A passport card is valid identification for travel by land and sea only — and only for trips to and from certain countries, as noted by the U.S. Departement of State. It's smaller and less expensive than a passport book.
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The U.S. passport card may only be used for international travel by land or sea between the United States, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda.
You do not need to have both a passport card and a passport book. You can choose which one suits your situation best. For example, your passport card will suffice if you are a frequent traveler across Canada and Mexico. But, if you are planning to travel to other international countries, you can get your passport book.
Travel destinationPassport cards, however, can only be used going through a land border or seaport in Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda. For example, if you're planning a Mediterranean cruise, you'll need to use a passport book. The card isn't valid for seaport entry in Europe.
The passport card cannot be used for international air travel, but it is still a great ID to have in your wallet. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) accepts the passport card as ID for domestic flights.
You can use the passport card to reenter the United States at sea ports of entry from Mexico, Canada, Bermuda, and the Caribbean. However, if you are not able to return on the cruise ship for any reason (e.g., for an emergency evacuation, you will need a passport book to fly back to the United States.
But, you have to keep in mind the limitations on a passport card. You're restricted to traveling to 20 countries and only by land or sea. Also, you cannot use your passport card for international air travel, only as ID for domestic air travel. The passport booklet represents a universal travel option for U.S. citizens.
Yes, you can fly internationally from the United States with only a valid passport, even if your driver's license is expired. A valid passport is the primary and essential travel document for international travel. It serves as proof of your identity and citizenship when you're crossing international borders.