How Much Does a Passport Cost?
Overview of Passport Fees
Passport fees are the costs associated with obtaining or renewing a passport. The fees are determined by the type of passport being applied for, the age of the applicant, and the processing speed chosen.
As of September 2021, the standard adult passport book fee is $110, while the standard child passport book fee is $80. In addition to the passport book fee, there may be other fees such as the execution fee, which is paid to the acceptance facility where the application is submitted.
It is important to note that passport fees are subject to change, so it is best to check the official website of the U.S. Department of State for the most up-to-date fees. Additionally, applicants should also consider any additional fees associated with passport services such as expedited processing or other special circumstances.
Types of Passport and their Costs
There are different types of passports available depending on the needs of the traveler. The most common type is the standard passport book, which can be used for all international travel by air, sea, or land. The cost for a standard adult passport book is $110, while a standard child passport book is $80.
For those who frequently travel internationally, a frequent traveler passport book with extra visa pages may be more appropriate. The cost for this type of passport book is $170 for adults and $140 for children.
Another option is the passport card, which is more convenient for travelers who frequently cross land borders between the United States, Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean. The cost for an adult passport card is $30, while a child passport card is $15.
It is important to note that while the passport card is a cheaper option, it cannot be used for international air travel. Therefore, travelers who frequently travel by air should opt for a standard passport book.
There are also other types of passports available, such as emergency passports or diplomatic passports, which have their own fees and requirements.
Additional Fees for Passport Services
In addition to the standard passport book fee, there may be additional fees for certain passport services. For example, the execution fee, which is paid to the acceptance facility where the application is submitted, is currently $35.
Other fees may include expedited processing fees, which can range from $60 to $170 depending on the processing speed chosen. Additionally, there may be fees for adding visa pages to a passport, correcting errors or changes to a passport, or obtaining a second valid passport.
For those who require additional services or assistance with their passport application, there are also third-party companies that offer passport and visa services for a fee. These companies can provide assistance with filling out the application, checking for errors or missing information, and ensuring all necessary documents are included.
It is important to carefully review all fees associated with passport services before submitting an application to avoid any surprises or unexpected costs.
Expedited Passport Services and their Costs
For travelers who require their passport quickly, expedited processing services are available for an additional fee. There are two options for expedited processing:
Expedited processing at a regional passport agency: This option requires an appointment at a regional passport agency, which can be scheduled by calling the National Passport Information Center. The fee for this service is currently $60, in addition to the regular passport application fee.
Expedited processing by mail: This option requires the applicant to pay an additional $60 fee for expedited processing, in addition to the regular passport application fee. The processing time for expedited processing by mail is currently 4-6 weeks, compared to the standard processing time of 10-12 weeks.
It is important to note that expedited processing fees are non-refundable, even if the application is not approved or if the passport is not received in time for the intended travel dates.
In addition to expedited processing fees, there may be additional fees for overnight delivery or other special circumstances. It is recommended to carefully review all fees associated with expedited passport services before choosing this option.
Tips for Saving Money on Passport Fees
While obtaining or renewing a passport can be a necessary expense for travelers, there are some ways to save money on passport fees:
Apply for a passport during the off-peak season: Passport processing times can vary depending on the time of year, with peak travel season typically resulting in longer processing times. Applying during the off-peak season can potentially result in faster processing times and lower fees for expedited services.
Choose standard processing instead of expedited processing: Standard processing for a passport application typically takes 10-12 weeks, while expedited processing can be completed in 4-6 weeks for an additional fee. Choosing standard processing can result in significant cost savings.
Opt for a passport card instead of a passport book: While a passport book is required for international air travel, a passport card can be used for land and sea travel to certain countries. Choosing a passport card over a passport book can result in cost savings, particularly for those who frequently travel by land to nearby countries.
Utilize government resources for passport information and application assistance: The U.S. Department of State website provides comprehensive information on passport requirements and application procedures. Additionally, many acceptance facilities offer passport application assistance free of charge.
Check for discounts: Some travel organizations, such as AAA or AARP, may offer discounts on passport application fees for their members. It is also worth checking if any local or state agencies offer discounted passport application fees for residents.
