How Much Does It Cost to Apply for a Passport?

The cost of applying for a U.S. passport varies depending on the type of passport you need and how quickly you need it. As of 2024, the basic costs are as follows: a new adult passport book costs $130 for the application fee and $35 for the execution fee, totaling $165. For a passport card (which is valid only for land and sea travel between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean), the application fee is $30, and the execution fee remains $35, totaling $65. Children under 16 pay $100 for the application fee and $35 for the execution fee for a passport book, a total of $135. If you need expedited service, there’s an additional fee of $60.

Understanding Passport Fees: A Deep Dive

Navigating the world of passport fees can feel like deciphering a cryptic code. Let’s break down the components and provide some clarity. The total cost of your passport isn’t just one lump sum; it’s comprised of several distinct charges, each serving a specific purpose.

Application Fee: The Core Cost

The application fee is the primary charge associated with processing your passport application. This fee covers the administrative costs of reviewing your documents, verifying your identity, and ultimately issuing your passport. This fee varies based on the applicant’s age and the type of passport requested (book or card).

Execution Fee: The Acceptance Agent’s Cut

The execution fee is a charge levied by authorized passport acceptance facilities, such as post offices or county clerks, for their role in verifying your identity and witnessing your application. This fee is mandatory for first-time applicants, minors, and those who need to replace a lost, stolen, or damaged passport. Think of it as the price you pay for having a trusted agent validate your paperwork before it heads off to the big leagues at the passport agency.

Expedited Service Fee: Speeding Things Up

Need your passport in a hurry? The expedited service fee will bump your application to the front of the line. It’s essentially a premium you pay for faster processing times. While regular processing can take several weeks, expedited service can significantly shorten the wait. Note that even with expedited service, you might still consider paying for faster shipping, especially if you’re cutting it close to your travel date.

Additional Fees: When Things Get Complicated

Beyond the standard fees, several other charges can arise depending on your situation. These might include:

• File Search Fee: If you don’t have sufficient documentation to prove your U.S. citizenship, the passport agency may need to conduct a file search, incurring an additional fee.
• Name Change Fee: This is usually incorporated in the renewal process if your name has changed since your last passport.
• Lost or Stolen Passport Replacement: Replacing a lost or stolen passport involves the same fees as a new passport application.

Passport Books vs. Passport Cards: Which is Right for You?

Understanding the difference between a passport book and a passport card is crucial for making informed decisions about which one to apply for. The passport book is the traditional passport, valid for international travel by air, land, and sea. It’s accepted worldwide and is the most versatile option.

The passport card, on the other hand, is a smaller, credit-card-sized document valid only for land and sea travel between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean. It is generally cheaper and more convenient for frequent travelers to these regions. However, it cannot be used for international air travel.

Choosing between the two depends entirely on your travel habits. If you plan to fly internationally, the passport book is a must. If you primarily travel to neighboring countries by land or sea, the passport card might suffice. Some people opt to have both for maximum flexibility.

Payment Methods: How to Pay for Your Passport

The U.S. Department of State accepts various payment methods for passport fees, but the accepted methods can vary depending on where you are applying.

• When Applying in Person: You can typically pay with cash (exact amount only), check, money order, or credit card. However, acceptance facilities might have their own policies, so it’s always best to check with the specific location beforehand.
• When Applying by Mail: You can pay with a check or money order made payable to the U.S. Department of State. Do not send cash through the mail. Credit card payments are not accepted for mail-in applications.
• Online Renewal: For eligible online renewals, you will be required to use a credit or debit card or an Amazon Pay account.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How much does it cost to renew a passport?

For adults, renewing a passport book by mail costs $130. This fee covers the application process, and there’s no execution fee for renewals. You can only renew your passport by mail if you are eligible. For online renewals, the fee is the same.

2. How long does it take to get a passport?

Standard processing times can vary, but currently, it’s recommended to allow 6-8 weeks for processing from the time of application. Expedited service reduces this to 2-3 weeks, but this timeframe does not include mailing times.

3. Can I pay extra to get my passport faster?

Yes, you can pay an additional $60 for expedited service. Additionally, you can pay for faster shipping both when sending your application and when receiving your new passport.

4. What forms of payment are accepted for passport applications?

Accepted forms of payment depend on where you are applying. In person, you can typically pay with cash, check, money order, or credit card. By mail, you can pay with a check or money order. Online renewals can be made with a credit or debit card or an Amazon Pay account.

5. Do children’s passports cost the same as adult passports?

No, the application fee for a child’s passport (under 16) is $100 for a passport book, plus the $35 execution fee, for a total of $135.

6. What is the difference between a passport book and a passport card?

A passport book is valid for all international travel (air, land, and sea). A passport card is only valid for land and sea travel between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean.

7. Where can I apply for a passport?

You can apply for a passport at authorized passport acceptance facilities, such as post offices, county clerks’ offices, and some public libraries. You can also apply directly through a regional passport agency if you have urgent travel needs.

8. What documents do I need to apply for a passport?

You will need proof of U.S. citizenship (such as a birth certificate or previous passport), a valid photo ID, and a passport photo that meets specific requirements.

9. How do I replace a lost or stolen passport?

To replace a lost or stolen passport, you must submit Form DS-11 (the same form used for first-time applicants), along with proof of citizenship, a photo ID, a passport photo, and a statement explaining how the passport was lost or stolen. You must also pay the required fees.

10. Can I renew my passport online?

Yes, certain adults are eligible to renew their passports online if they meet specific criteria. This includes having a previous passport that was issued within the last 15 years, being in your possession, and being undamaged.

11. What happens if my passport application is denied?

If your passport application is denied, you will receive a letter explaining the reason for the denial. You may be able to reapply with additional documentation or corrections. You cannot get your execution fee back, but you can get the application fee partially refunded.

12. Is the execution fee refundable if my application is not approved?

No, the execution fee is non-refundable, even if your passport application is not approved. This fee covers the cost of the acceptance agent’s services in verifying your identity and witnessing your application. The application fee may be partially refunded.