How Much Is United States Passport? Passport Fees, Renewal Costs, Card Prices (Updated for 2026)

Article Was Last Updated August 26, 2026

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Passport Book vs Passport Card Cost

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:

1. Complete Form DS-11 without signing it.
2. Gather proof of U.S. citizenship.
3. Bring proof of identity and a photocopy.
4. Provide one passport photo.
5. Pay the required passport fees.
6. Sign the application before the passport acceptance agent.
7. 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?

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.

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.

Always confirm the latest passport fees before submitting your application because the Department of State may update fees or mailing charges.