How Much Does a Passport Cost?

Introduction

A passport is a document issued by a government that identifies the holder as a citizen and grants them permission to travel internationally. It serves as proof of identity and citizenship, and is essential for traveling abroad. Without a passport, it’s impossible to enter most foreign countries, making it a crucial document for anyone who wants to explore the world or conduct international business.

However, obtaining a passport does come at a cost. The fees associated with getting a passport can vary depending on a number of factors, such as the type of passport, the age of the applicant, and whether or not expedited processing is required. In this article, we’ll provide an overview of passport fees and what you can expect to pay when applying for a passport.

Types of Passports

There are three main types of passports: ordinary, diplomatic, and official.

An ordinary passport is the most common type of passport and is issued to citizens for personal travel purposes. It is valid for 10 years for adults and 5 years for minors.

A diplomatic passport is issued to individuals who are traveling abroad on official government business, such as diplomats or government officials. It allows the holder to enjoy certain privileges and immunities, such as diplomatic immunity from prosecution in the host country.

An official passport is issued to individuals who are traveling abroad on official government business, but are not considered to have diplomatic status. This type of passport is usually issued to military personnel, government contractors, or other individuals who are representing the government in a non-diplomatic capacity.

The fees associated with each type of passport can vary, so it’s important to understand which type of passport you need before you begin the application process.

Ordinary Passport Fees

The fees for an ordinary passport can vary depending on the age of the applicant and whether or not expedited processing is required. Here are the current fees for an ordinary passport:

• Adult Passport Fees: $110 for the passport book plus a $35 execution fee, for a total of $145.
• Child Passport Fees: $80 for the passport book plus a $35 execution fee, for a total of $115.
• Passport Renewal Fees: $110 for a passport book renewal. If you need to renew both the book and the passport card, the fee is $140.
• Expedited Processing Fees: $60 for expedited processing, which can reduce the processing time from 4-6 weeks to 2-3 weeks.

It’s important to note that these fees are subject to change, so it’s always a good idea to check the most up-to-date fee schedule on the U.S. Department of State’s website before applying for a passport.

Additional Fees

In addition to the passport fees mentioned above, there are several other fees you may need to pay when applying for a passport:

• Execution or Acceptance Fees: This fee is $35 and is paid to the acceptance facility where you submit your passport application. This fee is charged for the processing of the application, including verifying your identity and citizenship and reviewing your documents. This fee is not included in the passport application fee and is separate.
• Optional Services Fees: There are several optional services that you can add to your passport application for an additional fee, including expedited shipping, overnight delivery, and file search services. The fees for these services can vary depending on the service requested.
• Shipping Fees: If you apply for a passport by mail, you will need to pay a shipping fee to have your passport sent to you. The fee for routine delivery is included in the passport application fee, but expedited shipping will incur an additional fee.

It’s important to keep in mind that fees can vary depending on the specific circumstances of your passport application, so it’s a good idea to check the U.S. Department of State’s website for the most up-to-date fee schedule and information on any additional fees that may apply to your specific situation.

Passport Fees for Special Cases

In addition to the standard fees for obtaining a passport, there are also fees associated with special cases, such as emergency situations, lost or stolen passports, name changes, and passport cards. Here’s a breakdown of those fees:

• Emergency Passport Fees: If you need a passport in a hurry due to a life or death emergency, you can apply for an emergency passport. The fee for this service is $60, in addition to the standard passport fees.
• Lost or Stolen Passport Replacement Fees: If your passport is lost or stolen, you’ll need to apply for a replacement passport. The fees for a replacement passport are the same as those for a new passport, with the addition of a $35 execution fee if you apply in person. Expedited processing is also available for an additional fee of $60.
• Name Change Fees: If you’ve legally changed your name since your last passport was issued and you can provide documentation to support the name change, you can apply for a new passport with your new name. The fees for this service are the same as those for a standard passport, with no additional name change fee.
• Passport Card Fees: In addition to a passport book, you can also apply for a passport card, which is a wallet-sized card that can be used for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda. The fees for a passport card are $30 for adults and $15 for children, in addition to the standard passport fees.

It’s important to keep in mind that fees can vary depending on the specific circumstances of your passport application, so it’s a good idea to check the U.S. Department of State’s website for the most up-to-date fee schedule and information on any additional fees that may apply to your specific situation.

Passport Fees for Non-U.S. Citizens

If you are not a U.S. citizen but need to travel to the United States or obtain official documents such as a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA), you will need to pay certain fees. Here’s a breakdown of those fees:

• Tourist Visa Fees: If you are a non-U.S. citizen and wish to travel to the United States for tourism or other non-business purposes, you will need to apply for a tourist visa. The fee for a tourist visa ranges from $160 to $190, depending on your country of origin.
• Immigrant Visa Fees: If you wish to immigrate to the United States and become a permanent resident, you will need to apply for an immigrant visa. The fee for an immigrant visa is $325.
• Non-Immigrant Visa Fees: If you are a non-U.S. citizen and wish to travel to the United States for business, education, or other non-tourism purposes, you will need to apply for a non-immigrant visa. The fee for a non-immigrant visa ranges from $160 to $270, depending on the type of visa you are applying for.
• Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA) Fees: If you are a U.S. citizen born abroad and wish to obtain a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA) as proof of your U.S. citizenship, you will need to pay a fee of $100. This fee is separate from the passport application fee.

It’s important to keep in mind that fees can vary depending on the specific circumstances of your visa or CRBA application, so it’s a good idea to check the U.S. Department of State’s website for the most up-to-date fee schedule and information on any additional fees that may apply to your specific situation.

Factors That Can Affect Passport Fees

The fees for obtaining a passport are not always the same and can vary depending on several factors. Here are some factors that can affect passport fees:

• Expedited Processing Fees: If you need to get your passport quickly, expedited processing is available for an additional fee. This fee is currently $60 and will ensure that your passport is processed in two to three weeks instead of the standard four to six weeks.
• Age and Type of Passport: The fees for passports can vary depending on the age of the applicant and the type of passport they are applying for. Adult passports (age 16 and over) have higher fees than child passports (age 15 and under), and passport books have different fees than passport cards.
• Special Services Required: If you require special services when applying for your passport, such as adding extra visa pages or correcting a printing error, there may be additional fees. These fees can vary depending on the specific service required.
• Shipping Options: The standard method of passport delivery is through USPS First Class Mail, which is included in the passport application fee. However, if you require faster or more secure delivery, such as expedited shipping or international shipping, there may be additional fees.

It’s important to keep in mind that fees can vary depending on the specific circumstances of your passport application, so it’s a good idea to check the U.S. Department of State’s website for the most up-to-date fee schedule and information on any additional fees that may apply to your specific situation.

Applying for a Passport

If you’re ready to apply for a passport, there are several steps you’ll need to follow. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need to do:

• Where to Apply: You can apply for a passport at any U.S. Passport Acceptance Facility, which includes many post offices, courthouses, and libraries. You can find the nearest facility by using the U.S. Department of State’s Passport Acceptance Facility Search Page.
• Required Documents: When you apply for a passport, you’ll need to bring several documents with you, including proof of citizenship, proof of identity, and a recent passport photo. You can find a complete list of required documents on the U.S. Department of State’s website.
• Appointment Scheduling: While some Passport Acceptance Facilities allow walk-ins, many require you to schedule an appointment in advance. You can schedule an appointment online using the U.S. Department of State’s Online Passport Appointment System.
• Application Processing Times: Standard passport processing times are currently four to six weeks, while expedited processing times are two to three weeks. However, processing times can vary depending on several factors, such as the time of year and the volume of applications being processed. You can check the U.S. Department of State’s website for the most up-to-date processing times.

It’s important to note that processing times do not include the time it takes to receive your passport in the mail, so it’s a good idea to apply well in advance of any travel plans.

How to Pay for a Passport

When it comes time to pay for your passport, there are several payment methods and options available to you. Here’s what you need to know:

• Accepted Payment Methods: Passport fees can be paid by check or money order made payable to the “U.S. Department of State” or by credit card using Form DS-4085. Cash and personal checks are not accepted.
• Payment Options for Minors: If a minor is applying for a passport, the fee can be paid by either parent or guardian. If only one parent is present, they must provide a notarized Form DS-3053, “Statement of Consent,” from the absent parent.

It’s important to keep in mind that passport fees are non-refundable, so it’s important to make sure you have all the necessary documents and information before submitting your application and payment.