How much does an american passport cost

You may be asking: How much does an american passport cost?

In this article, we will break down all the fees associated with getting a passport, renewing an old one, or replacing a lost or stolen one. There are different charges for passport books and cards, and even extra costs like expedited processing. Plus, we’ll help you navigate mailing fees and various payment methods.

Lastly, we’ll answer some of the most common questions people have about passport fees and provide tips for managing your application costs. Let’s get started on making your passport journey a bit easier!

General Application Fees

Applying for a passport in the U.S. comes with some costs that can vary depending on whether you’re applying for the first time or renewing. It also differs based on the type of passport you choose: a passport book or a passport card. You’ll also need to decide if you want regular or expedited processing, which speeds things up but costs more.

When you’re filling out your passport application, keep in mind there are different fees involved. There’s an application fee and an acceptance fee, which are separate. You pay these at a passport acceptance facility, like a post office. Sometimes you can pay using credit cards, but check with the facility first.

Here’s a quick breakdown of what these might look like for each type of passport:

Standard Fees for Passport Books

A passport book lets you travel internationally by air, land, or sea. Here are the usual costs:

• Adult Passport Book (16 years and older)
  • Application Fee: $130
  • Acceptance Fee: $35
  • Total: $165
• Minor Passport Book (15 years and younger)
  • Application Fee: $100
  • Acceptance Fee: $35
  • Total: $135

Remember, these are standard fees. If you need your passport faster, you can pay extra for expedited processing, which can take about 2-3 weeks instead of the normal 6-8 weeks. Expedited processing costs an additional $60.

Standard Fees for Passport Cards

If you’re mostly traveling by land and sea to places like Canada, Mexico, or the Caribbean, you might choose a passport card. It’s cheaper but it doesn’t work for international air travel.

• Adult Passport Card (16 years and older)
  • Application Fee: $30
  • Acceptance Fee: $35
  • Total: $65
• Minor Passport Card (15 years and younger)
  • Application Fee: $15
  • Acceptance Fee: $35
  • Total: $50

Payments can usually be made by money order or check to the “U.S. Department of State.” Always check the facility’s payment policies before you go, especially regarding credit card use. These fees add up depending on what type of passport you choose and how quickly you need it, so plan your travel plans and budget accordingly!

Renewal of Passport

Renewing your passport is important if you plan to travel or if it’s expired or about to expire. Think of your passport like a key that lets you go on international adventures and explore different countries. Even for domestic flights, it’s always handy to have a valid passport ready just in case.

Costs associated with renewing a passport

When renewing a passport, there are a few fees to consider. Here’s a simple breakdown:

• Adult Passport Book Renewal: $130
• Minor Passport Book Renewal (under 16 years): Generally, minors cannot renew by mail; they need to apply for a new passport.
• Expedited Processing: An extra $60 if you need it faster (about 2-3 weeks instead of the usual 6-8 weeks).
• Passport Card: If you need a passport card (handy for domestic flights and nearby countries like Canada and Mexico), it costs $30 for adults.

You’ll pay these fees via check or money order payable to “U.S. Department of State.”

Steps to renew a passport

Renewing a passport is pretty straightforward and you can usually do it by mail. Here’s how:

1. Get the Right Form: Print and fill out the DS-82 form—this is the renewal application.
2. Prepare Your Old Passport: You need to send it in with your application.
3. Check for Name Changes: If your name changed since your last passport, include a certified copy of your marriage certificate or other legal document.
4. Get a New Passport Photo: Make sure it meets all the official rules (size, background, etc.).
5. Calculate and Include Fees: Write a check or money order for the correct amount.
6. Mail Everything Properly: Send your form, old passport, photo, and payment to the address specified for renewals.

Choosing a passport acceptance facility nearby is always helpful if you need assistance, and if timing is tight and your travel plans can’t wait, consider applying in person at a passport agency for expedited service.

Replacement of Lost or Stolen Passports

So, you’ve lost your passport or it got stolen. Bummer, right? But don’t worry, you can get it replaced! Here’s what you need to know about the costs and process.

Fees for replacing a lost passport

When you lose your passport, you’ll need to apply for a new one and pay some fees. For adults, it typically costs $130 for the passport book itself and an extra $35 for a “processing fee.” If you’re in a hurry, you can opt for expedited processing at an additional cost of $60, and you’ll get it in about 2-3 weeks rather than the usual 6-8 weeks. Remember to have a recent passport photo and a money order payable for the fees.

Fees for replacing a stolen passport

If your passport is stolen, the fees are the same as replacing a lost one. You’ll need to shell out $130 for the adult passport book, $35 for processing, and possibly $60 more if you need it expedited. Here’s an essential tip: report the theft to the local authorities and U.S. government as soon as possible! You’ll need a police report to back up your passport application.

Replacing your passport does take a bit of time, so make sure to plan your travel accordingly. You can process your application at a passport acceptance facility, in person at a passport agency, or by mail if eligible. Keep your birth certificate handy, as you might need it too.

Optional Service Fees

If you’re thinking about getting an American passport, you might run into some optional service fees. These fees can make the whole process faster or offer other helpful services. But remember, you’ll only pay these if you choose to use these options.

Expedited processing fees

Sometimes people need their passport really fast! Maybe there’s an emergency or a sudden change in travel plans, like a surprise family trip. If you can’t wait the usual 6-8 weeks for processing, you can speed things up by choosing expedited processing. This costs an extra fee. With expedited service, you can get your passport in about 2-3 weeks. Just imagine the line at Disney World got super short – this fee lets you skip ahead.

Additional service charges and their purposes

Here are a few other extra services you might consider:

1. Passport Photo: You need a photo for your passport application. If you don’t want to take it yourself or at a store, some passport acceptance facilities offer this service for a fee.
2. Passport Card: Besides the passport book, you can opt for a passport card. It’s smaller and handy for domestic flights or travel by land and sea between the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean. It’s cheaper than a book but has limited uses.
3. Delivery Services: Need your passport super-duper fast? You can pay extra for overnight delivery so once it’s ready, it gets to you quicker than the usual mail.

These optional services can make your application process smoother and faster, but they do cost extra. So, think about what you really need and maybe discuss it with whoever’s helping you pay, like your parents for a minor passport application.

Mailing Costs

Mailing costs are the fees you’ll need to pay when sending stuff through the mail, whether across town or around the globe. Let’s break it down into two main categories: domestic (within your country) and international (sending outside your country) mailing fees.

Domestic Mailing Fees

Sending mail within your own country usually costs less than sending it overseas. Here’s a quick look at some common domestic mailing options:

• Standard mail: This is the basic way to send letters, like birthday cards or personal notes. It’s usually inexpensive and takes a few days.
• Priority mail: If you need something to get there faster, like in 2-3 days, priority mail is a bit pricier, but quicker.
• Packages and parcels: These can vary in cost depending on the size and weight of what you’re sending. Sending a big package will cost more than a small one.

International Mailing Fees

When you’re shipping something to another country, it gets a bit more complicated and often more expensive:

• First-class international mail: For smaller items, like postcards or lightweight letters, this is usually the cheapest option.
• Priority mail international: If you’re sending something heavier or bigger, this is a speedier option but costs more.
• Express mail international: This is the fastest service available for international shipping and typically also the most expensive.

Payment Methods

When you’re getting an American passport, knowing how to pay for it is super important. There are different fees involved and specific ways you can pay. Let’s break it down.

Acceptable forms of payment for passport fees

1. Credit Cards: You can pay using major credit cards like Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover. This is convenient and quick.
2. Money Orders: A money order is like a prepaid check that you can buy from post offices or some stores. It should be made payable to “U.S. Department of State.”
3. Checks: Personal checks are also accepted, just make sure they are properly filled out with the amount and payee name.
4. Debit/ATM Cards: At acceptance facilities, you might be able to pay using your debit card.

Remember, when paying for passport fees, the payment methods accepted can vary between facilities, so it’s a good idea to verify ahead of time.

Differences between application and execution fees

Getting an American passport involves two different fees: an application fee and an execution fee. Here’s how they differ:

• Application Fees: This is the cost for processing your passport application. For an adult passport book, it’s $130. If you’re getting a passport card too, it might cost a little more. These fees cover the paperwork and processing part of getting your passport ready.
• Execution Fees: This fee is $35 and is for passport applications done in person. It is basically the service fee for accepting and submitting your documents.

Here’s a quick table showing these costs:

Type of Fee	Amount
Application Fee	$130 for adults; less for minors
Execution Fee	$35

By understanding these fees and how to pay them, you can smoothly complete your passport application process!

Special Considerations

When getting a passport, there are a few special things to keep in mind. It’s not just about filling out forms and paying fees; some situations might require extra steps or consideration. Let’s break down a couple of these special scenarios.

Fees for Minor Passports

When getting a passport for someone under 16, it’s called a “minor passport.” The fees are a bit different than for adults. Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Application Fee: $100
• Execution (Acceptance) Fee: $35

So, in total, you’d pay $135 for a minor passport. Unlike adult passports, minor passports are good for 5 years. Remember to have a birth certificate and passport photo ready. Plus, both parents usually need to be present, unless special rules apply.

Family Applications and Group Fee Considerations

If everyone in your family needs a passport, you might want to apply together. This can save you trips to the passport acceptance facility. While there’s no group discount, each member needs to fill out their own passport application and make separate payments for each application fee.

Consider the following tips:

• Use a credit card, money order payable, or check for these payments—keep it in mind since exact change might be necessary.
• Try to apply several months ahead of your travel plans. Regular processing takes between 6-8 weeks, while expedited processing takes 2-3 weeks and costs extra.
• Always bring necessary documents, like birth certificates, to avoid making multiple trips.

Applying as a family makes the process smoother and ensures everyone’s ready for your adventures!

Frequently Asked Questions

Hey there! If you’re thinking about getting an American passport, you’re probably wondering about the cost and other related details. Let’s dive into some common questions on this topic.

Common queries regarding passport fees

1. How much does an adult passport cost?
   • An adult passport book costs $130 plus a $35 acceptance fee if it’s your first time. This makes the total $165 if done at an acceptance facility.
2. What about minor passports?
   • For minors (under 16), the cost is $100 for the passport book plus the $35 acceptance fee, totaling $135.
3. Can I add a passport card?
   • Yes, an adult passport card is $30, while for minors, it’s $15. Just remember, it works mainly for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean.
4. Is there an expedited option?
   • Absolutely! Expedited processing is available for an extra $60. It speeds up the process to about 2-3 weeks instead of the usual 6-8 weeks.

Tips for managing passport application costs

1. Plan Ahead:
   • Start your passport application early. This way, you can avoid needing expedited processing and save money.
2. Bundle Payments:
   • Each fee needs a separate payment, so use money orders payable to the right entities for efficiency.
3. Check for Discounts:
   • Some credit cards offer travel discounts or rewards that might help offset the costs.
4. Visit Acceptance Facilities:
   • Use official passport acceptance facilities like post offices instead of passport agencies to avoid extra charges.
5. Photo Tips:
   • Passport photos at retail locations might be pricey. Consider using a self-service photo booth or a capable home printer for lower costs.
6. Renew by Mail:
   • If you’re renewing, you might be eligible to do it by mail, which can be cheaper and quicker than in-person applications.

Remember, a passport is your key to the world, so keeping track of these tips will help you get it without breaking the bank. Safe travels!

Quick Reference Guide

Getting an American passport is like buying a ticket for adventures around the globe! But, it isn’t free, and costs vary depending on what you need. Let’s break it down so it’s easy to understand.

Summary of passport fees and processes

1. Adult Passport Book (for travel by air, land, or sea): $130
   • Great for all international travel.
2. Passport Card (for land and sea travel only): $30
   • Handy for quick trips to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, or the Caribbean.
3. Minor Passport Book (under 16 years): $100
   • Perfect for kids’ travel anywhere.

Application Fees:

• First-timers applying for a passport need to pay both the application fee and an acceptance fee.
• Total fees are usually paid as separate payments.

Processing Options:

• Regular Processing: Takes about 6-8 weeks. You don’t pay extra for speeding up.
• Expedited Processing: Costs an extra $60 and reduces waiting time to about 2-3 weeks.

Where to Apply:

• Acceptance Facilities: Like some post offices and libraries.
• Passport Agency: If you have urgent travel plans.
• By Mail: For simple renewals.

Additional Costs:

• Passport photos, money orders for fees, and mailing costs sometimes add a bit more to the total.

Contact Information for Further Inquiries

If you’re scratching your head over something about passports, don’t worry! Help is available:

• National Passport Information Center (NPIC): 1-877-487-2778
  • They can answer your questions about passport applications or fees.
• Visit Travel.State.Gov for more details and updates on passport policies and processing times.

Now, you’re set for your travel plans. Just get your passport and let the adventures begin!