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Getting a U.S. passport is your ticket to international travel, but understanding the associated costs can be confusing. This guide breaks down the different fees for obtaining or renewing your U.S. passport, explaining what you pay, who you pay, and what optional services might add to the total cost. All fee information comes directly from the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs.
Understanding the Fees: Application vs. Execution
When applying for a passport, especially for the first time or for a minor, you’ll encounter two main types of mandatory fees: the Application Fee and the Execution (or Acceptance) Fee.
Application Fee
This fee covers the cost of processing your passport application and producing the actual passport book or card. This fee is always paid directly to the U.S. Department of State.
The amount varies depending on the applicant’s age and the type of passport product requested (book, card, or both).
Execution (Acceptance) Fee
This $35 fee is charged only when you are required to apply in person at a designated passport acceptance facility (like a post office, library, or county clerk’s office).
This fee covers the cost for the acceptance agent at the facility to verify your identity, witness your signature, and forward your application package to the Department of State.
This fee is paid directly to the acceptance facility, not the Department of State.
You typically need to apply in person using Form DS-11 if you are a first-time applicant, under 16 years old, or if your previous passport was lost, stolen, damaged, issued more than 15 years ago, or issued when you were under 16.
Key Payment Information
If you apply in person (using Form DS-11), you must make two separate payments: one for the application fee to the “U.S. Department of State” and another for the $35 execution fee to the facility where you apply.
If you are eligible to renew your passport by mail or online (using Form DS-82), you generally do not pay the execution fee.
Passport Fee Breakdown: Books, Cards, and Renewals
The primary cost of your passport depends on whether you’re applying for the first time, renewing, your age, and whether you want a passport book, a passport card, or both.
Passport cards are cheaper but have limitations: they are valid only for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean, not for international air travel.
Passport books are valid for all forms of international travel.
Here’s a breakdown of the standard government fees (as of early 2025):
| Applicant Type & Product | Form Used | Application Fee (to Dept. of State) | Execution Fee (to Acceptance Facility) | Total Mandatory Govt. Fees |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| First-Time Adult (16+) Book | DS-11 | $130 | $35 | $165 |
| First-Time Adult (16+) Card | DS-11 | $30 | $35 | $65 |
| First-Time Adult (16+) Book & Card | DS-11 | $160 | $35 | $195 |
| Minor (Under 16) Book | DS-11 | $100 | $35 | $135 |
| Minor (Under 16) Card | DS-11 | $15 | $35 | $50 |
| Minor (Under 16) Book & Card | DS-11 | $115 | $35 | $150 |
| Adult Renewal Book | DS-82 | $130 | $0 (if by mail/online) | $130 |
| Adult Renewal Card | DS-82 | $30 | $0 (if by mail/online) | $30 |
| Adult Renewal Book & Card | DS-82 | $160 | $0 (if by mail/online) | $160 |
Source: U.S. Department of State Fee Chart
Adults (age 16 or older) whose most recent passport meets specific criteria (undamaged, issued within 15 years when they were 16+, issued in current name or name change documented) can typically renew by mail or online using Form DS-82 and avoid the execution fee.
Minors under 16 cannot renew; they must always apply in person using Form DS-11 and pay both the application and execution fees.
Speeding Things Up: Optional Fees for Faster Service
If you need your passport sooner than the standard processing times, the Department of State offers optional services for an additional fee. These fees are paid directly to the U.S. Department of State along with your application fee.
Expedited Service
For an extra $60 per application, you can request expedited processing, which significantly shortens the time it takes for the Department of State to process your application.
Current processing times are available on the State Department’s website.
If you pay for expedited service and do not receive it within the published timeframes, you may be eligible for a refund of the $60 fee.
1-2 Day Delivery
For an additional $21.36, the Department of State will send your completed passport book back to you using 1-2 day delivery service after it has been printed.
This fee covers the cost of fast shipping from the passport agency to your mailing address within the United States.
It does not expedite the processing of your application itself, only the return shipping.
This service is not available for passport cards, which are sent via standard First Class Mail.
Do not submit your own pre-paid return envelope.
If you need both expedited processing and faster return shipping for a passport book, you would add both the $60 and $21.36 fees to your payment to the U.S. Department of State.
Some acceptance facilities may also offer an option to pay for expedited shipping to the passport agency (e.g., USPS Priority Mail Express), which would be a separate fee paid to the facility.
How to Pay: Checks, Money Orders, and Cards
Payment methods differ depending on which fee you are paying (Application Fee vs. Execution Fee) and how you are applying (in person, by mail, online).
Paying the Application Fee to the U.S. Department of State
Applying In Person at an Acceptance Facility (Form DS-11) or Renewing by Mail (Form DS-82)
The primary payment method accepted by the Department of State for these applications is a check (personal, certified, cashier’s, traveler’s) or a money order, made payable to “U.S. Department of State”.
Write the applicant’s full name and date of birth on the front of the check or money order.
Cash is not accepted for mail-in applications.
Credit or debit cards are generally not accepted for the State Department fee when applying at a standard acceptance facility like a post office.
When renewing by mail from Canada, payment must be via check or money order drawn on a U.S. bank in U.S. dollars.
Applying at a Passport Agency/Center (for urgent travel)
Payment methods typically include credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex, Discover), debit cards (Visa/Mastercard), checks, money orders, and exact cash.
Contactless payments like Apple Pay may also be accepted.
Renewing Online (Pilot Program)
Eligible applicants renewing online can pay using a credit card or debit card.
ACH payments (bank transfers) might also be possible via Pay.gov but could cause delays.
Applying Outside the U.S. (at Embassy/Consulate)
Payment methods vary by location. Some embassies/consulates utilize the U.S. government’s Pay.gov portal for DS-11 application fees, which accepts methods like PayPal, Venmo, debit/credit cards.
Check with the specific U.S. embassy or consulate for accepted payment options.
Paying the $35 Execution (Acceptance) Fee to the Acceptance Facility
Acceptance facilities (like post offices, county clerks, libraries) set their own policies for accepted payment methods for the $35 execution fee.
USPS Post Offices
Typically accept credit cards, debit cards, checks, or money orders payable to “Postmaster” for the execution fee and any photo fees.
Other Facilities (County Clerks, Libraries, etc.)
Payment options vary widely. Many accept checks or money orders.
Some accept credit cards (potentially with a surcharge) and/or cash (often requiring exact change).
Always check with the specific facility beforehand to confirm accepted payment methods for the $35 execution fee.
Don’t Forget Ancillary Costs: Photos and Documents
Beyond the direct government fees, you’ll likely incur some additional expenses when preparing your passport application.
Passport Photos
You must submit one recent, compliant color photograph with your application.
Photos must meet specific requirements regarding size (2×2 inches), background (white/off-white), pose (neutral expression, eyes open, no glasses), and attire (no uniforms, hats unless for religious/medical reasons).
You can get compliant photos taken at various locations:
Retail Pharmacies/Stores
Places like CVS and Walgreens charge around $16.99 for two printed photos, often with walk-in service.
Walmart is often cheaper, around $7.64.
Shipping Centers
FedEx ($14.95) and UPS ($11.99) often offer passport photo services; UPS may require an appointment.
USPS Post Offices
Many post offices offer photo services for $15, often requiring an appointment.
Membership Clubs
AAA offers photos for about $10-$15 (discounts or free sets may be available for members).
Costco/Sam’s Club may offer printing services if you take your own photo, but in-store photo taking services might be limited or unavailable.
DIY/Online Services
You can take your own photo following strict guidelines and use online tools or apps to format it correctly.
You can then print the formatted photo sheet (often containing multiple 2×2 photos on a 4×6 print) very cheaply (under $1) at many photo printing locations.
However, ensure the final photo meets all government requirements to avoid application delays.
The U.S. Department of State provides photo requirement details and a cropping tool on their website.
Supporting Documents
First-time applicants need to provide proof of U.S. citizenship (like an original or certified birth certificate, previous passport, or Certificate of Naturalization) and proof of identity (like a driver’s license or other government-issued ID).
If you don’t have your original birth certificate, you’ll need to obtain a certified copy from the vital records office in the state or territory where you were born.
The cost for a certified birth certificate varies significantly by jurisdiction, typically ranging from $15 to $35 per copy, plus potential processing or expedited shipping fees.
Ordering online through third-party vendors like VitalChek is often possible but usually incurs additional service fees.
Check the specific vital records office website for exact costs and procedures.
If you cannot present evidence of citizenship and need the Department of State to search its files, a File Search Fee of $150 may apply.
Putting It All Together: Total Costs & Fee Calculator
The total cost to get your passport can range significantly based on your situation and choices.
A standard first-time adult passport book application submitted in person will cost at least $165 ($130 application fee + $35 execution fee), plus the cost of photos and potentially obtaining a birth certificate.
A standard adult passport book renewal by mail costs $130, plus photo costs.
Adding expedited service adds $60.
Adding 1-2 day return delivery for a book adds $21.36.
Therefore, a first-time adult needing an expedited passport book with fast return shipping could pay $130 (application) + $35 (execution) + $60 (expedite) + $21.36 (delivery) = $246.36 in government fees, plus photo and document costs.
To get a precise calculation based on your specific circumstances, use the official U.S. Department of State Passport Fee Calculator.
If you have further questions about passport fees or the application process, you can contact the National Passport Information Center (NPIC) at 1-877-487-2778 (TDD/TTY: 1-888-874-7793).
Be aware that submitting incorrect fees can delay your application processing.
Additional Resources
For more detailed information on the passport application process, visit these official resources:
- Travel.State.Gov Passport Portal – The official U.S. government site for passport information
- Current Processing Times – Check current wait times for standard and expedited service
- Find a Passport Acceptance Facility – Locate places near you to apply in person
- Check Application Status – Track your passport application online
Planning Tips for Passport Applications
When to Apply
Apply for your passport well before your international travel. Standard processing can take 8-11 weeks, and even expedited service typically takes 5-7 weeks.
During peak travel seasons (especially spring and summer), processing times can increase significantly.
If you have upcoming international travel within 14 days, you may qualify for an urgent appointment at a passport agency. Contact the National Passport Information Center for details.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting incorrect payment amounts or methods
- Using improper photo specifications
- Not signing your application
- Missing required supporting documents
- Not completing all required fields on the application form
Each of these mistakes can cause delays or rejection of your application.
Passport Validity Requirements
Many countries require that your passport be valid for at least six months beyond your planned stay. Check the entry requirements for your destination country before traveling.
Some countries also require that you have at least two blank visa pages in your passport for entry stamps.
Passport Renewal Timing
If your passport is expiring soon, many travel experts recommend renewing when you still have about a year of validity left. This helps avoid issues with the six-month validity requirement many countries enforce.
Remember that adult U.S. passports are valid for 10 years from the issue date, while children’s passports (under 16) are valid for 5 years.
Our articles make government information more accessible. Please consult a qualified professional for financial, legal, or health advice specific to your circumstances.
