When it's time to apply for or renew a passport, many travelers wonder: Should I get the passport card, the passport book, or both?
While they're both official travel documents issued by the U.S. Department of State, they're not interchangeable. The U.S. passport card and passport book serve different purposes, have different uses, and are accepted in different parts of the world.
Here's a detailed breakdown to help you choose the one that best fits your travel needs.
What Is a U.S. Passport Book?
The passport book is the traditional blue booklet that most people think of when they hear "passport". It contains your photo, personal details, and blank visa pages for entry and exit stamps.
Accepted for:
- All international air travel
- Land and sea travel to and from any country
- Any destination worldwide that accepts U.S. passports
Key Features:
- Valid for 10 years (5 years for children under 16)
- Required for any international flight
- Contains visa pages for countries that require entry stamps or visas
- Can be used as official identification within the U.S.
If you plan to fly internationally, the passport book is mandatory - the passport card alone won’t get you on an international flight.
What Is a U.S. Passport Card?
The passport card is a wallet-sized ID that looks similar to a driver’s license. It's a lower-cost, more convenient option for frequent border travelers - but it comes with strict limits.
Accepted for:
- Land and sea crossings between the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean
- Domestic identification (like boarding U.S. domestic flights, although a REAL ID driver’s license works too)
Not Accepted For:
- Any international air travel
- Entry into countries outside the Western Hemisphere
Key Features:
- More affordable and portable than a passport book
- Convenient for cruise travelers and those living near land borders
- Valid for 10 years (5 for children under 16)
Which One Should You Choose?
If you ever plan to fly outside the U.S., you’ll need a passport book - full stop.
If you only cross into Canada or Mexico by car, or take cruises to nearby islands, the passport card might be all you need.
Many travelers get both - the card for convenience, and the book for flexibility. When you apply, you can check both boxes on your DS-11 or DS-82 form and receive them together.
Popular Use Cases
- Frequent flyers → Passport book only (the card won't help at airports).
- Cruise travelers → Both card and book (the card often works at ports, but the book covers emergencies).
- Border residents (California, Arizona, Texas, New York, Michigan, etc.) → Passport card for quick crossings.
- Families with children → The card is convenient for land/sea travel but keep a book handy for air travel.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Assuming the passport card works for flights - It does not.
- Relying on the card for emergency flights home - If your ship diverts to another country or you must fly home unexpectedly, only a passport book allows reentry.
- Letting your passport expire - You can't renew a card or book if it's been expired for over five years; you must apply as a new applicant.
- Mixing up REAL ID and passport card - The passport card is not a REAL ID substitute for all situations, though it's a valid federal ID.
Pro Tip
If you're renewing a passport book and considering adding the card, do it at the same time. You'll save both money and processing time versus applying separately later.
FAQ: U.S. Passport Book vs Card
Q: Can I fly domestically with just a passport card?
A: Yes. The passport card is a federally accepted ID for domestic air travel within the U.S.
Q: Can I use the passport card for international cruises?
A: Yes, for cruises that depart and return to the same U.S. port and visit nearby countries (e.g., Bahamas, Mexico, Caribbean). But you'll need the book if you must fly home unexpectedly.
Q: How long does it take to get a passport card or book?
A: Standard processing takes around 6–8 weeks; expedited service typically 2–3 weeks.
Q: Can minors get a passport card?
A: Yes, children under 16 can get a passport card for land/sea travel, valid for 5 years.
Q: Is it worth getting both?
A: For many travelers - yes. It’s a low-cost backup and offers flexibility, especially if you travel by both air and land/sea.
Q: Can you help me obtain both the book and the card?
A: Yes. Please give us a call (1-800-545-0000) or book an appointment.
Final Thoughts
The passport book opens the world - the passport card simplifies nearby travel. For the average traveler, the book is essential; for border commuters or frequent cruisers, the card is a smart convenience.
If in doubt, apply for both. Together, they make traveling across North America - and beyond - smoother, safer, and stress-free.
