How Much Does a Passport Cost?

Last Updated on September 10, 2024
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by CFA Alexander Popinker

Applying for a new passport or renewing an expiring one incurs certain mandatory government fees. But what is the total cost for obtaining U.S. passport books or cards?

Understanding the complex pricing structure, optional add-ons, and expedited services for U.S. passports allows savvy travelers to accurately plan and budget for this essential international travel document expense. This guide provides a detailed breakdown of all current fees, costs, and value-added options to consider.

How Much Does a Passport Cost?

Depending on the type, age of applicant, processing speed, and extra services desired, expect to budget anywhere from $100 on the low end up to $400+ to cover a complete passport application.

The tiered fees for new U.S. passport books and cards issued dependent on applicant age are:

• $130 passport book fee – Valid for 10 years for applicants over age 16.
• $100 passport book fee – Valid for 5 years only for minors under age 16.
• $30 passport card fee – Valid for 10 years for applicants over age 16. For land/sea travel only.
• $15 passport card fee – Valid for 5 years only for minors under age 16. For land/sea travel only.

There is also a separate mandatory non-refundable $35 acceptance fee charged per new passport application, regardless of book or card type, paid to the passport processing center or acceptance facility.

According to the official Travel.State.Gov website, the application fee for a standard adult passport book is $130, while a passport card costs $30. If you are applying for both a passport book and card, the total fee is $160.

Additionally, there is an execution (acceptance) fee of $35 that must be paid at the acceptance facility. For children under 16, the fees are slightly lower, with a passport book costing $100 and a passport card $15, both requiring the same acceptance fee of $35.

Passports and Visas provides a similar overview, confirming that the total cost for a new adult passport, including the acceptance fee, is $165 for standard processing.

They also offer expedited services for an additional $60, bringing the total to $225 for faster processing. For a passport card, the total cost with the acceptance fee is $65. This site emphasizes the importance of checking for any updates to the fees, as they can change.

In a report by Morris County Clerk, the fees are outlined similarly, with adult passport applications costing $130 and children’s applications costing $100. The acceptance fee remains at $35 for both adults and minors. For renewals, the application fee is still $130, but there is no acceptance fee if applying by mail.

San Diego County also lists the same fees, stating that for adults, the passport book costs $130 and the card costs $30, with the acceptance fee of $35 applicable to both. They provide additional information on expedited processing, which costs $190 for adults and $160 for children, plus the acceptance fee.

Finally, Multnomah County echoes these prices, with the adult passport book costing $130 and the passport card $30, both requiring a $35 acceptance fee. They also mention that expedited processing incurs an additional $60 fee, which is consistent across various sources.

Renewing an Expired U.S. Passport

The tiered fees to renew an expired or soon expiring U.S. passport book or card are:

• $130 to renew passport book – For passport holders over age 16.
• $30 to renew passport card – For passport holders over age 16.

No additional acceptance fees are levied by the government for adult passport renewals submitted properly by mail to the National Passport Processing Center. However, overnight shipping, photos, and any third-party expediting service fees still apply.

U.S. Passports and Their Role

A passport is an officially issued document verifying your identity, citizenship, and right to protection and assistance abroad from the U.S. government. It permits international air, land and sea travel between “ports of entry” and is required for re-entry into your home country from overseas. Standard components include:

• Personal identification page with photograph, passport number, name, date/place of birth, and issue/expiry dates.
• Integrated security features like ultraviolet reactive ink, embedded holograms, and sophisticated laminates protecting each page from tampering and forgery.
• Official stamps and destination visas from customs officials when traveling between countries.
• Pagination sequence to guard against unauthorized page removal or additions.

Having a valid U.S. passport is mandatory for ALL air travel outside the United States, as well as for entry across international land and sea borders. Application requirements and renewal procedures are handled through the U.S. Department of State. Expedited passport services are available for urgent travel situations at added cost.

Expedited Passport Processing

• Expedited processing fee – An additional $60 per application, reducing routine processing times from 8-11 weeks down to 5-7 weeks.
• Overnight return delivery – An extra $18.32 added per application for 1-2 day expedited return shipping via UPS or FedEx.
• Overnight mailing – Starts at $26.95 each way to send application and supporting documents to the processing center and have new passport sent back overnight.

Expedited services and shipping substantially speed up standard passport processing and delivery for urgent travel situations where time is of the essence.

Acquiring Proper Passport Photos

• U.S. Post Office – $15 for two approved passport photos, often the fastest and most convenient option.
• Major drugstores – $8 to $15 for two compliant passport photos at locations like CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid and Walmart.
• DIY with smartphone app – $0 to $5 for two correctly formatted photos using phone and passport photo app. Cheapest but more effort.

You might also like our articles on the cost of a birth certificate, international driver’s license, or AAA roadside assistance.

The U.S. government has strict passport photo requirements that must be followed precisely to ensure approval and avoid processing delays or rejections.

Other Passport Costs

• Replacing lost, stolen or damaged passport – $145 application fee for passport book replacement for adults. Can be expedited for urgent travel needs.
• Legal name change on passport – $145 application fee for adults to update the name on a still valid passport due to events like marriage, divorce, or court order.
• Country entrance/exit fees – Some destinations charge entry or exit fees, ranging anywhere from $20 up to $200+. Be aware when budgeting.
• Required visas – Certain countries will require purchasing a visa before allowing entry, which can cost $50-$150 each. Confirm visa needs.
• Travel health fees – Entering some regions requires up-to-date proof of select vaccinations, ranging $50-$150 per each.

Depending on specific circumstances, additional fees can apply beyond base government passport costs.

Passport Card Vs. Passport Book

Passport Card

• Valid for 10 years ($30 fee for adults)
• Permits land and sea travel only to Canada, Mexico, Caribbean, and Bermuda
• Cheaper but limited utility.

Passport Book

• Valid for 10 years ($130 fee for adults)
• Required for ALL international and overseas air travel
• Provides comprehensive global travel document

Many travelers ultimately obtain both cards and books to maximize travel document flexibility. But first-timers generally only require the passport book to broaden air travel possibilities.

Passport Application Processing

Routine Processing

• Standard processing time is 8-11 weeks.
• No extra fees but requires maximum advance planning.

Expedited Processing

• Reduces wait times to between 5-7 weeks.
• Incurs an additional expediting fee of $60 per application.

Applying for or renewing your passport a minimum of 3-6 months in advance of intended travel avoids costly last-minute expedited processing fees whenever possible. Urgent exceptions can be handled for emergencies.

Expert Recommendations

Michelle Davis, Passport and Visa Expediting Services:

“Check current passport processing times and mail your renewal 6 months before expiration. Routine processing meets most travelers’ needs at the lowest cost if properly planned for.”

Andrew Thompson, Travel Document Preparation Services:

“Don’t wait until the last minute if your passport is expiring soon. Expedited services greatly increase total costs. Apply for routine processing early.”

Jessica Smith, Passport Photo Specialist:

“Getting compliant passport photos from the start prevents rejections and delays. We see many applicants waste time and money on DIY photo attempts that fail to meet strict government requirements.”

Robert Brown, Executive Travel Blogger:

“Your passport enables experiencing the world. Don’t cheap out just to save a little money upfront or you’ll pay much more later on. Invest in at least 10 year validity and keep it current.”

Leveraging insider guidance from experts allows travelers to optimize passport costs and efficiency.

Final Words

While passport costs and fees can range from $100 on the low end to over $400 when factoring expedited services and extra options, possessing this globally recognized travel document provides the key to unlocking international adventures and maximizing overseas travel opportunities.

Avoid unnecessary fees by proactively applying for routine processing when your passport expiration date approaches. But for urgent last-minute travel needs, expedited services offer essential flexibility at a premium price.

Answers to Common Questions

Do I need a passport card?

For maximum convenience, many travelers obtain both. The card speeds security checks for land/sea border crossings. But the book permits international air travel.

What do I need to fly?

All passengers 18 and over must show a REAL ID compliant driver’s license or state ID, military ID, or passport when flying from U.S. airports.

Can I use my phone on a plane?

No, all major U.S. airlines prohibit using portable electronics during critical takeoff and landing phases of flight to avoid any radio interference with the pilots’ navigation systems.