Why Would You Need Both A Passport Book And A Passport Card?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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A book and a passport card serve the same purpose:

proving your U.S. citizenship and identity

. All American citizens are required to present a valid passport to exit and re-enter the United States. A passport is also required when entering, exiting, and traveling between foreign countries.

What is the difference between a passport and a passport card?

The biggest difference between a passport book and passport card is

the methods of travel that are eligible

. While passport books can be used for all entry methods into an international country — whether air, land or sea — passport cards are limited to travel through land and sea borders only.

Is a passport card worth getting?


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.

Can you use passport card to fly?


A passport card can be used as ID for domestic flights

. It cannot be used for international air travel. Fits in your wallet, same size as a driver's license or legal permanent resident card. The cost for first time applicants is $65 for adults and $50 for children under age 16.

Is a passport card cheaper than a passport book?

Passport card cost


U.S. passport cards are cheaper than passport books

. First-time applicants that are older than 16 pay only $65 to get an American passport card. If you are under 16, you have to pay $50 as the passport card fee.

Do I need a Real ID if I have a passport card?

Do I Need a Real ID to Travel If I Already Have a Passport? The short answer is,

no

. An official U.S. passport will get you through airport security and can be used in place of a Real ID.

What countries can you visit with a passport card?

The U.S. Passport Card can be used to enter the

United States from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda

at land border crossings or sea ports-of-entry and is more convenient and less expensive than a passport book. The passport card CANNOT be used for international travel by air.

What is the benefit of having a passport book and card?

Passport cards have specific travel purposes

You're golden.

Passport books allow U.S. nationals to travel by land, air, and sea to a cornucopia of countries all over the world

. Whereas with passport cards, they are not valid for international air travel.

Why get a real ID if I have a passport?

You certainly are welcome to get a REAL ID, but since

your passport is sufficient identification to board a domestic commercial flight or enter a secure federal building after May 3, 2023

, we recommend you wait until your license or ID card comes up for normal renewal and avoid the initial rush.

How much is a U.S. passport card?

Product Form Application Fee Passport Book DS-11 $130 Passport Card

DS-11


$30
Passport Book & Card DS-11 $160

Can I get a passport card if I already have a passport?

If you have a passport book and you are eligible to use Form DS-82,

you may apply for a passport card as a renewal by mail even if it is your first passport card

. Please note: If you're renewing your passport book and passport card, you must submit both documents.

Can I keep my passport card in my wallet?


Don't Store Your Passport or Passport Card in Your Wallet

A passport or passport card, like any government-issued photo ID, can be a weapon used against your finances if it falls into the wrong hands, ID-theft experts warn.

Do I need a passport to fly domestic in US 2021?

As of February 2021,

there are no states that require from U.S. citizens to fly domestically

. Your airline or the TSA should never ask you to present a valid passport. Of course, you can always carry it with you for additional identification in case you lose your other forms of ID.

Do you need passport for domestic flight?

Domestic flights within Australia

If you're travelling on a domestic flight within Australia (flights QF400 and above), you'll need to carry the following items with you:

photo identification such as a driver's licence, passport or social security card

; or.

How long are passports good for?


If you were age 16 or older when your passport was issued, your passport is valid for 10 years

. If you were under 16 when your passport was issued, your passport is valid for 5 years. The Issue Date of your passport can be found on the data page of your passport book or on the front of your passport card.

Can you cruise with a passport card?


You can use a passport card as legitimate identification on your cruise if you're sailing exclusively to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda or Caribbean countries

. As you'll be re-entering the U.S. through a seaport, the customs and immigration officials at the port will recognize your passport card as a valid travel document.

Is getting a passport card faster?


Getting a Passport card takes 2-3 weeks

, passport cards can on occasion be processed sooner than 2-3 weeks but always longer than a few days.

Is it better to get a passport card or book?


passport card in most cases where you plan to travel internationally

. But if your international travel consists entirely of surface trips in the limited areas covered by the passport card, the card is both cheaper and a tad more convenient to carry and use versus the passport book.

Can you use passport card to fly to Canada?

Traveling to Canada (land and sea travel)

Passport Cards:

The U.S. Passport Card can be used to enter the United States from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda at land border crossings or sea ports-of-entry

and is more convenient and less expensive than a passport book.

Do you need a star on your driver's license to fly?

Flying with a REAL ID

Beginning May 3, 2023, every air traveler 18 years of age and older will need a REAL ID-compliant driver's license, state-issued enhanced driver's license, or another acceptable form of ID to fly within the United States.

Do I need a passport to fly to Mexico?


U.S. citizens must present a valid U.S. passport book or card

, in addition to an entry permit (Forma Migratoria Multiple or FMM) issued by Instituto Nacional de Migración (INM). Travelers should be sure to enter Mexico with valid proof of automobile registration, even if remaining in the border zone.

Can a passport card be used as proof of citizenship?

Facts About the Passport Card

The Passport Card is a fully valid passport.

It provides proof of your U.S. citizenship and identity

. They are available using the same form as the U.S. Passport Book; Form DS-11 for first-time applicants.

Can you go to Jamaica with a passport card?


For those traveling by sea, a passport card is acceptable for entry into Jamaica

and return to the U.S. Passport cards are smaller and less expensive than full passports, and are accepted for travel by land or sea, but not air, within Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean islands.

Should you have a passport?

Even if you don't have immediate plans to travel abroad,

an up-to-date passport is a valuable document for reasons that go beyond gaining entry to far-off lands

. If there is a chance you might need to go out of the country in the next six months, you should start the passport application process now.

Juan Martinez
Author
Juan Martinez
Juan Martinez is a journalism professor and experienced writer. With a passion for communication and education, Juan has taught students from all over the world. He is an expert in language and writing, and has written for various blogs and magazines.