How Much Is a Passport? US Fees and Costs Explained

Getting a U.S. passport can be complex, with costs from $130 to $214.53. This guide explains the fees for applying, renewing, and extra services. It covers passport books, cards, expedited services, and more.

It talks about the standard fees for books and cards, renewals, and expedited services. You’ll learn about application and execution fees, online renewal, and mailing costs. It also compares passport book and card costs and discusses future fee changes.

This info helps you understand the U.S. passport application process better. You’ll know how to budget and avoid surprises. It’s useful whether you’re applying for the first time or renewing.

Current Passport Costs

Applying for a U.S. passport is easy, but knowing the fees is key. The cost of a passport in the U.S. depends on the type and the applicant’s age.

Overview of Standard Fees

Adults 16 and up pay $130 for a first-time passport book, plus $35 for processing, for a total of $165. First-time passport cards cost $30, plus $35 for processing, making it $65.

For those under 16, the passport book is $100, plus $35 for processing, for a total of $135. The passport card is $15, plus $35 for processing, for a total of $50.

Passport Book vs. Passport Card Fees

The passport book and card serve different purposes. The book is for air, land, and sea travel to any country. The card is for land and sea travel to places like Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda. The book costs more but offers more travel options.

Document Type Adult (16+) Minor (Under 16)
Passport Book $130 + $35 = $165 $100 + $35 = $135
Passport Card $30 + $35 = $65 $15 + $35 = $50

Passport book and card

Knowing the passport costs and the differences between the book and card helps when applying for a U.S. passport.

how much is a passport

Adult Passport Application Fees

Adults 16 and older need a passport book for the first time. The total cost is $165. This breaks down into a $130 application fee and a $35 execution fee. For a new passport card, it’s $65. This includes a $30 application fee and a $35 execution fee.

Minor Passport Application Fees

Children under 16 pay less for passports. A first-time passport book for a child costs $135. This is made up of a $100 application fee and a $35 execution fee. A passport card for a minor is $50. This is a $15 application fee and a $35 execution fee.

Remember, these fees can change. So, [https://www.judiciarynotes.in/brevard-clerk-of-courts-your-local-legal-resource/]customers should check the U.S. Department of State’s website. This way, they get the latest info on adult passport application fees and minor passport application fees.

passport application fees

Passport Type Application Fee Execution Fee Total Cost
Adult Passport Book (First-Time) $130 $35 $165
Adult Passport Card (First-Time) $30 $35 $65
Minor Passport Book (First-Time) $100 $35 $135
Minor Passport Card (First-Time) $15 $35 $50

Passport Renewal Fees

Renewing your U.S. passport has different fees based on the type of document and how fast you want it done. For adults renewing a passport book by mail, the cost is $130. But, if you need it faster, it’s $190.

Renewing a passport book and card together costs $160 for the standard option, or $220 for expedited service. Remember, these fees don’t include extra charges. You usually send it in by mail or online, skipping the need for an office visit.

Renewal Type Standard Fee Expedited Fee
Passport Book $130 $190
Passport Card $30 N/A
Passport Book and Card $160 $220

Choosing to passport renewal by mail is easy and can save you time and money. Just make sure you have all your documents ready and follow the steps closely. This way, you avoid extra fees and delays.

passport renewal fees

“Renewing your passport has never been easier, and with the right information, you can ensure a smooth and cost-effective process.”

Optional Passport Service Costs

The U.S. Department of State offers extra services for a fee. One such service is expedited passport processing. It cuts the wait time from 6-8 weeks to just 2-3 weeks. This fast track service has a $60 fee.

Another option is faster passport delivery. For a $19.53 fee, your new passport book will arrive in 1-2 days in the U.S. This is great for those in a rush.

Remember, these expedited passport processing fees and passport delivery fees are on top of the usual fees. Knowing these costs helps you plan and budget for your passport needs.

Service Fee
Expedited Passport Processing $60
1-2 Day Passport Delivery $19.53

If you need your passport fast or prefer quick delivery, knowing the 1-2 day passport delivery cost and other fees is key. It helps you make smart choices about your passport needs.

Passport Application and Execution Fees

When you apply for a U.S. passport, you’ll need to know about two fees: the passport application fee and the passport execution fee. The application fee goes to the U.S. Department of State and covers processing your passport request. The execution fee, or acceptance fee, is paid at the passport acceptance facility. This fee helps cover the cost of accepting your application.

For first-time applicants and minors, you must pay both fees. The application fee for an adult passport is, and the execution fee is $35. For minors, the fee starts at $100, plus the $35 execution fee.

Payment Methods by Location

The ways you can pay for passport fees vary by location. You can usually pay with:

  • Checks or money orders
  • Credit or debit cards
  • Digital wallet payments, such as Apple Pay or Google Pay

Some places might have extra rules or limited payment options. Always check what payment methods your passport acceptance facility accepts before you apply.

“Applying for a passport can be a bit of a financial investment, but it’s important to understand the various fees and payment options to ensure a smooth process.”

Online Passport Renewal Costs

Renewing a U.S. passport online is easy and costs the same as by mail. Renewing your passport online costs $130 for the book and $30 for the card. This includes standard USPS priority mail delivery.

The online renewal process doesn’t offer fast shipping or expedited service, except for urgent travel needs. It takes about 6 to 8 weeks, just like mail-in renewals.

To renew online, your passport must be 10 years old and issued between 2009 and 2015. Or, it must be over 9 years old but less than 15 years old from the renewal date. You can’t change your name, gender, or birthplace, and not have a special passport type.

Renewal Option Passport Book Passport Card Total
Online Renewal $130 $30 $160
Mail-in Renewal $130 $30 $160

The cost and process for online and mail-in renewals are the same. The main difference is you can do it from home.

“Renewing your passport online can be a hassle-free way to keep your travel documents up to date, as long as you meet the eligibility criteria.”

Mailing Fees for Passport Delivery

Getting a U.S. passport involves looking at mailing fees for delivery. Luckily, there’s no extra charge for standard passport delivery with the regular service. After processing, your passport will be sent to you via USPS Priority Mail free of charge.

But, if you need it faster, there’s a $19.53 fee for 1-2 day delivery of your passport book or card. This fast service is great if you’re traveling soon.

For renewing your passport, you must pay to send it to the acceptance facility. Remember this when planning your passport renewal budget.

Service Cost
Standard Delivery (USPS Priority Mail) No Additional Fees
Expedited Delivery (1-2 Business Days) $19.53
Shipping to Acceptance Facility (Renewal) Varies by Location

Knowing about mailing fees for passport delivery helps you plan your budget. Whether you pick standard or fast delivery, these costs are key to consider. They are part of the total cost for getting or renewing your U.S. passport.

Cost Comparison: Passport Book vs Card

Travelers have two main options for a U.S. passport: the traditional book or the compact card. The choice often depends on cost. Each has different fees.

The first-time fee for a passport book is $130, plus $35 for execution, making it $165. For a passport card, it’s $30 to apply, and another $35 for execution, for a total of $65.

The passport book costs more but lets you travel by air internationally. The passport card is cheaper and good for land and sea trips to certain places. If you don’t fly, the card might be a better deal.

Passport Option First-Time Application Fee Execution Fee Total Cost
Passport Book $130 $35 $165
Passport Card $30 $35 $65

Cost savings don’t stop at the first application. Renewing a passport book costs $130, but a card is just $30. Applying for both at once saves $35 in fees.

The choice between a passport book and a passport card depends on your travel plans and budget. Think about the costs to make the best choice for you.

Upcoming US Passport Fee Changes

Passport fees can change over time. As of 2024, the fees listed here are correct. But, they might change in the future. The U.S. Department of State updates fees to cover costs.

Starting December 27, 2021, the passport security surcharge fee went up by $20. Now, minors using Form DS-11 pay $135, up from $115. Adults renewing with Form DS-82 now pay $130, up from $110. Adults getting a new passport in person with Form DS-11 pay $165, up from $145.

It’s a good idea to check the U.S. Department of State’s website for the latest on passport fees. Fees can change due to policy updates or other reasons.

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