If you're looking to travel abroad, you most likely need a valid passport to prove citizenship and identity as you pass through customs. Having a passport offers more peace of mind, especially during an emergency. Show
But should you get a passport book or passport card? What's the difference? Let's get the details.  A passport book is the standard passport that contains numerous pages to obtain your visas and custom stamps. You use a passport book for any means of international travel. In contrast, a passport card is just that, -a card, similar to a driver's license or a credit card. Both travel documents have your personal information, photo, and expiration date. In addition, the card has a unique number and a built-in Radio Frequency Identification. Difference in Travel RestrictionA passport book has no international travel restrictions meaning that you can travel freely worldwide through land, sea, or air, as long as your destination country has no travel ban or warning. However, passport cards are only for sea and land crossings common in cruises. Difference in SizesA passport book is 5×3.5 inches large and comes with at least 28 pages, while a passport card is a wallet-sized one-page identifier. Difference in CostsPassport book first-time application fee goes for about $130 for adults and $100 for minors. However, a passport card fee is $55 for adults and $40 for children under 16 years. There's also a difference in renewal fee as the passport book renewal requires $110 while you only need $30 for the card. Apparently, cards are cheaper than passport books. Overall ConvenienceSince passport books allow worry-free international travel, they are considered generally convenient. Their only drawback is the bulkiness and cost. Passport cards are more limited than passport books, especially when undertaking an extensive trip. It means that you may face difficulties if you need to use air travel with only a passport card. Nevertheless, a passport card is the easier and cheaper way than a book if you're sure you'll only need sea or land travel. In addition to a regular passport, (the Passport book), U.S. citizens have the option of using a smaller, lighter passport card but only if they are traveling by land or sea to certain countries. A passport card is cheaper to get but is only valid for travel to Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean islands. The passport book is valid for travel anywhere and is required for international air travel. Comparison chartPassport Book versus Passport Card comparison chart
AppearanceA passport book measures 5"x3.5" when closed. It contains several pages like the passport details page which provides the holder's name,date of birth, passport expiry date etc as well as other blank pages for visa and immigration stamping. A passport card is a portable pocket sized card (similar to a credit card) that fits in your wallet. A driver displays Passport Card at the border A passport book displaying the passport details page ValidityA passport book is valid for any international travel by air, sea or land. It is valid for 10 years for adults and 5 years for minors under 16. A passport card is valid for travel to and from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda at land border crossings and sea ports-of-entry. It is not valid for air travel. It is valid for 10 years for adults and 5 years for minors under 16. CostA first passport book costs $135 for adults and $105 for minors under the age of 16. It costs $110 to renew. A first passport card costs $55 for adults and $40 for minors under the age of 16. It costs $30 to renew. The cost when applying for both is $165 for adults and $120 for minors. Flying Without a Passport (Book)Q: I am taking a cruise to Mexico and I intend to travel with my passport card because I'm traveling by sea. If I fall sick in Mexico, can I fly back to the U.S.? A: No. You need a passport book for air travel. The passport card is only valid for entry into the United States at land border crossings or sea ports of entry. When to Carry BothSometimes it makes life more convenient to have both a passport book and a card, and carry them both on your international travel. Some countries require you to carry your passport with you at all times. In such situations, a passport card comes in handy because it is the size of a credit card and fits nicely in a wallet. You can carry your passport card with you at all times and leave the passport book safe in the hotel room locker. The passport card is also a valid form of ID so it is useful to have it on you at all times when traveling abroad. References
Share this comparison: If you read this far, you should follow us: "Passport Book vs Passport Card." Diffen.com. Diffen LLC, n.d. Web. 30 Oct 2022. < > Do I need both the passport book and card?Both the passport card and passport book are proof of your U.S. citizenship and identity and thus can be used as an alternative form of ID. But, if you intend to travel outside those 20 nations or via plane within the next 10 years, the booklet proves necessary.
Is the passport card worth it?If you want to visit faraway lands, this isn't a good option. PRO: At just $30 per renewal every 10 years, Passport Cards are a fraction of the cost of the $110 required to renew Passport Books. This is especially appealing when traveling with kids, whose cards only cost $15 to renew.
What is the point of a passport card?The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) accepts the passport card as ID for domestic flights. Use the passport card when entering the United States at land-border crossings and sea ports-of-entry from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda.
Is a passport card same as a passport?The card provides a less expensive, smaller, and convenient alternative to the passport book for those who travel frequently to these destinations by land or by sea. The passport card cannot be used for international travel by air.
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What is the difference between the passport book and card
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