Whats the difference between a passport book and a passport card?

Question: Whats the difference between a passport book and a passport card? Do I need both? My passport was issued to me when i was 17 years old and now 10 years later I believe I am eligible to renew it. Do I need to pay for a passport book and card? I don't know even know what each one means.

Answer: A passport book and a passport card serve the same purpose of attesting to your U.S. citizenship and your identity. All American citizens are required to present a valid passport to exit and re-enter the United States.

Besides the difference in size and cost, the passport book and passport card are different in when they can be used. The passport card can only be used for land and sea travel to Mexico, Canada, the Caribbean, and Bermuda.

The passport book does not have this restriction. It can be used to travel to any country and is required when traveling by air.

In summary, if you only plan to travel by land or sea to one of the countries listed above, then you only need to obtain a passport card. If you plan to travel by air to any country outside the United States, you need to get a passport book.

You can also apply for both if you prefer. You only need to complete one application in order to do this. For more instructions, click the link below.

How to Renew a Passport