What is the Differences Between Passport Book vs Passport Card?

Question:  What are the differences between a passport book vs. card? My wife and I are planning a trip to Mexico in the fall of 2014, and I am trying to figure this out.

Answer:  See below the differences between a passport book vs. card.

Passport Book

• Can be used for international travel via land, sea, or air
• Validity of a passport book is 10 years for adults, 5 years for minors (under age 16)
• The size of a passport book is approximately 5 x 3 ½ inches
• The cost for a passport book for an adult is $135. Price for a minor (under age 16) is $105
• The cost for a passport book renewal is $110 for adults. (children under 16 will have to appear in person to apply for a new passport when their passport expires.

Passport Card

• Not valid for international travel via air
• Valid for travel via land or sea to and from the United States, Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and the Caribbean.
• Validity of a passport card is 10 years for adults, 5 years for minors (under age 16)
• Passport cards are wallet size.
• Cost for a passport card is $55 for an adult and $40 for a minor (under age 16)
• A cost to renew a passport card is $30 for adults.

You can apply for a passport card using form DS-11 here.  As a passport card applicant, you will need to complete and provide the following, (2) passport photos, proof of identity, photocopy of proof of identity, proof of citizenship, completed and unsigned application form, and lastly, bring with you the $20 fee for a passport card.

Give all the documents to the agent at the passport application acceptance facility. You will be sworn in and will have to sign the application in front of the agent.