Passport book vs Passport card

[TenOC]

For going through Canada on the way to AK is there any advantage of getting a passport Book vs the cheaper passport card?

[atreis]

The cards are nice for kids, and also cost a lot less (books are only good for 5 years anyway for kids). For adults, IMO, the book makes a lot more sense.

[Community Alumni]

wilber1 wrote:
When we are just going a short distance across the border we just use Nexus. If we are going any distance, we always take passports as well.

Same for us.

[wilber1]

When we are just going a short distance across the border we just use Nexus. If we are going any distance, we always take passports as well.

[Crowe]

I see the card as value to the frequent border crosser. We have both never know when an international travel may enter our plans.

x2. Plus in both hubby and my lines of work we never know when we might have to go to a site that requires proof of US citizenship and the card is perfect for that. MA just got on board with the RealID licenses.

[stickdog]

I see the card as value to the frequent border crosser. We have both never know when an international travel may enter our plans.

[Crazy_Ray]

You made me get my Passport Card out to check the expiration date. Good for 10 years.

[rhagfo]

DrewE wrote:
For land border crossing there is no advantage or disadvantage. If for some reason you had to fly back from Canada, having the book would make things a whole lot easier. If you think you may travel overseas to some other country than Canada or Mexico in the next several years it would be a little cheaper overall to get the book now rather than having to "upgrade."

If you live in one of the few states that issue them, getting an enhanced driver's license is probably the least expensive way to get travel documentation for going to Canada.

The above is so true, more valuable of the two is the book, if not just for the situation mentioned above.

DW and I have both, we also enjoy going on Cruises and the card is great as it is the same size as the ships Sea Pass.

It also is a great form of identification, even here in the US.

Both the card and book are good for 10 years for an adult, a child's is a shorter term. Book is $110 and Card is $30, the other cost is getting the necessary Passport picture.

Here is a link to helpful information.

Passport Info

[lakeside013104]

DrewE wrote:
For land border crossing there is no advantage or disadvantage. If for some reason you had to fly back from Canada, having the book would make things a whole lot easier. If you think you may travel overseas to some other country than Canada or Mexico in the next several years it would be a little cheaper overall to get the book now rather than having to "upgrade."

If you live in one of the few states that issue them, getting an enhanced driver's license is probably the least expensive way to get travel documentation for going to Canada.

Above is absolutely correct. If you were in Canada and had an emergency that forced you to fly back to USA, the book would make the process easier.

The cost of the card is around $50 and it is valid for 10 years. The book is around $110 and it is valid for 10 years (these prices quoted from 2006 and may be off a little).

Lakeside

[DrewE]

For land border crossing there is no advantage or disadvantage. If for some reason you had to fly back from Canada, having the book would make things a whole lot easier. If you think you may travel overseas to some other country than Canada or Mexico in the next several years it would be a little cheaper overall to get the book now rather than having to "upgrade."

If you live in one of the few states that issue them, getting an enhanced driver's license is probably the least expensive way to get travel documentation for going to Canada.