The US passport card is a national ID document designed for the specific needs of northern and southern U.S. border communities with residents that cross the border frequently by land. It is only used for land border crossings cannot be used for international air travel unlike US passport. Further the card is accepted for federal purposes (such as domestic air travel or entering federal buildings) instead of driving licenses.
The card has the same period of validity as a passport book: 10 years for an adult, five for children 15 and younger. Adults who already have a fully valid passport book may apply for the card as a passport renewal. By the end of 2016, more than 12 million passport cards had been issued to U.S. citizens.
The US Passport card should not be confused with the standard US passport which is a universal identification document accepted worldwide. A United States passport card can be used as primary evidence of United States citizenship, just like a passport booklet, and can be used as a valid proof of citizenship and proof of identity both inside and outside the United States , though it is not valid for travel internationally. The US passport (not card) is the only document approved for international air travel.
A US citizen or national is allowed to hold both a US passport card and a US passport.
Please see the differences below
US Passport vs Passport Card
| U.S. Passport Booklet | U.S. Passport Card | |
|---|---|---|
| Usage | International travel by air, sea, or land
|
Entering the United States at land border crossings and sea ports-of-entry from:
The passport card cannot be used for international air travel.
|
| Validity | 16 and older: 10 years Under 16: 5 years |
16 and older: 10 years Under 16: 5 years |
| Size | 5″ x 3.5″ (when closed) | Wallet size |
| Cost |
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| Shipping Options | If you’re applying for a book, you can select 1-2 day delivery which costs an additional $18.32. | If you’re only applying for a card, we will send it to you via First Class Mail. You cannot select 1-2 day delivery. |
