Passport card vs Passport book

[jilllofalltrades]

I understand that a passport card covers continental travel and the carribbean but not air travel. A passport book covers air travel to anywhere in the world. But why would you need both? The post office says its $165 for a passport card and book. Am I misunderstanding something?

[Texas Tillie]

I understand that a passport card covers continental travel and the carribbean but not air travel. A passport book covers air travel to anywhere in the world. But why would you need both? The post office says its $165 for a passport card and book. Am I misunderstanding something?

 

The passport card is used by people who live near the Canadian or Mexican border and cross on a regular basis (some daily). It's much easier to carry it than the passport book. There's no reason for anyone else to get the passport card.

[odblnt]

A passport card is handy if you do a lot of driving to Canada or Mexico. Other than that.... not so much.

 

You don't have to purchase both. You can purchase one, but not the other.

 

Check this list of fees: http://travel.state.gov/passport/fees/fees_837.html

[jilllofalltrades]

Thank you for the info. That makes sense.

[Marie51]

A passport card will be useless if there is an emergency and you must fly home from one of the islands during your cruise.