US Passport Fees: Complete Information for 2024

A US passport book with a price tag hanging from the corner.
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Do you want to apply for a new US passport but you don’t know how much you’ll have to pay? 

The costs may vary depending on your situation. 

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll shed light on different US passport fees.

We will explore all the costs associated with the application process, renewal options, expedited services, and any additional services that may be required.

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Which passport fees do you need to pay?

When applying for a US passport, you will have to pay different fees depending on the forms and process you pick. 

That’s why it’s important to familiarize yourself with the costs relevant to your situation. 

The fees can be broadly categorized into three main areas:

Let’s break these down, one by one:

First time passport application fees

When you apply for a US passport for the first time with Form DS-11, you will need to divide the costs between:

  • The application fee—paid directly to the US Department of State
  • The execution fee—paid to the passport acceptance facility

Additionally, the price also changes depending on the document format you pick (passport book, card, or both).

For an adult US citizen, the amounts are:

US Passport Fees for Adults

Application feeExecution feeTotal
Passport book$130$35$165
Passport card$30$35$65
Both formats$160$35$195

Interested in learning more about the two formats? You can read our guide about the difference between a passport book and a passport card.

If the applicant is a minor, the application fee will be lower, as the document will only be valid for five years.

If the person applying is under 16 they’ll pay less since their document is only valid for five years.

Specifically, these are the fees for citizens under 16 years of age:

US Passport Fees for Minors

Application feeExecution feeTotal
Passport book$100$35$135
Passport card$15$35$50
Both formats$115$35$150

Keep in mind that passport fees increase over time, as one of our recent studies concluded.

It found that application and execution fees for a first-time adult passport book have increased by 77% since 2000 when adjusted for inflation.

So, prices are definitely higher compared to the amount you paid for your previous passport.

Passport renewal fees

If you qualify for passport renewal with Form DS-82, you only need to pay for the application fee since the process is completed by mail, without the need to visit an acceptance facility.

So, to renew your US passport, you’ll have to pay the following amount:

Fees for passport renewal

Passport book$130
Passport card$30
Both formats$160

Note that these fees only apply to adult passports since minors can’t renew their documents with Form DS-82

Expedited passport fees

The average processing time for a US passport is between 6 and 9 weeks from the day the application reaches the State Department. 

If you want to get your passport earlier, you can request the expedited passport service and have your document in 3 to 5 weeks.

The expedited passport fee is $60 in addition to the standard acceptance fees.

Lastly, it’s also possible to shorten the delivery time between the passport processing facility and your address with 1–2 day delivery service.

This option costs an extra $19.45.

How to pay US passport fees

After calculating exactly how much you need to pay to get a US passport, you might be wondering which payment methods you can use.

Well, the accepted payment methods change depending on the fee and the form you are using.

Application fees

If you are paying for first-time passport application fees, you can use the following methods:

  • Application fee: check or money order
  • Execution fee: check or money order (some facilities accept cash or credit cards)

The two fees must be paid separately.

Renewal fees

If you are renewing your passport, you’ll need to include the payment in the renewal application package in the form of a personal check or money order made payable to “US Department of State.”

Online payment is currently unavailable and cash payments will not be accepted.

An example of how to fill a check to pay passport fees.

How to pay expedited passport fees

For expedited service, the State Department only accepts payments by check or money order.

Note that this fee needs to be paid separately; you cannot use a single money order or check for the application fee and the expedited fee.

FAQ

What is the current price of a US passport?

A US passport book currently costs $130 plus the $35 execution fee. Passport cards cost a total of $65.

How do you pay for passport renewal?

Passport renewal fees must be paid by check or money order and included in the application package.

US passport fees—conclusion

Understanding the various fees associated with US passport applications is crucial for planning and budgeting purposes. 

Depending on your situation, you might spend between $50 and $195.

Whether you are applying for the first time, renewing an existing passport, or seeking expedited services, being aware of the costs involved will help streamline the process.

Remember to carefully review the current fees and payment methods accepted by the US Department of State to ensure a smooth passport application experience.

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