Travelers often face a choice when applying for travel documents: passport book or passport card. Both are official U.S. documents, but they serve different purposes.
Passport books allow entry to any country by air, sea, or land, while passport cards are limited to land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean. Books look like small booklets with many pages, while cards resemble driver’s licenses.
Cost and size are key differences. Passport books cost more but offer more flexibility. Cards are cheaper and fit in a wallet. The choice depends on travel plans and personal needs.
Overview of Passport Book and Passport Card
Passport books and cards are travel documents issued by the U.S. government. They prove identity and citizenship for international travel. Each has unique features and uses.
Definition and Purpose
A passport book is a booklet with blank pages for visas and entry stamps. It allows travel to any country that accepts U.S. passports. People use it for air, sea, and land border crossings worldwide.
A passport card is a wallet-sized ID card. It has more limited use than a book. The card works for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean. It doesn’t work for international air travel.
Both documents serve as official U.S. ID. They’re valid for different lengths of time based on the holder’s age.
Physical Characteristics
Passport books are blue with 28 pages. They have a hard cover and measure 5 x 3.5 inches. Inside, there’s a photo page with personal info and security features.
Passport cards are credit card-sized, made of plastic. They’re 3.5 x 2.25 inches. The card has a photo and personal details on the front. It includes a radio frequency ID chip for quick scanning at borders.
Both have anti-fraud elements like special inks and holograms. The book offers more space for travel records. The card fits easily in a wallet for frequent border crossers.
Usage and Limitations
Passport books and cards have key differences in their uses and restrictions. These impact where and how you can travel with each document.
Domestic and International Travel
Passport books work for all types of travel. You can use them to enter any country by air, sea, or land. Passport cards have more limits. They only work for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean. For air travel to these places, you need a passport book.
Inside the U.S., both passport books and cards count as federal ID. You can use either one to fly domestically or enter federal buildings.
Geographical Restrictions
Passport books have no location limits. They let you visit any country that accepts U.S. travelers. Passport cards work in fewer places. You can only use them to enter:
- Canada
- Mexico
- Bermuda
- The Caribbean
For trips to Europe, Asia, Africa, or South America, you must have a passport book.
Travel Modes
Passport books work for all types of travel:
- Air
- Land
- Sea
Passport cards have more rules. You can only use them for:
- Driving across borders
- Walking across borders
- Sea travel (like cruises)
You can’t use a passport card for any international flights. This includes flights to nearby countries like Canada or Mexico. For air travel abroad, you always need a passport book.
Application and Cost Considerations
Getting a passport book or card involves an application process and fees. The type you choose affects how long it’s valid and how much you’ll pay.
Application Process
Both passport books and cards need similar paperwork. You’ll fill out Form DS-11 for a first-time passport. You must apply in person at a passport agency or accepted facility. Bring proof of citizenship, like a birth certificate or naturalization papers. You also need a valid ID, such as a driver’s license.
Don’t forget a passport photo. It must meet specific size and background requirements. Many drugstores offer passport photo services. Some post offices and libraries can take your picture too.
Fees and Validity Periods
Passport books cost more than cards but last longer. Here’s a breakdown:
Passport Book:
- Adult (16 and older): $130 + $35 execution fee
- Child (under 16): $100 + $35 execution fee
- Valid for 10 years for adults, 5 years for children
Passport Card:
- Adult (16 and older): $30 + $35 execution fee
- Child (under 16): $15 + $35 execution fee
- Valid for 10 years for adults, 5 years for children
You can get both a book and card at once. This costs less than applying for each separately. The combo saves on the extra execution fee.
Security Features and Privacy
Passport books and cards incorporate advanced security measures to prevent fraud. They also have safeguards to protect personal data from misuse.
Antifraud Measures
Passport books contain many security features. These include:
- Watermarks visible when held up to light
- Holograms that change appearance when tilted
- Ultraviolet ink patterns only visible under UV light
- Microprinting too small to read without magnification
Passport cards have fewer features due to their smaller size. But they still use:
- RFID chips to store data securely
- Special inks that change color when viewed at different angles
- Intricate background designs hard to copy
Both types use tamper-evident materials. This makes alterations obvious.
Personal Data Protection
Passport books and cards store sensitive info. This includes:
- Full name and photo
- Date and place of birth
- Unique passport number
To keep this data safe, passports use:
- Encrypted RFID chips that are hard to read without authorization
- Limited wireless transmission range for RFID data
- Physical security features to prevent tampering
Laws also restrict how passport data can be collected and used. Agencies must follow strict rules when handling this info.
Frequently Asked Questions
Passport books and cards have some key differences in cost, usage, and application processes. Let’s explore common questions about these travel documents.
What are the cost differences between a passport book and a passport card?
Passport books cost more than passport cards. For adults, a passport book is $130, while a card is $30. For kids under 16, a book is $100 and a card is $15. These fees are for first-time applicants.
Under what circumstances might one require both a passport book and a passport card?
Some people get both for flexibility. A book works for all travel. A card is good for land and sea trips to Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean. Having both gives options for different trips.
How does a passport card differ from a REAL ID?
A passport card is for international travel by land or sea to certain countries. A REAL ID is for domestic flights and entering federal buildings. Passport cards work as REAL IDs, but REAL IDs can’t replace passport cards for travel.
What is the process for applying for a passport book?
To get a passport book, fill out Form DS-11. Gather proof of citizenship and ID. Get a passport photo. Go to a passport office. Pay the fee. The office will check your papers and send them for processing.
What are the steps to upgrade from a passport card to a passport book?
To upgrade, fill out Form DS-82 if you’re eligible. Include your passport card, a new photo, and the fee. Mail these to the passport agency. If you can’t use DS-82, you’ll need to apply in person with Form DS-11.
How long does it take to process a passport card?
Standard processing for a passport card takes 6-8 weeks. Expedited service takes 2-3 weeks for an extra $60. Some agencies offer faster service for emergencies, but it costs more.
