When applying for a passport, you must fill in the kind of passport you need. Options are two: the large passport book vs standard. Deciding whether to go with the large passport book or stick to the standard option is not easy. If you understand the difference between large passport book vs standard, you can determine what works best for your travel needs:

What Is a Large Passport Book?

The U.S. passport office offers two passport options to all applicants: the large passport book vs standard. When reviewing these, you may wonder, “What is a large passport book?” While the name might make the passport seem complex, it refers to the number of pages on the passport. Also, as the name implies, the passport book is larger than the standard one.

Large passport book contains 52 pages, hence its other name, the 52 page passport book. These are the pages used for visa stamps and endorsements. So, with these pages, it will be a while before you run out of blank pages and can thus travel the world a lot.

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Differences Between Large Passport Book vs. Standard

To decide what you should choose between the large passport book vs standard, it’s best to review their features. So, what separates them, and what similarities do they have?

Let’s start with the similarities:

  1. The Validity: Whether you go standard or large, an adult book will last ten years before renewal, while a minor passport will last only five years. Both books are only renewable if the applicant has an adult passport and has not damaged the book or reported it lost or stolen.
  2. The Eligibility: The books are acceptable for air, sea, and land border crossings to regions outside the U.S. Airlines and customs officials will accept either option if it has enough blank pages, is in good condition, and meets the validity requirements.
  3. The Security Features: The biometric data and security features on the books are the same. No matter what you choose, you can identify yourself at customs.
  4. The Design: While some things are different (such as heft and pages), the overall appearance of the books is the same. So, you do not sacrifice aesthetics by choosing one over the other.
  5. The Cost: Getting a large passport book allows you to enjoy more travel opportunities. But does this come at an extra cost? Not at all. Large book passport fee is similar to that of the standard book.

As you can see, the books have similarities that serve differing travel needs. However, their differences determine what works best for you, as follows:

  1. The Pages: One of the most glaring differences between the books is the number of pages. The large book has 52 pages, while the standard book has only 28 pages. As a result, someone with a large book can travel more without running out of space for visa stamps.
  2. The Size: A standard book will measure 5 inches by 3.5 inches, which makes it easy to fit in a pocket or other small spaces for secure storage. The large passport book measures 5 inches by 4 inches. While there is a 0.5-inch difference, carrying the large book should be easy.
  3. The Weight: The extra pages in the large book make it slightly heavier than the standard book. However, due to the minimal sizing difference, carrying it around is easy, and it also fits in the standard passport book holder.

Many people choose the large passport book due to the difference in pages, as the other factors often hold little weight in this decision.

What Benefits Does the 52-Page Passport Offer?

Should you go large or opt for the standard option? The following advantages can shed light on why many people prioritize the large passport book:

  1. Passport Validity: Adult passports last ten years, while minor passports last five years. As such, anyone on a 28-page passport will likely have depleted their blank pages before their passport expires, necessitating a renewal. Getting a large book works in your favor as you can travel for a decade without encountering such issues.
  2. Limited Renewals: Extra pages enable you to travel often without liaising with the passport offices for renewals. This freedom works to your advantage as you can avoid the long lines and backlogs in passport processing, especially during peak travel periods.
  3. Additional Visa Pages: When entering and leaving different countries, you will get visa stamps, which can take up a lot of room in your passport. While a standard passport does not offer much space, large books do! For example, if you are on a cruise with several stops, a large passport book can cover you better than a smaller one.
  4. Easy Customs Processes: Most countries dictate the number of blank pages you should have on your book. Usually, the scrutiny is more pronounced when you have a standard book as the officials wonder if you have enough room to cover all your destinations. But with a large passport book, you will likely avoid such challenges and can travel to as many regions as you want.
  5. Convenience: Planning prolonged trips is not easy when you have to think about renewals and whether you have enough space. But if you have a large passport book, you can travel with the assurance that you have enough room to cover even impromptu trips.

Should note that the passport offices no longer issue extra pages to people whose passports are full. So, if you run out of space, you must get a new passport. Working with a large book helps you avoid such instances.

Which One Should You Choose: Large Passport Book or the Standard?

Admittedly, owning a large passport book is the key to having smooth customs processes and reducing your need for renewals. But do you need one? Consider the factors below:

  1. How often do you travel? If you are often out of the country, getting a large book favors you as you can avoid lengthy passport renewal services and always have a valid passport when traveling. Standard book would only stall your plans with the frequent need to apply for a new book.
  2. How much do you travel? Even if you don’t travel often, you could be the kind of traveler who sets off on long trips that traverse different boundaries. This kind of traveling requires a book with enough room to cover these adventures.
  3. Are you a business traveler? Leaving the country for business meetings is a great way to expand your investment opportunities. Having a reliable book by your side can ensure you never have to cancel such a trip due to insufficient pages.

Travel Visa Pro offers consultation services and can guide you on whether getting a 52 page passport augments your travel needs.

How to Get a 52-Page Passport?

While the large passport book has unique advantages, the process of getting it is similar to that of a standard book. Should proceed as follows:

  1. Determine what kind of passport you need: If you are a first-time applicant, a minor, or have reported your passport lost or stolen, you should get a new passport and fill out DS-11. If you are renewing your passport, you should fill out DS-82.
  2. Tick the 52 page passport option when completing the paperwork.
  3. Attach the required documents: All applications should have proof of citizenship, identification, and two valid passport photos.

Submit your application and await a large passport book in your mail. At TVP, we expedite passport processes, enabling you to get your passport in just a few days!

Large Passport Book vs Standard Cost

Many people applying for a large passport book think they must pay a higher fee than what they would pay for a standard book. What is the difference between the large passport book vs standard cost? There is none! Books cost the same. It thus makes sense to get a larger book to enjoy the extra perks since they come at no additional fee.

What is a Large Passport Book Size?

Large passport book measures five inches by four inches and can fit in your pocket, hand, or any other small space. Large passport book size is only half an inch bigger than the standard book, which measures five inches by three and a half inches.

FAQs

What is the difference between a large passport book and a standard one?
The standard passport book has 28 pages, while the large passport book has 52 pages, making it ideal for frequent travelers.

Who should choose a large passport book?
Frequent international travelers, business travelers, and those who require multiple visa stamps should opt for the large passport book.

Is there a price difference between the large and standard passport books?
No, in the U.S., both passport book types cost the same when applying for a new passport.

Can I upgrade from a standard passport book to a large one?
No, you must apply for a new passport and request a large book during the renewal or application process.

How do I request a large passport book?
When applying for a new passport or renewing an old one, select the large passport book option on your application form (DS-11 or DS-82).

Is the large passport book bulkier than the standard one?
While it has more pages, the difference in thickness is minimal and doesn’t significantly impact portability.

Does a large passport book have a longer validity than a standard one?
No, both passport books are valid for 10 years for adults and 5 years for minors.

Can I get a large passport book if I already have a standard one?
You can only get a large passport book by applying for a new passport or during the renewal process.

Do all countries accept large passport books?
Yes, both standard and large passport books are internationally recognized and accepted.

Should I get a large passport book if I don’t travel often?
If you travel occasionally, a standard passport book should suffice. A large passport book is best for those who travel frequently.