Passport vrs Passport Card

Kate, That’s one for the government authorities where you are now living, but you have your long-term visa, which is what they would want to see. But it seems they put your long-term visa in your passport instead of issuing a separate document, which is what I used to carry. Bummer.
The card would not show your permission to be in the Schengen beyond 90 days. It’s not good for much of anything in your case or mine. In carry only my French gov-issued card at all times anywhere in Europe.

Yes, there are pop-up checks in Europe.

Your passport book is your only legal ID when traveling (Well if driving, your drivers license is required, but if an issue arose they would want to see your passport as well).

However, for the purpose of securing electronic guides at museums and other "non-official" ID needs, it would probably suffice, just as a State drivers license does.

If you were to be stopped as part of a spot check (They are rare but can happen) and you do not have your passport, then the card would be better than nothing, but even then, it is not "off to jail", they may simply move you along, or figure out some way to get your passport.

If I am just wandering the neighborhood or someplace in the city, I usually leave my passport in the hotel. If I will be using a good amount of Public transport, or taking a train or bus to another town, then it is in my neck pouch.

Does the passport card work as an ID if your driver's license is not the enhanced type that will soon be required to board domestic flights in the US?

Hi Kateja,

I see you are located in The Netherlands, so can you please clarify which passport card you are are referring to? A Dutch ID card is valid for travel in Schengen Area, a US one is not.

If checked in the Schengen Area, you will need to demonstrate that you have a right to be there - a tourist in compliance with the Schengen rules or a resident, so in any case you need to carry some official document showing you are a resident of The Netherlands.

Does the passport card work as an ID if your driver's license is not the enhanced type that will soon be required to board domestic flights in the US?

Yes, you can use the Passport ID card for Domestic flights in the US, Entry to Federal building, or any place that your Real ID Drivers license would work, plus it works for land crossings into Mexico and Canada.

And proves you are a US citizen if stopped at random border check points within US such as those common in AZ.

I have both a US passport book AND a US passport card. I opted for the later on my latest renewal because I can't yet renew my driver's license to be Real ID compliant (within the US) without paying extra until it's time to renew my driver's license. It was cheaper (and less hassle in my specific state) to add the passport card.

I like to assume that if I were outside the US and asked for ID, my passport card would suffice; however, I realize that this is not the required documentation unless I'm in Canada or Mexico and crossed via a land crossing.

I have never yet had any foreign law enforcement body request my ID except at the airport or border when traveling. I have always presented my passport book in those cases, but I do expect my US passport card to prove my ID in the US, Canada and Mexico as well as serving as sufficient Real ID for domestic US flights.

Your milage may vary, of course.

I keep the passport card stashed in a different place than the passport book when I'm out of the country. I figure that if my passport is lost or stolen, the card would make it easier to get emergency travel documents issued at an embassy or consulate.

I used my passport card when leaving an ID for museum headsets is required. Would not leave passport, and would rather not leave DL.

I use my City of New York Tennis Pass as my ID at museums when getting an audio guide. I never use my passport or driver’s license.

To answer the OP’s question, a passport book is internationally accepted identification. Perhaps if you want to rent an audio guide at a museum, the passport card will do just fine.