In addition to a regular passport, (the Passport book), U.S. citizens have the option of using a smaller, lighter passport card but only if they are traveling by land or sea to certain countries. A passport card is cheaper to get but is only valid for travel to Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean islands. The passport book is valid for travel anywhere and is required for international air travel.
Comparison chart
Differences — Similarities —
 | Passport Book | Passport Card |
|---|---|---|
| Validity | International travel by air, sea or land | International travel by land and sea only. Valid for travel. Not valid for international travel by air. |
| Duration of validity | 10 years for adults, 5 years for minors under 16 | 10 years for adults, 5 years for minors under 16 |
| Size | 5’’ x 3.5’’ when closed | Wallet-sized |
| Cost for first time applicants | $135 for adults, $105 for under 16s | $55 for adults, $40 for under 16s |
| Cost for renewal | $110 for adults | $30 for adults |
| Globally recognized travel document | Yes | No |
| Useful for | International travel | Those who live in border communities in the US. |
| Processing time | 4-6 weeks; 2 weeks expedited | 4-6 weeks; 2 weeks expedited |
Appearance
A passport book measures 5"x3.5" when closed. It contains several pages like the passport details page which provides the holder's name,date of birth, passport expiry date etc as well as other blank pages for visa and immigration stamping.
A passport card is a portable pocket sized card (similar to a credit card) that fits in your wallet.
A driver displays Passport Card at the border 
A passport book displaying the passport details pageValidity
A passport book is valid for any international travel by air, sea or land. It is valid for 10 years for adults and 5 years for minors under 16.
A passport card is valid for travel to and from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda at land border crossings and sea ports-of-entry. It is not valid for air travel. It is valid for 10 years for adults and 5 years for minors under 16.
Cost
A first passport book costs $135 for adults and $105 for minors under the age of 16. It costs $110 to renew.
A first passport card costs $55 for adults and $40 for minors under the age of 16. It costs $30 to renew.
The cost when applying for both is $165 for adults and $120 for minors.
Flying Without a Passport (Book)
Q: I am taking a cruise to Mexico and I intend to travel with my passport card because I'm traveling by sea. If I fall sick in Mexico, can I fly back to the U.S.?
A: No. You need a passport book for air travel. The passport card is only valid for entry into the United States at land border crossings or sea ports of entry.
When to Carry Both
Sometimes it makes life more convenient to have both a passport book and a card, and carry them both on your international travel. Some countries require you to carry your passport with you at all times. In such situations, a passport card comes in handy because it is the size of a credit card and fits nicely in a wallet. You can carry your passport card with you at all times and leave the passport book safe in the hotel room locker. The passport card is also a valid form of ID so it is useful to have it on you at all times when traveling abroad.
References
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"Passport Book vs Passport Card." Diffen.com. Diffen LLC, n.d. Web. 23 Jun 2022. < >
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