How Much Does a U.S. Passport Cost? Application & Fees Explained

Planning to apply for or renew your US passport in 2025? The fees have changed, and knowing the latest costs is essential. This post breaks down passport application fees, renewal costs, expedited processing charges, and hidden expenses you should be aware of. Whether you’re a first-time applicant or renewing your passport, find out how much it will cost and the best ways to speed up the process.

The U.S. passport costs $100 to $216.36 for a minor under 16 and $130 to $246.36 for an adult. The cost depends on the type of passport application, the additional services you select, and the application method.

Provides an in-depth look at the costs of U.S. passport applications and renewals.

U.S. Passport Application Process

If you’re planning to get a U.S. passport, understanding the application process is essential. First-time applicants must apply in person at a passport acceptance facility, while renewals can be done by mail if eligible. You’ll need to complete Form DS-11 (for new applications) or Form DS-82 (for renewals), provide proof of U.S. citizenship, a valid ID, a recent passport photo, and pay the required fees. Processing times vary, with routine service taking 6-8 weeks and expedited service available for an extra fee. For urgent travel, an appointment at a passport agency may be required.

U.S. Passport Costs

Passport costs in vary based on the applicant’s age, the type of passport requested (renewal or new passport), processing speed and delivery methods. An adult passport book costs $130 + shipping when renewed by mail and $130 + $35 execution fee when applying for a first-time passport. Online renewals of eligible adult passports are $130 with no option for expedited processing or shipping.

Minors under 16 cannot renew a passport and must apply for a passport in person. The cost of a minor passport without expedited services is $100 + $35 execution fee.

• U.S. Passport Picture Rules & Guidelines
• What is the U.S. Passport Size?

What Are the General Costs for Passport Applications?

Overview of the standard fees for passport applications:

Standard Passport Costs

Applicant Type	Passport Book Fee	Passport Card Fee	Combined Fee
Adults (First-time)	$130 + $35 execution	$30 + $35 execution	$160 + $35 execution
Adults (Renewal)	$130	$30	$160
Minors (Under 16)	$100 + $35 execution	$15 + $35 execution	$115 + $35 execution

What Are the Costs for Renewing a Passport?

Renewal fees are the same as first-time application fees but do not include an execution fee when submitted by mail or online:

• Passport Book: $130
• Passport Card: $30

When you are in a rush and need to get your passport ASAP, learn more in our guide How to Get Your Passport in Two Weeks or Less.

Are There Mailing Fees for Passport Delivery?

There are no fees for passport delivery when using the standard application service. After processing, your passport is delivered via USPS Priority Mail at no additional cost. An optional $21.36 fee is available for 1-2 day delivery of your passport book or card.

When you mail your passport to an acceptance facility for renewal, you need to cover the shipping cost to the acceptance facility.

Are the Costs the Same for Online Passport Renewals?

The costs for online passport renewals are $130 for the passport book and $30 for the passport card, exactly the same as mail-in renewals. Standard USPS priority mail is included in the price. Extra services like expedited processing or 1-2 day shipping are not currently available except through contacting support in cases of sudden changes in travel plans.

Optional Passport Service Costs

Additional services, such as expedited processing and 1-2 day delivery of your passport book, incur extra fees. These should be paid alongside the application fee to the U.S. Department of State by check or money order.

Optional Costs and Their Purposes

Fee Type	Cost	Description
Expedite Fee	$60	Reduces processing time from 4–6 weeks to 2–3 weeks.
1-2 Day Delivery	$21	1-2 day delivery of an issued passport book within the U.S.
File Search Fee	$150	Required when evidence of U.S. citizenship cannot be presented.

How to Pay for Passport Fees

To pay for your new passport there are two types of fees, application fees and execution fees. Application fees are paid to the U.S. Department of State via a check or money order. Execution fee, or acceptance fee, is paid to the passport acceptance facility. Here are more details on the fees and payment methods:

What is the Difference Between an Application Fee and an Execution Fee?

• Application Fee: Application fee is paid to the U.S. Department of State and is required for all passport applications. This application fee covers the cost of processing your passport application.
• Execution Fee: Execution fee is also known as the acceptance fee. This fee covers the costs of accepting your passport at one of the acceptance facilities.

When you apply for a passport for the first time or for a child, you must pay both an application and an execution fee. For adult passport renewals, only the application fee is required, as these can typically be submitted by mail or online when meeting the requirements, bypassing the need for an execution fee.

Payment Methods Based on Application Submission Location

• Applying at a Passport Acceptance Facility:
  • Application Fee: Must be paid via a check or money order made out to “U.S. Department of State.”
  • Execution Fee: Each facility has its own policies regarding acceptable payment methods. Commonly accepted payments include personal checks, money orders, and some locations accept credit cards and exact cash. It’s advisable to contact the acceptance facility ahead of time to confirm their accepted payment methods.
    
• Renewing by Mail:
  • Application Fee: Send a check or money order payable to “U.S. Department of State.” Ensure not to cancel your check or money order after submission to avoid additional fees. When renewing from Canada, payments must be in U.S. dollars through a U.S. bank.
    
• Renewing Online 
  • When renewing a passport online the application fees is paid via the pay.gov website. Primary method of payment is credit or debit card, but ACH (Automated Clearing House) payments from your bank are accepted with additional processing delays.
    
• Applying or Renewing at a Passport Agency:
  • Application and execution fees can be paid together.
  • Accepted forms of payment include credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover), debit cards, digital wallet payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay), checks, and money orders. Cash payments must be exact as agencies do not provide change.

What is the Difference Between a Passport Book and Passport Card?

Passport book and a passport card have different costs and travel validity. In general, a passport book is more expensive and be used for any type of travel or identity verification, while a passport card has more limitations.

Passport card is a wallet-sized document that cannot be used for international air travel but is valid for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean.  Additionally, it is an accepted REAL ID that can be used for domestic flights in the U.S. Read our guide on deciding on which of the two passport documents you need.

In the case that you already have a passport book, you can apply for a passport card by mail as a “renewal,” even in the case that it’s your first card, and vice versa.  Online renewals require that you have already received a passport card to renew a passport card and a passport book to renew the passport book.

FAQs

How much does a standard U.S. passport cost?

A standard adult passport book costs $130, plus a $35 execution fee if applying for the first time.

What is the cost of a large passport book?

The large passport book costs the same as the standard one—$130 for adults and $100 for minors.

How much does a child’s passport cost?

A minor’s (under 16) passport book costs $100, plus a $35 execution fee.

What is the fee for passport renewal?

Renewing an adult passport costs $130, and no execution fee is required.

How much does expedited passport processing cost?

Expedited processing costs an additional $60, reducing processing time to about 2-3 weeks.

How much does a U.S. passport card cost?

A passport card costs $30 for adults and $15 for minors, plus a $35 execution fee for first-time applicants.

What is the cost of both a passport book and a passport card?

A combined passport book and card cost $160 for adults and $115 for minors, plus a $35 execution fee.

Are there additional fees for one-day or urgent passports?

Yes, urgent passports processed at an agency may include extra fees, depending on the urgency.

Can I pay my passport fees with a credit card?

Yes, credit and debit cards are accepted at passport acceptance facilities, but checks or money orders may be required for mail applications.

Do passport fees vary by state?

No, U.S. passport fees are standardized nationwide, regardless of the state where you apply.