Quick answer
The passport book works for all international travel, including flights. The passport card is a cheaper, wallet-sized card for land and sea crossings to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda only; it can't be used for international flights. If you might fly abroad, you need the book. The card is a handy extra for frequent border crossers.
Side by side
| Passport book | Passport card | |
|---|---|---|
| International flights | Yes | No |
| Land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda | Yes | Yes |
| Travel anywhere else | Yes | No |
| Size | Booklet | Wallet card |
| Valid for (adults) | 10 years | 10 years |
| Valid for (under 16) | 5 years | 5 years |
| Government fee | $130 (adults), $100 (under 16) | $30 (adults), $15 (under 16) |
| Accepted as ID for U.S. domestic flights | Yes | Yes |
When the card makes sense
- You often drive across the Canadian or Mexican border.
- You take cruises that start and end at the same U.S. port. Check your cruise line's rules, since some itineraries or ports need a book.
- You want a backup ID that you can carry without risking your passport book.
When you need the book
- Any international flight, including to Canada and Mexico.
- Travel beyond Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda.
- Trips where plans could change, for example a cruise you might need to leave by flying home from a foreign port.
Not sure whether your trip needs a book, a card or neither? See Do you need a passport? for every destination.
Getting both
You can apply for the book and the card on the same application, for a combined fee ($160 for adults, $115 under 16). They're issued separately and may arrive separately. You can also add a card later, with the same rules as a new application or a renewal.
Getting a card fast
We expedite passport cards too: as quick as 4 business days, counted from when your documents reach us. A first card is applied for in person at an acceptance facility, then expedited by us. Card renewals usually come straight to us by mail.
Questions
No. The passport card isn't valid for international air travel, including to Canada and Mexico. You need a passport book to fly.
It's accepted as identification for U.S. domestic flights, so you can use it at airport security instead of a REAL ID driver's license.
Yes. The card's government fee ($30 for adults) is lower than the book's ($130).
If you get both at the same time, they're each valid for the standard period: 10 years for adults, 5 for children under 16.