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Compare a Passport Card and Book
The U.S. passport card is a wallet-sized, plastic passport that has no visa pages. The card is proof of U.S. citizenship and identity. It has the same length of validity as the passport book.
The card is for U.S. citizens who travel by land and sea from Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and some Caribbean countries.
The card is not valid for international travel by air and is cheaper than the passport book.
You can apply for either the book or card, or both documents at once. You can get a passport card even if you already have a passport book.
How to apply for a passport card
We use the same forms for both passport books and cards. The first step on our forms is to select if you want a passport book, passport card, or both documents. You can save $35 by applying for both documents together instead of separately.
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First-time adult applicants who are age 18 and older can apply for a passport book, a passport card, or both.
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With the approval of both parents or guardians, children under age 16 can get a passport book, a passport card, or both.
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If you have an adult passport book, you may apply for a passport card by mail. If you have an adult passport card, you may apply for a passport book by mail. You can do this as a “renewal,” even if it’s your first passport card or book.
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Learn how to correct or update your passport card due to a name change, data error, or printing error.
Differences between a U.S. passport book and U.S. passport card
Passport book
Passport books allow you to travel internationally by air, sea, or land.
Passport card
Passport cards allow you to enter the United States from Canada, Mexico, some Caribbean destinations, and Bermuda by land or sea. Passport cards are not valid for international travel by air. They can be used to cross land borders faster from Mexico and Canada at Ready Lanes.
Passport card and book features
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Validity |
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Size |
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Cost for first-time applicants |
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Cost for renewal |
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REAL ID |
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How to apply if you don’t have citizenship evidence or a photo ID
Visit Citizenship Evidence and Photo ID for examples of documents we accept.
If you don't have a birth certificate
If you were born in the United States, contact the county, city, or state where you were born. Ask for a certified copy of your birth certificate. A certified copy has the seal or stamp of the official issuing authority.
If you were born outside the United States, review the tips on Citizenship Evidence.
If you don't have a driver's license
We accept other types of government-issued, primary photo ID. We will accept secondary photo ID if you do not have a primary ID.