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 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 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.
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.
