The passport book and passport card are both U.S. passports. If issued for the full validity, they are both proof of your U.S. citizenship and identity.
See the chart below to decide which is best for you. (Can't decide? Get both!)
| U.S. Passport Book | U.S. Passport Card | |
|---|---|---|
| Image |  |
|
| Used For | International travel The passport book is Real ID compliant and can be used for domestic air travel. |
Entering the United States at land border crossings and sea ports-of-entry from:
The passport card cannot be used for international air travel.
The passport card is Real ID compliant and can be used for domestic air travel.
|
| Validity | 16 and older: 10 years Under 16: 5 years |
16 and older: 10 years Under 16: 5 years |
| Size | 5" x 3.5" (when closed) | Wallet size |
| Cost |
Please see Passport Fees for more information. |
|
| Shipping Options | If you're applying for a book, you can select 1-2 day delivery which costs an additional $17.13. | 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. |
You can apply by mail using Form DS-82 if you have a passport book or card that:
If any of the above statements do not apply to you, you must Apply in Person using form DS-11.
Yes. You can apply for both a passport book and passport card at the same time using either Form DS-11 (apply in person) or Form DS-82 (renew by mail - must be eligible). To apply for or renew both the book and card, check the appropriate box at the top of the form to indicate that you would like to apply for both products.
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.
Please note: If you're renewing 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.
Be sure to include both passport book and passport card fees. Please see Passport Fees for more information.
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. Adults and children with U.S. passport cards can save time at the U.S.-Mexico border by using designated Ready Lanes that read the passport card’s Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology.
How to use Ready Lanes with a U.S. passport card:
You can find a complete list of Ready Lane acceptable documents on CBP's website.
