The U.S. government offers a wallet-sized, limited-use version of the U.S. passport, called a passport card. However, unlike passport books, passport cards cannot be used to travel internationally by air. You can only use a passport card to re-enter the U.S. by land or sea from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, or Bermuda.
If you currently have a valid passport book that was issued within the past 15 years, it is relatively simple to get a passport card as well. You can apply by mail using Form DS-82. However, if you do not have a current passport, then you must go in person to apply at a passport issuing facility.
Both passport card and passport book applications take anywhere from 4-12 weeks to process. However, passport cards cost less and are valid for the same amount of time (10 years for adults and 5 years for children under 16).
Passport prices:
Books for adults: $135 new, $110 for renewals
Books for minors: $105
Cards for adults: $55 new, $30 for renewals
Card for minors: $40