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. The card alone is not sufficient for most travelers.
Side-by-side comparison
| Feature | Passport Book | Passport Card |
|---|---|---|
| Application fee (new) | $130 | $30 |
| Renewal fee | $130 | $30 |
| Execution fee (new only) | $35 | $35 |
| International flights | Yes | No |
| Land/sea to Canada & Mexico | Yes | Yes |
| Domestic flights (REAL ID) | Yes | Yes |
| Visa stamp pages | Yes (52 pages) | No |
| Size | 5" x 3.5" booklet | 3.4" x 2.1" (wallet) |
| Valid for | 10 years (adult) | 10 years (adult) |
| Photo required | 2x2 inch | 2x2 inch (same) |
When to get the passport book
The passport book is the standard choice for most travelers. Get the book if any of these apply:
- ✓ You plan to fly to any country outside the US
- ✓ You might travel internationally in the next 10 years
- ✓ You need visa stamps for any country
- ✓ You're not sure which one to get (the book covers all scenarios)
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 and want faster border crossings
- • You want a wallet-sized federal ID for domestic flights (REAL ID compliant)
- • You live near the Canadian or Mexican border
- • You take closed-loop cruises to the Caribbean, Canada, or Mexico
The card works with RFID technology at land border crossings, making the process faster than using a book. It's especially practical for people in border states who cross frequently.
Cost breakdown for 2026
Here are the current fees from the U.S. Department of State:
First-time applicant (adult)
- Passport book only $165 ($130 + $35)
- Passport card only $65 ($30 + $35)
- Both book + card $195 ($130 + $30 + $35)
- Passport photo $1 with our tool or see other options
Renewal (adult)
- Passport book renewal $130
- Passport card renewal $30
- No execution fee for renewals
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.
- ✓ 2x2 inch (51x51mm) photo
- ✓ White or off-white background
- ✓ Taken within the last 6 months
- ✓ No glasses, neutral expression
- ✓ Head size 1–1⅜ inches from chin to top of head
Need a passport photo?
Our tool creates compliant photos for both passport books and cards. Same photo works for both — upload once.
Create passport photo — $1Frequently 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. For any international flight, you need a passport book.
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. It fits in a wallet, making it more convenient than carrying a passport book.
Should I get both a passport book and card?
If you can afford it, getting both is a practical choice. 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, and the book handles international air travel.
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. The requirements are identical.
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: your card must be or have been valid, issued when you were 16+, and issued within the last 15 years.
Is a passport card good for cruises?
It depends. A passport card works for closed-loop cruises (departing and returning to the same US port) that only visit Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, or Bermuda. For cruises with flights involved or that visit other countries, you need a passport book.
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Same photo works for both
Whether you're applying for a passport book, card, or both — the photo requirements are identical. Create yours with AI compliance checking.
Create passport photo — $1Free preview before you pay