How much does it cost to get a passport?
Quick Answer
The cost to get a U.S. passport book starts at $165 for a first-time adult applicant, which includes a $130 application fee and a $35 execution fee. For a passport card, it costs $65, comprising a $30 application fee and a $35 execution fee. Renewal fees are generally $130 for a book and $30 for a card, without an execution fee.
Understanding Passport Fees and Types
The total cost for a U.S. passport depends primarily on whether you are applying for a new passport or renewing an existing one, the type of passport product you need (book, card, or both), and how quickly you need it. A standard passport book is required for all international air travel, while a passport card is valid only for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean. Each has a different base application fee set by the U.S. Department of State.
First-time applicants, those whose previous passport was issued when they were under 16, or those whose previous passport was lost, stolen, or expired more than 15 years ago, must apply in person using Form DS-11. This requires an additional $35 execution fee paid directly to the acceptance facility, such as a U.S. Post Office or public library. If you are eligible to renew your passport by mail using Form DS-82, you typically do not pay an execution fee, making the process slightly less expensive.
Beyond the base application and execution fees, additional costs can include passport photos, which are typically $15 to $20 at retail locations like CVS or Walgreens, and optional expedited processing or faster shipping services. These add-on services can significantly increase your total expenditure, especially if you need your passport quickly for imminent travel plans.
How to Calculate Your Passport Cost Specifically
To accurately determine your passport cost, first, identify your application type and the document you need. For a first-time adult applicant using Form DS-11, you will pay a $130 application fee for a passport book, or $30 for a passport card, or $160 for both. In addition to this, you must pay a $35 execution fee at the acceptance facility, bringing the total for a new passport book to $165, a new passport card to $65, or both to $195.
Next, consider if you need your passport faster than the routine processing time, which is currently 6-8 weeks. If so, add a $60 expedited processing fee to your application fee. This reduces the processing time to 2-3 weeks. For example, a new passport book with expedited processing would cost $130 (application) + $35 (execution) + $60 (expedited fee) = $225. If you also need your completed passport returned quickly, add a $19.53 fee for 1-2 day delivery service, which is separate from the processing time itself.
Finally, factor in the cost of your passport photos. Most major pharmacies like CVS Pharmacy or Walgreens offer compliant 2x2 inch passport photos for approximately $15 to $20. Ensure your photo meets all U.S. Department of State requirements to avoid delays. For instance, a new adult passport book, expedited, with 1-2 day return delivery and a professional photo, would total approximately $130 (application) + $35 (execution) + $60 (expedited processing) + $19.53 (1-2 day delivery) + $20 (photo) = $264.53.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Paying for Your Passport
One frequent error is forgetting the mandatory $35 execution fee when applying in person with Form DS-11. Many people only budget for the application fee to the U.S. Department of State, but the acceptance facility (like a post office or library) requires a separate payment, often by check or money order, for their services. Forgetting this can lead to delays as your application cannot be processed until all fees are paid.
Another common mistake is attempting to pay the application fee to the U.S. Department of State with a credit card. The Department of State only accepts checks (personal, certified, cashier's, traveler's) or money orders made payable to "U.S. Department of State" for the application fee. Some acceptance facilities might accept credit cards for the separate $35 execution fee, but never for the main application fee itself. Using an incorrect payment method will cause your application to be rejected.
People often overlook the additional cost of obtaining compliant passport photos, assuming they are included or inexpensive. Professional 2x2 inch passport photos, which adhere to strict U.S. government guidelines regarding background, lighting, and expression, typically cost between $15 and $20. Trying to take your own photo at home without proper equipment often results in non-compliant pictures and further delays or additional costs to get new ones.
Expert Tips for Budgeting and Expediting Your Passport
To save money and avoid stress, apply for your passport well in advance, ideally at least 3-4 months before any planned international travel. This allows for routine processing, which currently takes 6-8 weeks, avoiding the additional $60 expedited processing fee and the $19.53 fee for 1-2 day return delivery.
Always get your passport photos taken professionally at a reliable location such as a CVS Pharmacy, Walgreens, or a USPS Passport Acceptance Facility. These services ensure your photo meets the exact specifications (e.g., 2x2 inches, white background, neutral expression, no glasses) required by the U.S. Department of State, preventing your application from being rejected due to photo non-compliance.
If you frequently travel to Canada, Mexico, or the Caribbean by land or sea and do not require air travel, consider obtaining a passport card in addition to or instead of a passport book. A passport card costs only $30 (plus the $35 execution fee if applying with DS-11), making it a significantly more affordable option for specific travel scenarios compared to the $130 passport book. You can apply for both a book and a card simultaneously for a combined application fee of $160 (plus execution fee).
After submitting your application, utilize the online tracking system available on the U.S. Department of State's official website, travel.state.gov. You can check the status of your application by providing your last name, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security Number. This allows you to monitor its progress and anticipate its arrival, reducing anxiety about its delivery timeframe.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a passport photo cost?
A passport photo typically costs between $15 and $20 at retail locations like CVS Pharmacy, Walgreens, or a USPS Passport Acceptance Facility. This ensures the photo meets the specific 2x2 inch size and background requirements.
Can I pay for my passport with a credit card?
You generally cannot pay the main passport application fee to the U.S. Department of State with a credit card; they only accept checks or money orders. However, the separate $35 execution fee at an acceptance facility might be payable by credit card at some locations, but this varies.
What's the cost difference between a passport book and a passport card?
A passport book application costs $130, while a passport card application costs $30. If you are a first-time applicant, you'll also add a $35 execution fee to either, making totals $165 for the book and $65 for the card. The book is for all international air travel, while the card is only for land and sea travel to specific neighboring countries.
How much does it cost to renew a passport?
Renewing a U.S. passport book costs $130, and renewing a passport card costs $30. If you renew by mail using Form DS-82, you do not pay the additional $35 execution fee, making renewals generally cheaper than first-time applications.
What are the costs for expedited processing?
Expedited processing adds an extra $60 to your application fee, reducing the processing time from 6-8 weeks to 2-3 weeks. If you also want faster return shipping, you can add an additional $19.53 for 1-2 day delivery of your completed passport.