We want you to know about the passport book and passport card so you can decide if you want to apply for one or both documents. We use the same passport forms for books and cards.
| U.S. Passport Book | U.S. Passport Card | |
|---|---|---|
| Image (not to scale) |  |
|
| Used For | International travel Real ID: Passport books and cards are alternatives to a state-issued ID. |
Entering the United States at land border crossings and sea ports-of-entry from:
The passport card cannot be used for international air travel.
Real ID: Passport books and cards are alternatives to a state-issued ID.
|
| Validity | 16 and older: 10 years Under 16: 5 years |
Same as a passport book |
| Size | Fits in your pocket | Fits in your wallet |
| Cost | Please see Passport Fees for more information. |
Please see Passport Fees for more information.
|
| Shipping Options | If you're applying for a book, you can select 1-2 day delivery for an additional amount. | If you're only applying for a card, we will send it to you via First Class Mail. You cannot select 1-2 day delivery. |
We use the same forms for both passport books and cards. The first step on the form is to select if you want a passport book, passport card, or both documents.
If you are an adult and you already have a passport book or passport card, you may be eligible to renew by mail or renew online.
If you are applying for the first time or you are applying for your child who is under age 16, you will need to apply in person.
If you already have a passport, you can change your name or correct an error on the document.
Yes. You can apply for both a passport book and passport card at the same time. Check the appropriate box at the top of the form to let us know if you would like to apply for one or both documents.
If you have a passport book and you are eligible to use Form DS-82, you may apply for a passport card as a renewal by mail even if it is your first passport card.
If you're renewing both your passport book and passport card, you must submit both documents. If you can submit a passport book, but you lost your passport card, you cannot renew the passport card using Form DS-82.
The passport card was designed for the specific needs of northern and southern U.S. border communities with residents that cross the border frequently by land. The passport book is the only document approved for international air travel.
Yes. You can save time at the U.S.-Mexico border by using designated Ready Lanes that read the U.S. passport card’s Radio Frequency Identification technology. Find a complete list of documents which are accepted at Ready Lanes.
