How Much Does a Passport Cost in the U.S.?
When applying for a passport, one of the most common questions that people have is, “how much is this going to cost me?” If you are in this group of people, then you may also wonder how much it is going to cost you to get your passport. There are several factors that impact passport costs. One of these is how quickly you need it. The processing times for your passport can range from 24 hours to as much as six weeks. As you an imagine, the faster you need the passport, the more it’s going to cost you. Read on to learn everything you need to know about getting a U.S. passport and how much it’s going to cost.
U.S. Passport Fees and Prices
On April 2nd, 2018, the cost of a U.S. passport increased. This increase was approved by the U.S. State Department, resulting in an additional $10 for the execution fee, which is sent to the office that actually receives your passport application.
A further breakdown of the fees can be found here:
New Adult Passport
- Standard Fee (4 to 6 weeks) – $110
- Acceptance Agent Fee – $35
Passport Renewal
- Standard Fee (4 to 6 weeks) – $110
- Acceptance Agent Fee – N/A
Replacement Passport (Damaged, Stolen or Lost)
- Standard Fee (4 to 6 weeks) – $110
- Acceptance Agent Fee – $35
Child (Minor) Passport
- Standard Fee (4 to 6 weeks) – $80
- Acceptance Agent Fee – $35
Passport Card (Adult)
- Standard Fee (4 to 6 weeks) – $3
- Acceptance Agent Fee – $35
Passport Card (Child)
- Standard Fee (4 to 6 weeks) – $15
- Acceptance Agent Fee – $35
Second Duplicate Passport
- Standard Fee (4 to 6 weeks) – $110
- Acceptance Agent Fee – N/A
If you have upcoming travel plans, there is expedited passport processing available. The time frame is around three weeks, and you must pay an additional $60 for this “rush” service. But it’s worth it if you need to leave the country for unexpected business or pleasure.
Getting a Passport Faster: What Does it Cost?
The government fees associated with getting a passport have increased, but this has not increased how fast you receive your passport. If you need a passport sooner than two to three weeks, then you will have to use a third-party expediting service. These services can submit your application to receive same day processing.
The fees for these services vary on how quickly you need your passport. The premium (most expensive) is going to be if you need your passport within 24 hours; however, there are other more affordable options, too, but these take a few days longer to complete processing of your new passport.
Applying for a Passport: What You Need to Know
Now that you understand passport costs, it’s time to delve into the actual application process for you to receive your passport.
The basic process to apply for your passport is relatively simple and straightforward. There is a five-step process:
- Fill out your form
- Collect the necessary supporting documents
- Get your photo
- Calculate the fees
- Submit the Application
While it is a given that you will need to fill out the proper form (based on the type of passport you need), you also have to consider the supporting documents that are needed. If these documents are available, the entire application process should not take more than 30 minutes.
However, this entire process can become much longer if you have to take passport photos, obtain valid identification documents, get a certified copy of your birth certificate or even travel to a regional agency.
Keep in mind, the specifications for what is required to receive a passport are extremely specific. In addition to all the documents, you need a two inch by two-inch passport photo. If you don’t have this, you are going to have to pay someone to take it and print it out for you.
Getting Your Passport: Start Now to Avoid Delays
If you know you are going to be traveling in the near future and that you need your passport, then the best thing you can do is begin the process right away. Doing so will help ensure that you don’t suffer any delays because your passport is not ready. Be sure to keep the information here in mind related to fees and what may prolong the application process. All this will help ensure you get your passport in a timely manner.
