How to Decide Between a Passport Book and a Passport Card

The United States started the production of passport cards in June 2008. Passport cards look like drivers licenses. This article will list the differences between the passport card and the passport book.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. If you are planning on driving to Canada or Mexico, a passport card will work fine. If you are planning a cruise that starts in the United States and ends in the United States and only goes to either Canada, the Caribbean, or Bermuda, then a passport card will work fine.

2. If you are planning on flying anywhere, then you will need a passport book. A passport book will cover everything that a passport card covers plus air travel.

3. The price of a passport book and a passport card are different. A passport book for someone under 16 costs $25 acceptance fee plus a $60 application fee for a total of $85. For someone aged 16 or over it costs $25 acceptance fee plus a $75 application fee for a total of $100. The price of a passport card for someone under 16 costs $25 acceptance fee plus a $10 application fee for a total of $35. For someone aged 16 or over it costs $25 acceptance fee plus a $20 application fee for a total of $45. To apply for both, for someone under 16 costs $25 acceptance fee plus a $70 application fee for a total of $95. For someone aged 16 or over it costs $25 acceptance fee plus a $95 application fee for a total of $120.

4. The government changes regulations constantly, so make sure you check all information with government officials to make sure these regulations are still current.

[LisaBud]

on 1/12/2009 I renewed my passport in Feb last year, so I wasn't even aware of passport cards! Good to know about and easier for a lot of people, I'm sure! Thanks.