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You can now apply for a passport book and a passport card. What’s the difference between passports vs. passport cards? Which type of passport do you need for your trip? The passport book is valid for all international travel. The passport card is only valid for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean. That means you cannot use the passport card for air travel.
The Difference Between Passport Books and Passport Cards
The most obvious difference between passport books and passport cards is the design, of course. The wallet-sized passport card is designed to be more convenient and less cumbersome than regular passports. You can just slip it in your wallet, right behind your driver’s license. Passport cards are also cheaper than passports. The application fee for a passport card is also lower than the passport book.
So, passport cards are cheaper and more convenient. That makes them better than regular passports, right? Not so fast…for many travelers, passport cards have a fatal flaw in that they aren’t acceptable for air travel like regular passports are. If you’re driving into Mexico, you might not think that’s much of an issue. But, what if you have an emergency while you’re in Mexico and you need to fly home? A regular passport book may cost a little bit more, but it’s valid for 10 years for all types of travel. Regular passports are a better value for frequent travelers because you won’t have to reapply if your next trip out of the country is by plane.
If you leave near the border, drive across frequently, and simply don’t want to carry the slightly bulkier passport book, you may want to consider a passport card. For most people, though, a passport book is the best bet.
Expedite Your Passport
If you’re traveling soon, you can expedite your passport. Expedited passport processing ranges from two weeks to as fast as 24 hours. Routine processing at the post office is 6-8 weeks. RushMyPassport can help you get your passport fast. Expedite your passport today!
You’ve shared a very helpful piece of information. I was wondering if my 2 years old toddler needs an ID to fly within the United States? As we are planning a trip to Miami after two months.
No, the birth certificate is sufficient.
I currently have the passport card but am told to travel to Alaska will need the passport book. What is the cost and can I do it over the internet?
You can apply for a passport renewal and get the passport book. You can’t do it over the internet but our expediting service can help you with your passport renewal.
I am looking to renew my passport. Are you able to get just the card? I do not need the book. If so how much is it? I don’t need it to be expedited.
If you are not in need of expedited services, visit your post office or county clerk for routine service. You can get just the passport card if you wish.
I’m going on a cruise to the Bahamas is the passport card valid for this type of travel.
Yes, a passport card is valid for a cruise.
Can I use a passport card to fly to hawaii
Yes, you can use the passport card for domestic air travel.
For how long a passport card is good for and can i use it as a state ID?
Hi Natacha, a passport card is good for 10 years, just like a regular passport. And you should be able to use as state ID, too.