A United States passport costs $165 for most first-time adult applicants applying for a passport book. Eligible adult passport renewals cost $130, while a child’s passport costs $135 for a passport book and $50 for a passport card. Expedited processing adds $60 to the standard passport fee. The total amount depends on your age, the passport document you choose, whether you qualify for renewal and any optional services.
This guide explains every United States passport fee, including passport book and passport card costs, renewal fees, expedited service, processing times, eligibility requirements, application steps and current Department of State charges.
United States Passport Fees at a Glance
The table below shows the standard United States passport fees for the most common applications.
| Passport Type | Application Fee | Acceptance Fee | Total Cost |
| First-time adult passport book | $130 | $35 | $165 |
| First-time adult passport card | $30 | $35 | $65 |
| First-time adult passport book and card | $160 | $35 | $195 |
| Adult passport book renewal | $130 | Not required | $130 |
| Adult passport card renewal | $30 | Not required | $30 |
| Adult passport book and card renewal | $160 | Not required | $160 |
| Child passport book (under 16) | $100 | $35 | $135 |
| Child passport card (under 16) | $15 | $35 | $50 |
| Child passport book and card (under 16) | $115 | $35 | $150 |
Your total passport cost depends on your age, the document you choose, whether you qualify for renewal and any optional services such as expedited processing or 1–2 Day Delivery.
United States Passport Fees
The U.S. Department of State sets passport fees according to the applicant’s age, application type and passport document.
Adult Passport Fees
Applicants aged 16 and older pay the standard adult passport fees.
| Passport Type | Total Cost |
| First-time passport book | $165 |
| First-time passport card | $65 |
| First-time passport book and card | $195 |
| Passport book renewal | $130 |
| Passport card renewal | $30 |
| Passport book and card renewal | $160 |
First-time applicants pay the passport application fee and the $35 acceptance fee. Eligible renewals do not pay the acceptance fee because they renew with Form DS-82.
Child Passport Fees
Children under 16 pay lower application fees than adults. Every child must apply in person with a parent or legal guardian, and child passports remain valid for five years.
| Passport Type | Application Fee | Acceptance Fee | Total Cost |
| Passport book | $100 | $35 | $135 |
| Passport card | $15 | $35 | $50 |
| Passport book and card | $115 | $35 | $150 |
Applicants aged 16 and 17 pay the same passport fees as adults. First-time applicants in this age group must apply in person using Form DS-11.
Passport Renewal Fees
Most adults renew with Form DS-82 if they meet the Department of State renewal requirements.
| Renewal Type | Fee |
| Passport book | $130 |
| Passport card | $30 |
| Passport book and card | $160 |
Applicants who cannot renew with Form DS-82 must submit Form DS-11 and pay the applicable first-time application fees.
Expedited Passport Fees
Applicants who need faster service can request expedited processing.
| Optional Service | Additional Cost |
| Expedited processing | $60 |
| 1–2 Day Delivery (passport return) | Additional mailing fee |
The expedited fee applies to first-time applications, passport renewals and child passport applications.
Passport Book vs Passport Card
The right passport depends on where you plan to travel.
A passport book supports international travel by air, land and sea.
A passport card supports travel by land and sea between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and many Caribbean countries. It cannot be used for international air travel.
| Feature | Passport Book | Passport Card |
| International air travel | ✓ | ✗ |
| International land travel | ✓ | ✓ |
| International sea travel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Canada by land or sea | ✓ | ✓ |
| Mexico by land or sea | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bermuda by land or sea | ✓ | ✓ |
| Many Caribbean countries by land or sea | ✓ | ✓ |
| Europe by air | ✓ | ✗ |
| Asia by air | ✓ | ✗ |
| Africa by air | ✓ | ✗ |
| South America by air | ✓ | ✗ |
| Valid as domestic identification | ✓ | ✓ |
| Fits in a wallet | ✗ | ✓ |
Passport Book vs Passport Card Cost
| Document | First-Time Adult | Adult Renewal |
| Passport book | $165 | |
| Passport card | $65 | $30 |
| Passport book and card | $195 | $160 |
Most travellers choose a passport book because it covers international air travel. Applicants who regularly cross land borders may also apply for a passport card. Many choose both documents during the same application to avoid submitting another application later.
United States Passport Eligibility and Requirements
United States passports are available to U.S. citizens and U.S. nationals who meet the legal requirements.
First-time applicants usually need:
- Proof of U.S. citizenship
- Proof of identity
- A photocopy of the identification document
- One passport photo that meets Department of State requirements
- A completed passport application form
- Payment of the required passport fees
Applicants renewing with Form DS-82 normally submit:
- The completed renewal form
- The most recent passport
- One passport photo if required
- Payment of the renewal fee
Children under 16 must apply in person with a parent or legal guardian. Applicants aged 16 and 17 may also need evidence of parental awareness.
How to Apply for a United States Passport
The application process depends on whether you are applying for the first time or renewing an existing passport.
First-Time Passport Application
Most first-time applicants use Form DS-11 and apply in person at a passport acceptance facility.
Follow these steps:
- Complete Form DS-11 without signing it.
- Gather proof of U.S. citizenship.
- Bring proof of identity and a photocopy.
- Provide one passport photo.
- Pay the required passport fees.
- Sign the application before the passport acceptance agent.
- Submit the application.
Passport Renewal
Eligible applicants renew with Form DS-82 and do not pay the $35 acceptance fee.
You can renew with Form DS-82 if your passport:
- Is available for submission
- Shows normal wear
- Was issued within the last 15 years
- Was issued when you were at least 16 years old
- Was issued in your current name or you qualify for a legal name change update
Applicants who do not meet these requirements must submit Form DS-11 as a new application.
Which Passport Form Should You Use?
| Form | Purpose |
| DS-11 | First-time applications, child applications and applicants who cannot renew |
| DS-82 | Eligible adult passport renewals |
| DS-5504 | Eligible name changes, data corrections and limited-validity passport replacements |
Where Can You Apply?
You can submit a passport application at:
- Passport acceptance facilities
- Selected United States Postal Service locations
- County clerk offices
- Public libraries that accept passport applications
- Passport agencies for approved urgent travel
- U.S. embassies and consulates outside the United States
Most acceptance facilities require an appointment before accepting applications.
United States Passport Processing Times
United States passport processing times depend on the service you choose. The Department of State offers routine and expedited processing, while urgent travel appointments are available for eligible travellers.
Processing begins after a passport agency or processing centre receives your application. Mailing time is separate from processing time.
| Service | Current Processing Time | Extra Cost |
| Routine processing | 4–6 weeks | Included |
| Expedited processing | 2–3 weeks | +$60 |
| 1–2 Day Delivery (passport return) | Does not reduce processing time | Additional mailing fee |
| Urgent travel appointment | Available for eligible travellers with international travel within 14 calendar days | Standard passport fees plus applicable expedited and delivery fees |
Routine processing is suitable if you have no immediate travel plans. Expedited processing reduces the waiting period by adding the $60 expedited service fee. Meanwhile, 1–2 Day Delivery speeds up the return of the completed passport book but does not reduce processing time.
Applicants should also allow mailing time for applications to reach the passport agency and for completed passports to arrive. The Department of State updates processing estimates throughout the year, so check the latest times before submitting an application.
Lost, Stolen or Damaged Passport
A lost, stolen or damaged passport does not have a separate replacement fee. Applicants generally pay the standard passport application fee for a replacement passport.
Report a lost or stolen passport before applying for another one. Applicants replacing a damaged passport usually submit the damaged passport with the application.
United States citizens living outside the country can also renew or replace a passport through a U.S. embassy or consulate. Local appointment procedures and payment methods may vary by country.
Common Passport Fee Mistakes
Using the correct form, fee and payment method helps prevent delays.
| Mistake | Result |
| Paying one cheque or money order instead of two for a first-time application | Payment may be rejected because the application fee and acceptance fee usually go to different organisations |
| Paying the $35 acceptance fee for an eligible renewal | Increases the total cost unnecessarily |
| Using Form DS-82 instead of Form DS-11 | The application may be returned if it does not meet the renewal requirements |
| Choosing a passport card instead of a passport book | A passport card cannot be used for international air travel |
| Paying for expedited service without urgent travel | Adds an extra $60 to the application cost |
| Using an outdated passport fee schedule | The application may be delayed until the correct payment is received |
| Forgetting optional service fees | The total payment may be incorrect |
Always confirm the latest passport fees before submitting your application because the Department of State may update fees or mailing charges.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a passport card cheaper than a passport book?
Yes. A first-time adult passport card costs $65, while a first-time adult passport book costs $165.
Can I pay passport fees online?
Yes. Eligible applicants renewing online can pay through the Department of State’s online renewal system. Payment methods for first-time and in-person applications depend on the passport acceptance facility.
Do passport fees include the passport photo?
No. Passport photo fees are separate from passport application fees.
Can I get a refund on passport fees?
No. Passport application fees and acceptance fees are generally non-refundable once processing begins.
Do I pay two separate passport fees?
Yes. Most first-time applicants pay the passport application fee to the U.S. Department of State and the $35 acceptance fee to the passport acceptance facility.
What is the file search fee?
The file search fee is $150. It applies when you ask the Department of State to search its records for proof of U.S. citizenship or a previously issued passport.
What is the 1–2 Day Delivery fee?
This optional fee pays for faster return shipping of your completed passport book. It does not reduce passport processing time.
Can I renew my passport before it expires?
Yes. Eligible applicants may renew a passport before it expires.
How long is a U.S. passport valid?
Adult passports issued to applicants aged 16 or older are generally valid for 10 years. Passports issued to children under 16 are generally valid for 5 years.
Can I apply for both a passport book and passport card?
Yes. You can request both documents on the same application and pay the combined fee.
Can I apply for a U.S. passport at the post office?
Yes. Many United States Postal Service locations serve as passport acceptance facilities.
Can I use a passport card for international flights?
No. International air travel requires a passport book.
Do children need to appear in person for a passport application?
Yes. Every child under 16 must appear in person with a parent or legal guardian.
Can I speed up my passport application after submitting it?
Yes. You may request expedited processing if your application has not been completed. Additional fees apply.
What happens if my passport application is denied?
The Department of State will explain why the application could not be approved or request additional information if needed.
Can someone else collect my passport?
No. The completed passport is normally returned to the mailing address provided with the application.
What should I do if I make a mistake on my passport application?
Correct any mistake before signing and submitting the application. If you discover an error after submission, contact the National Passport Information Center for guidance.
Can I travel while my passport renewal is being processed?
No. Applicants renewing by mail or online must submit their current passport, so it cannot be used for international travel during processing.
Do I need a passport to travel to Puerto Rico or Guam?
No. U.S. citizens do not need a passport for direct travel between the U.S. mainland, Puerto Rico, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa and the Northern Mariana Islands.
How many blank pages should my passport have before travelling?
The United States does not require a minimum number of blank pages. However, many countries require one or two blank visa pages for entry.
Can I renew an expired U.S. passport?
Yes. Many expired passports remain eligible for renewal if they meet the Department of State’s renewal requirements. Otherwise, you must apply with Form DS-11.
Does changing my name affect my passport application?
Yes. Applicants who have legally changed their name must submit supporting documents. The correct passport form depends on when the current passport was issued and the reason for the name change.
Conclusion
United States passport fees depend on your age, application type, passport document and optional services. Calculate your total passport cost before applying, choose the correct form, and include expedited processing, acceptance fees, delivery charges and any additional services that apply to your application. Use the current Department of State fee schedule before submitting payment. For the latest routine and expedited processing times, visit the U.S. Department of State Passport Processing Times page.
