Passport Book vs Passport Card: Which Do You Need?
A passport book costs $130 and works for all international travel. A passport card costs $30 but only works at land borders and sea ports with Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda. Here's how to decide.
Quick Answer
Get the passport book if you plan to fly internationally -- it's required for air travel. Get the card as an addition if you frequently cross land borders or want a wallet-sized federal ID.
Side-by-side comparison
| Application fee (new) | Book: $130 | Card: $30 |
| Renewal fee | Book: $130 | Card: $30 |
| Execution fee (new only) | $35 (same for both) |
| International flights | Book: Yes | Card: No |
| Land/sea to Canada & Mexico | Both: Yes |
| Domestic flights (REAL ID) | Both: Yes |
| Visa stamp pages | Book: Yes (52 pages) | Card: No |
| Size | Book: 5" x 3.5" booklet | Card: 3.4" x 2.1" (wallet) |
| Valid for | 10 years (adult) for both |
| Photo required | 2x2 inch (same for both) |
When to get the passport book
The passport book is the standard choice for most travelers. Get the book if you plan to fly to any country, might travel internationally in the next 10 years, need visa stamps, or are not sure which one to get.
Important
If you only get a passport card and later need to fly internationally, you’ll have to apply for the book separately — paying the full $130 + $35 execution fee. Getting the book from the start avoids this extra cost.
When the passport card makes sense
The passport card is a useful supplementary document, not a replacement for the book. Consider the card if you frequently drive to Canada or Mexico, want a wallet-sized federal ID for domestic flights, live near the Canadian or Mexican border, or take closed-loop cruises.
Cost breakdown for 2026
| Application Type | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Book only (new) | $165 | $130 + $35 execution |
| Card only (new) | $65 | $30 + $35 execution |
| Both book + card (new) | $195 | $130 + $30 + $35 execution |
| Book renewal | $130 | No execution fee |
| Card renewal | $30 | No execution fee |
Source: U.S. Department of State
Photo requirements: same for both
Both the passport book and card require the same 2x2 inch (51x51mm) photo with a white background. If you apply for both at the same time, you only need to submit one photo. See our passport photo size guide for full specifications.
Related guides
- US Passport Photo — All requirements explained
- Passport Photo Cost — Compare prices
- Digital Passport Photo — For online renewal via MyTravelGov
- Photo Rejected? — How to fix common issues
- How to Take Photos at Home — Step-by-step DIY guide
- Photos Near Me — Find locations and compare prices
- How to Renew a Passport — Online, mail & in-person options
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a passport card to fly internationally?
No. A passport card cannot be used for international air travel. It is only valid for land and sea crossings between the US and Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda.
Can I use a passport card as an ID?
Yes. A passport card is a federally issued ID that is REAL ID compliant. You can use it for domestic flights within the US, entering federal buildings, and as general identification.
Should I get both a passport book and card?
If you can afford it, getting both is practical. The combined application fee for first-time applicants is $195 ($130 book + $30 card + $35 execution). The card works as a wallet-sized backup ID.
Do passport books and cards use the same photo?
Yes. Both require the same 2x2 inch (51x51mm) passport photo with a white background. One photo submission works for both if you apply at the same time.
How long does a passport card last?
A passport card is valid for 10 years for adults (16+) and 5 years for minors (under 16), the same as a passport book.
Can I renew a passport card online?
Yes, eligible passport card holders can renew online through MyTravelGov, just like passport books. The same eligibility requirements apply.
Is a passport card good for cruises?
It depends. A passport card works for closed-loop cruises that only visit Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, or Bermuda. For cruises with flights or other countries, you need a passport book.
Same photo works for both
Whether you're applying for a passport book, card, or both -- the photo requirements are identical. Create yours with automatic compliance checking.
Create passport photo -- $1Preview before you download