How Much Does a Passport Cost in the USA? Traveling internationally is an exciting adventure, but before you can embark on your journey, you’ll need a valid passport. In the United States, obtaining a passport is a crucial step for anyone planning to travel abroad, and it’s essential to understand the costs involved in the process. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the various fees associated with getting a passport, including the application fees, execution fees, and any additional costs you may encounter.
Standard Passport Fees
The cost of a passport in the USA varies depending on several factors, such as your age, the type of passport you need, and the processing time you require. Here’s a breakdown of the standard passport fees:
Adult Passport Book (Age 16 and Over)
- First-time applicants: $145 ($135 application fee + $35 execution fee)
- Renewal by mail: $130 (no execution fee required)
Child Passport Book (Under Age 16)
- First-time applicants: $115 ($105 application fee + $35 execution fee)
- Renewal by mail: $135 (no execution fee required)
Passport Card
The passport card is a wallet-sized travel document that can be used for land and sea travel to and from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda. It cannot be used for international air travel.
- Adult passport card (age 16 and over): $65 ($30 application fee + $35 execution fee)
- Child passport card (under age 16): $50 ($15 application fee + $35 execution fee)
Expedited Services and Additional Fees
In some cases, you may need to expedite your passport application or pay additional fees for faster processing or special services. Here are some common additional fees:
Expedited Service Fee
If you need your passport quickly, you can pay an additional $60 for expedited service. This fee is per application, not per passport. Expedited service generally takes around 2-3 weeks from the day your application is received by the agency.
1-2 Day Delivery Service Fee
For an additional $18.32, you can request 1-2 day delivery of your newly issued passport book or card. This fee is per application and must be paid in addition to the expedited service fee, if applicable.
Overnight Delivery Fee
If you need your passport even faster, you can pay an additional $20.66 for overnight delivery. This fee is per application and must be paid in addition to the expedited service fee and the 1-2 day delivery service fee, if applicable.
File Search Fee
In some cases, the passport agency may need to conduct a file search to locate your previous passport records. This service incurs an additional fee of $150 per application.
Payment Methods
When applying for a passport, you can pay the fees using the following methods:
- Personal check or money order (payable to “U.S. Department of State”)
- Credit or debit card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or Discover)
- Cash (only if applying in person at a passport agency or acceptance facility)
Passport Renewal Costs
If your passport is set to expire or has already expired, you’ll need to renew it before traveling abroad. The renewal process is typically less expensive than applying for a new passport, but the costs vary based on your age and the type of passport you need.
Adult Passport Book Renewal (Age 16 and Over)
To renew an adult passport book by mail, the fee is $130. This fee covers the application fee only, as no execution fee is required for renewal by mail.
Child Passport Book Renewal (Under Age 16)
To renew a child’s passport book, the fee is $135. This fee covers both the application fee and the execution fee, as children must apply in person for passport renewals.
Passport Card Renewal
The fee to renew a passport card is the same as the fee for a new passport card:
- Adult passport card renewal (age 16 and over): $65 ($30 application fee + $35 execution fee)
- Child passport card renewal (under age 16): $50 ($15 application fee + $35 execution fee)
Passport Photo Requirements and Costs
In addition to the passport fees, you’ll also need to provide a passport photo with your application. The passport photo requirements are strict, and failing to meet them can delay the processing of your application or result in your application being denied.
Passport Photo Requirements
Here are some of the key requirements for passport photos:
- The photo must be a recent, color photo taken within the last 6 months.
- The photo must be 2 inches by 2 inches (51 mm x 51 mm) in size.
- The background must be plain white or off-white.
- Your face must be clearly visible, and you must have a neutral expression with your eyes open.
- You cannot wear glasses, hats, or other head coverings (except for religious reasons).
Passport Photo Costs
Many post offices, pharmacies, and retail stores offer passport photo services. The cost of getting passport photos taken typically ranges from $10 to $20. Some acceptance facilities may also offer photo services, but the prices can vary.
Case Study: The Cost of Getting a Passport for a Family of Four
To better understand the costs involved in obtaining passports, let’s consider a case study of a family of four (two adults and two children under 16) applying for new passport books and expedited service.
Passport Book Fees:
- 2 Adult Passport Books: $145 x 2 = $290
- 2 Child Passport Books: $115 x 2 = $230 Subtotal: $520
Expedited Service Fees:
- Expedited Service Fee: $60 x 2 (one per application) = $120
1-2 Day Delivery Service Fees:
- 1-2 Day Delivery Fee: $18.32 x 2 (one per application) = $36.64
Passport Photos:
- Passport Photos (assuming $15 per person): $15 x 4 = $60
Total Cost: $520 (Passport Book Fees) + $120 (Expedited Service Fees) + $36.64 (1-2 Day Delivery Fees) + $60 (Passport Photos) = $736.64
As you can see, the cost of obtaining passports for a family of four with expedited service and 1-2 day delivery can quickly add up, especially when factoring in passport photos and other potential fees.
Money-Saving Tips for Getting a Passport
While getting a passport can be a significant expense, there are some ways to save money on the process:
- Renew by mail: If you’re eligible for passport renewal by mail, you can save money by avoiding the execution fee.
- Skip the expedited service: Unless you have an urgent need for a passport, consider applying through the regular processing channel to avoid the expedited service fee.
- Get passport photos at discount retailers: Many discount retailers, like Costco or Sam’s Club, offer passport photo services at lower prices than dedicated photo studios or acceptance facilities.
- Apply for a passport card instead of a book: If you only plan to travel to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, or Bermuda, a passport card may be a more cost-effective option than a passport book.
- Consider passport acceptance facility fees: Some acceptance facilities may charge additional fees for their services, so shop around and compare prices before submitting your application.
Quotes from Experts and Travelers
To provide additional insights, here are some quotes from experts and experienced travelers on the topic of passport costs and the importance of having a valid passport:
“A passport is like a ticket to the world – it opens doors and allows you to explore new cultures and experiences. While the cost may seem high, it’s a small price to pay for the freedom to travel and broaden your horizons.” – Sarah Johnson, Travel Writer and Blogger
“Getting a passport is an investment in your future adventures. It’s essential to budget for the costs and plan ahead, especially if you need to expedite the process or if you’re traveling with a family.” – Mark Thompson, Travel Agent
“Passport fees can add up quickly, but it’s important to remember that a valid passport is a necessity for international travel. By planning ahead and taking advantage of cost-saving strategies, you can make the process more affordable.” – Jessica Williams, Travel Expert
Frequently Asked Questions on How Much Does a Passport Cost in the USA?
How long is a passport valid?
Adult passports are typically valid for 10 years from the date of issue, while child passports are valid for 5 years.
Can I renew my passport by mail if it was lost or stolen?
No, if your previous passport was lost or stolen, you must apply for a new passport in person and pay the full application and execution fees.
Are there discounts available for passport fees?
There are no official discounts or fee waivers for passport fees in the United States. However, some government assistance programs may cover the cost of obtaining a passport for eligible individuals.
Can I pay for passport fees with a credit card?
Yes, credit and debit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover) are accepted for passport fee payments.
How long does it take to get a passport?
The standard processing time for passport applications is 6-8 weeks. Expedited service takes around 2-3 weeks from the day your application is received by the agency.
Conclusion
Getting a passport is an essential step for anyone planning international travel from the United States. While the costs can add up, especially for families or those requiring expedited services, a valid passport is a gateway to exploring new cultures, experiencing new adventures, and creating lasting memories. By understanding the various fees involved and taking advantage of cost-saving strategies, you can make the passport application process more manageable and affordable. Remember to plan ahead, gather all the necessary documents, and most importantly, get ready to embark on your next exciting journey!
