US Passport Cost: What You Need to Know Before Applying

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If you’re considering applying for a US passport, it’s crucial to understand the associated costs. A passport is an essential document for traveling internationally, but the application process can come with a significant price tag, depending on various factors such as age, type of passport, and processing time. In this article, we’ll break down the costs involved in applying for a US passport and give you a detailed overview of how fees are structured, so you’re not caught off guard when the time comes to apply.

The Different Types of US Passports
The cost of a US passport can vary based on the type of passport you’re applying for. There are two main types of passports for U.S. citizens:

Passport Book: This is the standard passport that allows you to travel internationally by air, sea, or land. It is valid for international travel and typically comes with 28 or 52 pages for visas and entry/exit stamps.

Passport Card: This is a more limited version of the passport, which can only be used for travel to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda by land or sea. It is not valid for international air travel.

Each type of passport has its own cost structure, which is outlined below.

Standard Passport Fees
As of 2025, the following are the standard passport fees:

Adult Passport Book (16 years and older):

Passport book (valid for 10 years): $130
Passport card (valid for 10 years): $30
Both passport book and card (valid for 10 years): $160
Minor Passport Book (Under 16 years):

Passport book (valid for 5 years): $100
Passport card (valid for 5 years): $15
Both passport book and card (valid for 5 years): $115
Passport Card (Only):

For adults: $30
For minors: $15
Expedited Services and Additional Fees
If you need your passport more quickly than the standard processing time (which can be around 8-11 weeks), you can opt for expedited services Us Passport Cost. This service comes with additional fees and ensures that your passport will be processed within about 2-3 weeks. The cost of expedited processing is $60, in addition to the regular passport fees.

Furthermore, if you plan to apply for your passport in person (rather than by mail), there will also be a $35 acceptance fee for adults and minors, payable at the passport acceptance facility.

Additional Considerations
Passport Renewals: If you’re renewing your passport, the cost will typically be lower than for a new passport. Renewal fees for adults are generally $130 for a standard passport book. However, if you need to renew a passport that was issued before you turned 16 or if your passport has been expired for more than 5 years, you may need to apply for a new passport, which comes with higher costs.

Name Changes or Correcting Errors: If you need to change the name on your passport or correct any errors in your document, you may incur additional fees. This can vary depending on whether the change is made within the initial period of passport validity.

How to Pay for Your US Passport
You can pay for your passport application in several ways, depending on how you apply. For online applications, payment can typically be made with a credit card or through electronic payment methods. For in-person applications at passport acceptance facilities, you can pay with a check or money order, depending on the facility’s payment policy.

Conclusion
The cost of applying for a US passport depends on several factors, including your age, the type of passport you need, and any expedited services you select. Be sure to carefully review the fee schedule and prepare for any additional charges that may apply to your specific situation. Whether you’re applying for a passport for the first time, renewing an existing one, or requesting an expedited passport, it’s important to budget accordingly. By understanding the costs involved, you can avoid any surprises and ensure a smooth application process.

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