Where and What Is Passport Book Number? (2025 Guide)

So, you maybe you are filling out a DS-160 form for a U.S. nonimmigrant visa or are simply curious about what a passport book number is and where to find it.

I get it it’s easy to be confused with a passport book number (PBN) and a passport number.

A passport book number is a unique identifier assigned to your physical passport booklet. It’s different from your passport number and serves as an inventory control number for the physical document itself. Think of it as a serial number for the actual passport book.

The placement of a passport book number can vary from one country to another.

But in many cases, you can find the passport book number on the same data page as the passport number, usually in the top right corner of your passport.

In this detailed guide, I’ll clarify the differences between a passport number and a passport book number and how to locate them on different passports.

Let’s kick things off.

Passport Number vs. Passport Book Number:

Passport Number

No matter what the country is, each passport has a unique number that identifies the holder’s ID and the place where the passport was issued.

The passport number or ID number is located in the top right corner on the same page as your photo and is usually identified as “passport number.”

Sometimes it can be written in several languages: “numéro de document,” “Número del Documento,” or “Dokumentnummer,” etc.

Recap:

• Located on the data page, typically in the top right corner
• Identifies the passport and its holder
• Often labeled as “passport number,” “numéro de document,” “Número del Documento,” or “Dokumentnummer”
• Present in all passports

Passport Book Number Explained

So, what exactly is a passport book number, and how is it different from a passport number?

A passport book number is a set of unique numbers or letters often both assigned to your passport booklet (the physical book) to differentiate it from others.

The number is usually eight to nine digits long. It is also called a “booklet number,” “inventory control number,” or “stock control number.” Additionally, it may be written in different languages, such as French (“numéro de livret”) or Spanish (“número de carnet”).

But the important thing to know is not all countries have a passport book number on their passports.

About 70% of passports do not have a passport book number.

The new ePassport or a biometric passports are also less likely to have one.

The exact place of a passport book number can vary by country.

In some passports, you can find it on the same page as the passport number; in others, you can find it elsewhere.

For example, in old Canadian passports, the passport book number is located above the barcode.

In other passports, it may appear under different terms or labels.

If your passport only includes one number then it is a passport number.

Recap:

• May appear on the data page or in other locations
• Identifies the physical booklet itself
• Often labeled as “booklet number,” “inventory control number,” or “stock control number”
• Not present in all passports
• Usually 8–9 characters long

What Is the Purpose of a Passport Book Number?

The passport book number exists to help differentiate between individual passport booklets particularly useful for inventory, security, and verification.

It confirms the passport booklet’s authenticity and ties it to the rightful owner.

The digits in the passport book number may contain information about the issuing office or country.

For example, the first few characters could indicate the location where the passport was printed.

Additionally, a passport book number may be used to track international travel history or flag violations of immigration laws, although it does not replace the official passport number.

Which Passports Have Book Numbers and Where to Find Them: (Updated)

Before diving into real examples, here’s a helpful list showing which countries have a passport book number in their passports:

I get some of the countries from Davies Legal.

Real Passport Book Number Examples

Mexico

If you still hold an older Mexican passport, you can find the passport book number on the same page as the passport number usually on the second page.

Canada:

In older Canadian passports, the passport book number appears in two places:

• On the data page, beneath the passport number
• Under the barcode on the back page

Note: The New Canadian passports do not contain a passport book number.

China:

Chinese passports include both a passport number and a passport book number.

The passport number appears in the top right, and the passport book number is on the right side of the page.

Pakistan:

Pakistani passports clearly display the passport book number, labeled as “booklet number.”

Unless you’re completing a form like the DS-160 or applying for a visa, you usually won’t need to worry about your passport book number.

Important

Final Thoughts.

A passport book number (PBN) is not a secret code or hidden in some weird spot, If it’s there, you’ll find it clearly printed somewhere.

So If you’re filling out a DS-160 form, don’t stress, just double check if your passport has a passport book number before you start.

If you can’t find one anywhere, it probably means your passport doesn’t have one. That’s totally normal.

When the form asks for a passport book number, just select “Does not apply” and you’re good to go.

If you want to be 100% sure, reach out to the folks who issued your passport they can confirm if your passport has a passport book number or not.

I hope this helps

Happy travels

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Gargie, is writer, traveler & a digital marketing specialist passionate about traveling and exploring new cultures. She is a savvy traveler who likes to pack light, testing various luggage brands and seeking out budget-friendly airline options. Gargie enjoys creating unique recipes when she’s not on the go.