Learn About Passport Fees and Costs

Understanding Passport Fees and When Costs Apply

Passport fees vary based on the type of passport you need and whether you're obtaining one for the first time or renewing an existing one. The U.S. State Department sets these fees, and they can change periodically. As of 2024, a standard adult passport book costs $130 for a new passport and $110 for renewal. A passport card, which is a smaller wallet-sized document valid for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean, costs $35 for new issuance and $30 for renewal.

In addition to the passport fee itself, there is typically a processing fee. The execution fee, which covers the work performed by passport acceptance agents or the State Department, is $35 for all passport applications. This fee is separate from the passport book or card fee and applies whether you're getting your first passport or renewing an existing one. Some applicants may be confused about these separate charges, thinking they are paying one lump sum when actually two distinct fees are involved.

Additional costs may arise depending on your situation. If you need your passport expedited (processed faster than the standard timeline), there is an expedite fee of $60 on top of the regular fees. Rush service, which is the fastest option available through the State Department, costs even more. Furthermore, if you're applying in person at a passport acceptance facility or agency, there may be local fees charged by that specific facility, though this varies by location and is not a federal requirement.

The location where you apply for your passport can affect total costs. Some passport acceptance facilities, such as certain county clerks' offices or libraries, may charge additional document certification fees or service charges. These fees are set locally and are not controlled by the federal government. It's worth contacting your local acceptance facility beforehand to understand any supplementary charges.

Practical takeaway: Before beginning the passport application process, contact your local passport acceptance facility or visit the State Department website to confirm the exact combination of fees you will owe. Write down each fee separately (passport fee, execution fee, and any expedite or local fees) so you understand the total amount and bring the correct payment method to your appointment.

Types of Passport Applications and Their Associated Costs

There are several different ways to obtain or renew a passport, and each pathway has different fee structures. A standard new passport application, called a form DS-11, is for individuals who have never had a passport or whose previous passport was lost or stolen. This application must be made in person at a passport acceptance facility or agency. The combined cost for a new passport book is $130 (passport fee) plus $35 (execution fee), totaling $165 before any additional expedite or local fees.

Passport renewals by mail, using form DS-82, are available for certain individuals whose passports are still valid or expired less than five years. This option is typically less expensive and more convenient because you don't need to appear in person. A renewal by mail costs $110 (passport fee) plus a $35 execution fee, totaling $145. However, not everyone can renew by mail. You cannot use this method if your passport was lost or stolen, if it was issued when you were under 16 years old, or if your name has legally changed.

Some applicants need their passports faster than the standard processing time. The State Department offers expedited service, which speeds up processing by paying an additional $60 fee on top of regular fees. This means an expedited renewal costs $145 plus $60, equaling $205. Expedited service still takes time, typically two to three weeks for processing once your application is received, so it is not the fastest option available.

For those who need a passport very quickly, the State Department offers rush service in select locations. This is the fastest option and involves paying additional fees plus scheduling an in-person appointment at one of the limited rush locations. The fees for rush service are higher and include the base passport fee, execution fee, and the rush service fee. Rush appointments typically must be made in advance and are available only in certain cities.

Passport cards are another option with their own fee structure. If you only travel by land or sea to nearby countries, a passport card may be sufficient and costs less than a passport book. A new passport card is $35, plus the $35 execution fee, totaling $70. A passport card renewal is $30 plus $35, totaling $65. Some people obtain both a passport book and card at the same time, which reduces the total cost compared to getting them separately because the execution fee is paid only once.

Practical takeaway: Determine which type of application suits your situation (new, renewal by mail, or in-person renewal) and compare the fees for each option. If you don't need a passport immediately, renewal by mail is typically the least expensive choice. If you need a passport book and card, applying for both simultaneously saves money on execution fees.

Payment Methods and How to Submit Fees

The U.S. State Department accepts several payment methods when you submit your passport application. The accepted payment methods vary depending on whether you're applying by mail or in person. Understanding these options helps you prepare before your appointment or mail submission.

For in-person applications at passport acceptance facilities, payment methods typically include cash, personal check, cashier's check, or money order. Some facilities may also accept credit cards or debit cards, but this varies by location. When paying with a check or money order, make it payable to the "U.S. Department of State." If you pay with cash, bring the exact amount or be prepared for change. It's advisable to call your specific passport acceptance facility beforehand to confirm which payment methods they accept, as policies can differ between locations.

For applications submitted by mail, you cannot include cash. Instead, you must submit a personal check, cashier's check, or money order made payable to the "U.S. Department of State." Some postal facilities and banks can issue cashier's checks or money orders for a small fee, typically a few dollars. If you're concerned about security when sending payment by mail, a cashier's check is more secure than a personal check because it's guaranteed by the bank.

Credit card and debit card payments may be available through certain online services or at specific passport acceptance locations that have upgraded systems. However, this is not universally available, so confirm with your local facility. If you're applying for expedited or rush service, some locations may offer additional payment options through their specialized procedures.

One important consideration is the refund policy for passport fees. Once you have paid the passport fee, it is nonrefundable in most circumstances, even if you decide not to pursue the passport. If your application is rejected due to eligibility issues unrelated to fees, your money is generally not returned. The execution fee is also nonrefundable. Therefore, it's crucial to ensure all your documentation is correct and complete before submitting payment and your application.

Practical takeaway: Before attending your appointment or mailing your application, confirm the accepted payment methods with your specific facility. Prepare your payment in the correct form (such as a check made out to the U.S. Department of State). Keep a receipt or documentation of your payment in case questions arise later about your application status.

Additional Costs Beyond Standard Fees

Several additional expenses can arise during the passport process that go beyond the official State Department fees. Understanding these potential costs helps you budget appropriately and avoid surprises. One common additional cost is the price of obtaining certified copies of required documents, such as birth certificates. If you need a certified copy of your birth certificate to submit with your passport application, you must request this from the vital records office in the state where you were born. This typically costs between $10 and $30 per copy, depending on your state.

Passport photos are another required expense. The State Department requires a specific style of photograph (2x2 inches, taken within the last six months, meeting particular background and expression requirements). While you can have photos taken at various locations, costs range from about $10 to $25 per set of photos at pharmacies, portrait studios, or professional photographers. Some people choose to have extra photos taken beyond the number needed for the passport application in case they're needed later. Taking your own photos and printing them is less expensive but can be challenging to do correctly according to State Department standards.

If you need copies of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order for name change, or other legal documents to submit with your application, obtaining certified copies from the appropriate government office typically costs $5 to $25 each. These documents are required in certain situations, such as if your name has changed since your previous