Applying for or renewing a U.S. passport involves several fees that vary based on age, document type, processing speed, and application method. In 2026, adult first-time passport books cost $165 total ($130 application + $35 execution), while renewals are $130 by mail or online. Understanding these costs helps travelers budget effectively and avoid surprises.
How Much Does a Passport Cost?
The base cost of a U.S. passport depends on whether you’re applying for the first time, renewing, getting it for a minor, or choosing a passport card. First-time adult applicants pay $130 for the passport book plus a $35 execution fee at acceptance facilities like post offices, totaling $165. Minors under 16 pay $100 + $35 = $135 for a book. Renewals skip the execution fee, costing $130 for adults.
Passport cards, valid only for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean, are cheaper at $30 for renewals or $65 total first-time ($30 + $35). Combined book and card options add up accordingly.
| Applicant Type | Passport Book | Passport Card | Book + Card |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult First-Time (DS-11) | $130 + $35 = $165 | $30 + $35 = $65 | $160 + $35 = $195 |
| Adult Renewal (DS-82) | $130 | $30 | $160 |
| Minor Under 16 (DS-11) | $100 + $35 = $135 | $15 + $35 = $50 | $115 + $35 = $150 |
This table reflects 2026 fees from official U.S. Department of State guidelines. Fees are non-refundable, even if denied.
Passport Renewal Fees
Renewing an eligible adult passport (issued within 15 years, undamaged, signed) costs $130 for a book via mail (DS-82) or online—no execution fee needed. Add $30 for a card. Online renewals match these prices, including standard USPS Priority Mail delivery; 1-2 day delivery adds $22.05. Minors cannot renew by mail; they must apply in person as new applicants.
If your passport is expired over a year or ineligible, treat it as a first-time application with the $35 execution fee. Always check eligibility on travel.state.gov.
First-Time Passport Fees
First-time applicants use Form DS-11, submitted in person, incurring a $35 acceptance fee regardless of age. Adults: $165 book total. Minors: $135 book total, with both parents/guardians typically required. Photos cost extra ($10-20 at facilities), and shipping isn’t included for in-person apps.
Passport Card Fees
The passport card is wallet-sized, cheaper, and ideal for frequent border crossings by car or cruise. Fees mirror books but lower: $30 renewal, $65 first-time adult. It’s not valid for international air travel.
Expedited Passport Fees
Standard processing takes 4-6 weeks (up to 8-10 in peak seasons). Expedite for 2-3 weeks by adding $60 (eligible for DS-11/DS-82). At passport agencies (for travel within 14 days), no extra fee but appointments required. 1-2 day delivery: $22.05. Total expedited renewal: $190 ($130 + $60).
| Fee Type | Cost | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Expedite Fee | $60 | 2-3 week processing |
| 1-2 Day Delivery | $22.05 | Express return shipping |
| File Search | $150 | Pre-1994 records without old passport |
Minor Passport Fees
Children under 16 need in-person applications every 5 years. Book: $135 total. Presence of both parents or notarized consent required, adding potential notary fees ($5-15). No mail/online renewals.
Additional Passport Fees
- Execution/Acceptance: $35 per DS-11 submission.
- Photos: Not included; $15 average at pharmacies/post offices.
- Shipping: Free return envelope for mail-ins; optional express.
- Corrections: $130 for name changes post-issuance.
- Lost/Stolen: Report online, pay full replacement fee ($165 adult).
Passport Fees for Name Changes or Corrections
Name changes within 1 year: often free if documented. After: $130 fee. Limited validity exchanges similar.
How to Avoid or Reduce Passport Fees
Renew Early: Avoid expiration to skip execution fees.
Choose Card for Borders: Save $100+ vs. book for non-flyers.
Online Renewals: Same cost, convenient—no mail fees.
Group Apps: One execution fee per family if simultaneous? No, per applicant.
Free Photos: DIY with white background, save $15.
Check Eligibility: Use State Dept calculator to confirm fees.
Passport Fees Abroad
At U.S. embassies, fees match domestic but in local currency (e.g., €149 adult replacement). No execution fee; payment by card/cash. Higher for emergencies.
Global Passport Fee Comparison
U.S. fees are mid-range. Turkey: $309 (most expensive). Australia: $268. Cuba abroad: up to $900 over validity. UK: $120. Thailand: cheap at ~$33.
Payment Methods for Passport Fees
Application fees (to State Dept): check/money order. Acceptance fees: card/check at facilities. Online: card. No personal checks at agencies.
Passport Processing Times 2026
- Routine: 4-6 weeks.
- Expedited: 2-3 weeks + $60.
- Urgent: In-person at agency for <14 days travel.
Apply 6-9 months before expiration.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a first-time adult passport?
$165 ($130 + $35).
Can I renew my passport online?
Yes, eligible adults: $130, standard delivery included.
Cost for child’s passport?
$135 total for under 16.
Is expedited worth it?
$60 for half the wait; yes for urgent travel.
Do fees change often?
Occasionally; check travel.state.gov.
Passport card vs. book?
Card cheaper for land/sea only.
This guide equips you to handle passport fees confidently. Always verify on official sites as policies evolve.
References
- U.S. Passport Costs Explained — Rustic Pathways. 2026. https://rusticpathways.com/blog/how-much-does-a-u-s-passport-cost-u-s-passport-costs-explained
- U.S. Passport Fees — U.S. Embassy France. 2026. https://fr.usembassy.gov/passports/u-s-passport-fees/
- Passport Fees — U.S. Department of State. 2026. https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/how-apply/fees.html
- Everything You Need to Know About Passport Fees — Remitly. 2026. https://www.remitly.com/blog/travel/how-much-is-a-passport/
- Passport Fees Global 2026 — Passport Collector. 2026. https://www.passport-collector.com/passport-fees-global-2026/
- United States Passport Fees — U.S. Department of State. 2025-08. https://travel.state.gov/content/dam/passports/forms-fees/Passport_Fees_Accessible_August_2025.pdf
- How Much Does it Cost to Renew a Passport 2026? — Passports and Visas. 2026. https://www.passportsandvisas.com/travel-blog/how-much-does-it-cost-to-renew-a-passport/
This article is general information, not personal financial advice. Consider your own situation, or speak with a licensed adviser, before acting on it.
