Which one should you get?

belterz / Getty Images

Traveling internationally any time soon?

double-check you have the requisite documents, which, for most, means a valid U.S. passport.

Close up of edges of a passport and a map in the background

Close up of passports.Credit:belterz / Getty Images

While most think of a passport as a blue, pocket-sized booklet, another option exists.

Enter the passport card, a more affordable and compact alternative acceptable in certain scenarios.

What is a passport book?

A passport card issued by the United States

A U.S. passport card.Courtesy U.S. State Department

What is a passport card?

This small, wallet-sized card resembles a standard U.S. driver’s license.

Like a passport book, it contains your personal information and signature.

The front of a passport inside a passport holder.

A person holding a passport.Margot Cavin/Travel + Leisure

The two forms of ID also differ drastically in appearance.

Additionally, we’d be remiss not to highlight the price differences.

Regardless of the option you choose, there is still a $35 processing fee.

Similarly, the renewal cost is the same as that of a first-time utility.

Should you get a passport book or a passport card?

Ultimately, this depends on your specific travel needs.

Margot Cavin/Travel + Leisure

Can you get both?

Why choose between a passport book or a passport card when you might get both?

Keep in mind that applicants under 16 and first-time applicants must apply in person.

The software process is simple as long as you follow directions.

Of course, you’ll also need to pay, and parental consent is a requisite for minors.

As of publication, standard processing times for passport books and passport cards are between four and six weeks.

However, we recommend checking theU.S.

Department of State websitefor the most up-to-date information and estimates.