Passport Book vs. Passport Card — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Published on November 14, 2023
Passport Book is a universal travel document, usable for all travel types. Passport Card is a limited-use travel document, valid for specific regions.
Difference Between Passport Book and Passport Card
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
The Passport Book is a globally recognized travel document that facilitates international travel by air, land, and sea. On the other hand, the Passport Card is a more compact and wallet-sized document, designed for certain types of travel only.
Individuals utilizing a Passport Book can travel to numerous international destinations without restrictions regarding the mode of transportation. Contrarily, the Passport Card is primarily used for entering the United States from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda at land border crossings or sea ports-of-entry.
Passport Books contain multiple pages for visas and entry/exit stamps, providing a tangible record of travels. Unlike the Passport Book, the Passport Card does not have pages for visas and stamps, thus limiting its usability for international air travel.
When considering the security features, the Passport Book and Passport Card both incorporate technological aspects to protect holder’s information. The Passport Card, however, is specifically designed for domestic travel and is thus limited in its technological features related to international usage.
Cost-wise, obtaining a Passport Book generally demands a higher fee due to its extensive usability and acceptance worldwide. In contrast, the Passport Card is less expensive but also provides limited access to international travel, thereby reducing its utility for frequent international travelers.
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Comparison Chart
Use in Sentences
Often used as a subject or object
Typically used as a subject or object
Common Collocations
Renew, apply for, stamp
Apply for, renew, display
Synonyms
Travel document
ID card, Travel card
Article Use
Often preceded by "a" or "the"
Often preceded by "a" or "the"
Phrasal Verbs Associated
"Apply for," "run out of"
"Apply for," "travel with"
Compare with Definitions
Passport Book
Passport Book is an official government document permitting international travel.
She renewed her Passport Book before her trip to Europe.
Passport Card
Passport Cards are a cost-effective option for specific travel needs.
They opted for Passport Cards due to their frequent drives to Canada.
Passport Book
The Passport Book verifies identity and citizenship during overseas journeys.
The immigration officer stamped her Passport Book upon arrival.
Passport Card
A Passport Card does not have pages for travel stamps or visas.
His Passport Card was not accepted for obtaining a travel visa.
Passport Book
Passport Books can be standard or contain additional pages for frequent travelers.
He requested a Passport Book with extra pages due to his frequent travels.
Passport Card
A Passport Card provides identification for specific land and sea travel.
He used his Passport Card to cross the border into Canada.
Passport Book
A Passport Book contains pages for visas and entry/exit stamps.
His Passport Book is filled with stamps from various countries.
Passport Card
The Passport Card is a wallet-sized government-issued photo ID.
Her Passport Card conveniently fits into her wallet.
Passport Book
The Passport Book is accepted for all types of international travel.
She always keeps her Passport Book in a safe place while traveling.
Passport Card
Passport Cards are valid for U.S. entry from particular regions only.
She could not use her Passport Card for her flight to Paris.
Common Curiosities
What is a Passport Book used for?
A Passport Book is used for all types of international travel, including air, land, and sea.
Where is a Passport Card valid for travel?
A Passport Card is valid for entry into the U.S. from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda through land and sea ports.
How do I apply for a Passport Book?
You can apply for a Passport Book through the U.S. Department of State, either by mail or in person.
Does a Passport Book have pages for stamps?
Yes, a Passport Book contains pages for entry/exit stamps and visas.
Can I fly internationally with a Passport Card?
No, a Passport Card is not accepted for international air travel.
How long is a Passport Book valid?
An adult Passport Book is valid for 10 years from the issue date.
Is a Passport Card suitable for cruises?
Yes, a Passport Card is valid for sea travel, but only within the Western Hemisphere.
What size is a Passport Book?
A U.S. Passport Book is approximately 5" x 3.5" when closed.
Can a Passport Card be used as a Real ID for domestic flights?
Yes, a Passport Card is Real ID compliant and can be used for domestic flights.
How do I renew a Passport Card?
Passport Cards can be renewed by mail using Form DS-82 if you meet certain requirements.
How much does a Passport Book cost?
As of my last update, a new adult Passport Book costs $130, not including acceptance or expedited service fees.
What is the validity period of a Passport Card?
An adult Passport Card is valid for 10 years from the issue date.
Is a Passport Card less expensive than a Passport Book?
Yes, a Passport Card is generally less expensive than a Passport Book.
Can I hold both a Passport Book and a Passport Card simultaneously?
Yes, U.S. citizens can simultaneously hold a Passport Book and a Passport Card.
Can a Passport Book be used for domestic travel within the U.S.?
Yes, a Passport Book can be used as identification for domestic travel within the U.S.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
