Passport books vs. cards: What's the difference?
- Passport cards are designed to be easier to carry than traditional booklet-style passports
- U.S. passport cards can also be used to travel between the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and other Caribbean countries
If you’re planning on traveling abroad, a valid passport is the most important piece of documentation you’ll need. Many countries are now introducing credit card-style passports as a form of valid identification. Throughout this article, you’ll learn more about the passport book vs. card debate and find out the difference between passport books and passport cards.
What is a passport book?
A passport book is the traditional booklet-style passport. They are government-issued documents that help identify travelers and provide proof of nationality when crossing international borders. They can also help travelers access consular assistance abroad. They act as a safeguarding tool to maintain security on flights. These days, many passport books also include biometric chips to help reduce fraudulent activity such as counterfeiting.
What is a passport card?
Passport cards are smaller and more durable than traditional passport books and are designed to fit into a wallet or purse, much like a driver’s license. Unlike standard passports, passport cards are only available to citizens of certain countries and are generally limited to domestic travel only. Some passport cards do allow international travel to countries with agreements in place, but their primary use is for identification on domestic travel, whether that be by land, air, or sea. Like traditional passports, passport cards also feature biometric chips.
Passport books vs. cards: What's the difference?
Destination
Passport cards are generally intended for domestic travel, but some are valid for specific international journeys. U.S. passport cards can also be used to travel between the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and other Caribbean countries.
Irish passport cards can be used to travel to other European Economic Area (EEA) member states, including Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland. They can also be used to travel to the United Kingdom.
Size
Passport cards are designed to be easier to carry than traditional booklet-style passports. As much as passport books have increased in quality over the years and protective cases are available, some travelers may prefer a smaller form of identification that can fit in wallets and pockets. Additionally, if cards are stored in wallets, there’s generally less chance of misplacing them as you would a passport.
Cost
The cost of a passport card is another factor. In the UK, for example, passport renewal can cost anywhere between £60 and £100, depending on whether you’re a child or an adult. In the U.S., passport cards are generally cheaper than passport books, although fees vary. If you’re a U.S. citizen who mainly travels within the country, then a passport card may be a better option for you.
Mode of transportation
There are no differences between passport books and passport cards when it comes to the types of transport you can use. If your destination falls within the passport card's permitted uses, you may be able to use it as identification when boarding a flight. In countries where domestic flights are common, like the U.S., passport cards provide a more efficient travel document while also helping to maintain border and airline security.
Passport book vs. passport card: which one do you need?
Domestic travel
If you’re traveling domestically, in a country where passport cards are available, then you will only need to bring your passport card and not your passport book, even if you’re traveling by plane. Before booking flights, it’s always worth checking whether the country you’re planning on flying to is within the terms of your passport card. This is especially important if you don’t also have a traditional passport book. For example, if you’re flying from New York to Los Angeles as a U.S. citizen, or you’re an Irish citizen traveling from Dublin to Berlin – in these circumstances, a passport card is the only identification you’ll need.
International travel
For international travel outside the stipulations of the passport card agreement, you’ll require a traditional passport book to cross borders. If you have a passport card and are planning to cross more borders during your travel, be mindful that you may need a standard passport for the other legs of your journey. You should also be aware that you may need to present valid identification while crossing state borders or certain military checkpoints in rental cars.
FAQs
Can I get both a passport card and a passport book?
Yes. If you’re a citizen of a country where passport cards are available, you’re entitled to purchase both a passport book and a passport card. Although a passport book remains a valid form of identification for both domestic and international travel, a passport card may prove to be a cheaper and more convenient option for you. In the U.S., you can also purchase or renew a passport and passport card at the same time.
Are passport cards accepted as valid identification?
Yes. In countries where they are accepted, passport cards can be used as government-issued identification for travel and other purposes. However, they may not be recognized in countries where they aren’t commonly used, so you may need to use a traditional passport book.
Is it better to get a passport card or book?
It all depends on personal preference. Some people prefer the reliability of a traditional passport book, others prefer the convenience and affordability of a passport card. If you regularly travel domestically and are a citizen of a country that issues passport cards, it may be a better option. However, if you’re only planning on traveling internationally, check which document is required for each destination.
Can you fly with a passport card?
Yes. Passport cards can be used on domestic flights and some international flights. However, if you’ve booked a flight to a destination where you aren’t able to use a passport card, then you won’t be allowed to board the plane unless you provide a traditional passport as identification. In addition to flights, passport cards can also be used while crossing both land and sea borders by car or boat.
What countries can you go to with a passport card?
The U.S. and Ireland issue passport cards. U.S. cards can be used in the U.S. and certain North American destinations, including Canada, Mexico, and Bermuda. Irish cards can be used domestically, in European Economic Area states including Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland, and in the UK. Similar cards are available in the Maldives and Ukraine. In Ukraine, permanent residents aged 14 and over must legally possess an identification card, which can also be used to travel between Ukraine, Georgia, Türkiye, Russia, and Moldova, sometimes replacing a traditional passport.
