 and is also valid for ten years for adults and five years kids under the age of 16. 

Which Passport Should I Use?

The passport book is almost always your best bet. Even if you are on a Caribbean cruise and are expecting to re-enter the U.S by seaport, an emergency could cause you to need to fly home. If you only have a passport card, that won’t be an option for you. Remember, the passport card is not valid for international air travel.

For more information on applying for your passport, or which travel documents are needed for your next trip, email me today at kate@katestravel.com.