How Much Is It to Get a Passport?
A Comprehensive US Price Guide
A short yet complete price breakdown that covers every possible scenario.
Contents
How Much Is It to Get a Passport?
Before you take a flight overseas (or travel by land), make sure your passport book (or your passport card for land border crossings) is still valid. If it’s not or you don’t have it yet, it’s time to take care of the matter! That said, one question comes to mind: How much does it cost to get a passport? This exhaustive guide gives you all the financial insights you need to make travel plans.
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How Much Is a U.S. Passport?
The total price and its components will vary depending on whether it’s your first-time passport or you just want to renew your existing document (plus, there is a separate price list for children’s passports). Whatever the case, the cost will include an application fee and, if it’s your first-time travel ID, the execution fee (also known as the acceptance fee).
Please note that the below charts include the official numbers from the Department of State. However, for your convenience, we added a new column including the price for expedited passport processing which takes 4-6 weeks (while the routine service takes 8 weeks).
New Passport Fees
Getting your travel document for the first time is, of course, the most expensive scenario. Here’s the official price list that covers every option to get an adult passport:
Passport Renewal Fees
In case you only need to renew your existing passport, the price is lower by $35 and includes the application fee only (due to the fact that you don’t need to visit a passport acceptance facility in order to renew).
Minor’s Passport Fees
For obvious reasons, there is no passport renewal option for minors. That is, if you getting a new document for an underage child, be prepared to pay the execution fee (however, the application fees are less than those for adults). So, how much are minor passports?
How Much Is It to Get a Passport: Prices for Corrections and Replacement?
Passport Name Change Fee
There are two possible scenarios. You can change the name in your US passport for:
- Free – if you request the change within one year after both the passport was issued and your name was legally changed. You also won’t have to pay anything if you’re making the change due to a data or printing error.
- The full price – in case it’s been more than a year since either your passport was issued or you legally changed your name. You will also have to pay if you cannot document your change. See the above charts to determine how much you’ll have to pay.
Lost or Stolen Passport Replacement Cost
In case you don’t have your ID in your possession anymore, getting a replacement will come at the same price as if you were getting a first-time passport. So, along with the usual passport application fee, you will need to pay the execution fee as well.
This means that replacing an adult passport will cost between $65 and $225 (depending on its type and whether or not you use the expedited service). Similarly, a child’s passport can cost between $50 and $210.
See the above charts to find out exactly how much you will need to pay.
Damaged Passport Replacement Cost
Here, the same rule applies: if your ID is heavily damaged or mutilated, you will need to pay the same price as if you were obtaining your first passport. The total amount depends on your age and whether you use the expedited services or not.
Consult the charts above to add up the exact amount payable.
How Much Is It to Get a U.S. Passport? Cost Breakdown
Why Is There an Application Fee?
It is charged to cover the cost of processing the application, verifying the applicant’s identity and citizenship, running security checks, and making a new passport book or the passport card itself. Additionally, the money is used for the maintenance and enhancement of the passport issuance system, including the development of secure technologies and infrastructure to protect against fraud and counterfeiting. In other words, this passport fee ensures that the application process goes smoothly, efficiently, and securely.
What’s With the Acceptance Fees?
Authorized acceptance facilities (such as post offices, court clerks, and public libraries) charge their applicants to partially cover the expenses related to processing and accepting passport applications. Per se, each execution fee is paid separately to cover the facility’s services, including verification and review of the application. It also helps fund the facilities and staff needed to process your passport application and thus ensure the confidentiality and integrity of all procedures. This is a common practice to keep the system’s efficiency and accuracy.
Other Additional Fees
- 1-2 Day Delivery Fee – $19.53: This optional charge can be paid to the State Department to provide a new passport book to the customer sooner (within 1-2 business days). This option is applicable only to postal addresses within the US and cannot be used when getting a passport card.
- File Search Fee – $150: When applicants cannot provide proof of U.S. citizenship, evidence of a previously issued U.S. passport book (or card), or a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, a file search is required. The file search fee covers the cost of locating and retrieving the necessary records but please note that it’s non-refundable, regardless of whether or not any records are found.
Payment Methods
- When applying at a post office, library, or the like, you can pay by checks or money orders (whatever you use, make sure not to cancel it after you apply). As a rule, credit and debit cards cannot be used. You will also have to make a separate $35 payment by money order (some locations can also accept separate checks, debit or credit cards, and cash).
- When renewing by mail, you can only send a check or a money order.
- When applying or renewing at a passport agency, you can use all of the above–debit or credit cards, checks, money orders, or cash (exact change only).
Cost Calculator
What with the numerous options and nuances, it’s pretty easy to get lost. To learn exactly how much it will be for a minor or adult passport card or book, you can use the calculator available on the official website of the Department of State.
One More Thing to Take Care Of
Last but not least, there is another thing that contributes to the total price–you need to get a correct picture for your new ID, be it a passport book or card.
You can get a valid picture at various locations, such as retail stores, post office branches, and photo studios, with prices ranging from $10 to $20. However, you can save money and, for example, get a valid passport photo on our website. Push the button below to try it for free now!