These U.S. passports have an electronic chip embedded in the back cover of the passport book and allow traveling to all countries. They contain electronic signatures, a unique chip identification number and a biometric identifier that is used in face recognition technology at ports of entry. Electronic passports are valid for 10 years if you receive them before your 16th birthday; if 15-years old or younger, the passport is valid for only five years. As of December 2010, an electronic adult passport is $110 plus a one-time $25 execution fee.
The passport card is used to enter and re-enter the United States, Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and the Caribbean. According to the Department of State, the card is designed for border resident communities and should not be used as a global travel document like the passport book. The passport card is wallet sized and each card is laser engraved to prevent counterfeiting and forgery. Adult passport cards, as of December 2010, are priced at $30, plus a one-time $25 execution fee.
These passports are only available to those who are traveling abroad and working for the U.S. government or if you are the dependent of that person. You are also exempt from paying for the passport if you have a letter stating you are traveling overseas in honor of a deceased family member in the U.S. military. These passports are only to be used when traveling on official duties so it is acceptable for these people to hold both a no-fee passport and a regular tourist passport.
