Passport Card vs Passport Book: Which One Do You Need?

Passport cards are an attractive, lower-cost option for certain travelers. But theyre not a substitute for a passport book for international air travel. This article explains the differences, when a card suffices, and common misconceptions.

"A passport card is a practical tool for land and sea border crossings to nearby countries — but not a replacement for those who plan to fly internationally."

What is a passport card?

A U.S. passport card is a wallet-sized identity document used for land and sea border crossings between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean. It is not valid for international air travel.

Passport card features

• Small, durable, and cheaper than a passport book.
• Includes an RFID chip for border identity verification (but contains less biographic data than the passport book).
• Valid for land and sea travel to adjacent countries and certain territories only.

When a card is the right choice

The passport card is ideal for:

• Frequent cross-border commuters by car or ferry to Canada or Mexico.
• Weekend travelers to Bermuda or nearby Caribbean islands reachable by sea.
• Those who want a secondary ID for domestic purposes (some states accept it as ID).

When you need the passport book

If you plan to travel internationally by air, require visa stamps, or visit countries outside the limited card zones, get the passport book. The book contains full visa pages and is universally recognized for air travel and entry stamps globally.

Cost comparison

The passport card costs less than the passport book (and you can apply for both simultaneously). Fees include application and execution fees where required. Factor in the long-term value: if you travel by air even once in a few years, a book is the safest investment.

Security and privacy considerations

Because the card contains an RFID chip, some travelers worry about electronic scanning. The chip is limited in the data it contains and follows international standards; still, using an RFID-blocking sleeve adds peace of mind for those concerned about wireless skimming.

How to apply

You can apply for a passport card with Form DS-11 (first-time applicants or certain replacements) or DS-82 (eligible renewals by mail) where available. You can request the card and book simultaneously if you want both forms of identification.

Common misconceptions

• "Passport cards are valid for air travel." Not true; they are not valid for international flights.
• "Passport cards are less secure." The card adheres to security standards but carries less biographic information than the book.

Summary: Choose a passport card if you primarily cross borders by land or sea to nearby countries and want an economical, compact ID. Choose a passport book (or both) if you fly internationally or want the maximum travel flexibility.