When to get both Passport Card/Book?

 

Passport Book vs. Card: 4 Key Differences 🛂🛂🛂

The passport book is the all-encompassing identifier to carry regardless of how and where you’re traveling. You have the option to purchase a passport book and card in one application, and there are a couple of scenarios when having both passport types might be convenient, like:

• If you travel equally by air and land. If you’re visiting Canada or Mexico by car, you might prefer a more compact document for traveling across the border. In that case, having a passport card for regular land-based trips would be useful. You can keep your passport book handy for international air travel.

• If you don’t have a Real ID, which is required for domestic air travel. A U.S. passport — book or card — is accepted as an alternative to the Real ID, but the card is more convenient to carry around. If you’re flying domestically without a Real ID, you can use a passport card for air travel within the 50 states and reserve your passport book for international travel.

If you choose to apply for both passport options in one application rather than applying for them separately, you’ll save $35 since you’ll only pay one acceptance fee.

If you're choosing between the passport card and passport book

Deciding between a passport book and a passport card can feel like a difficult choice considering the cost difference and the turnaround time to get your passport application processed.

When choosing which option is best for you, consider the type of travel you’re most likely to do over the next few years. If you’re unsure about your future travel needs, a passport book might be your best option.