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Passport costs vary depending on the type you need and how quickly you want it processed. A passport book will cost more than a card, and additional fees apply for expedited service. You should also factor in the costs of passport photos, mailing fees and other potential charges that can add up quickly. Break down the costs ahead of time to make smart decisions and avoid unnecessary expenses when applying for or renewing your passport.
Pay $165 for an adult passport book or $65 for a passport card. For children under 16, a passport book costs $135 while a card is $50. You can bundle both for $195 for adults or $150 for children.
Renewing an adult passport book costs $130, while renewing a passport card is $30. Bundling both saves $5 compared to renewing them separately.
Submit your application in the fall or winter to avoid peak travel seasons and reduce the need for expedited services, which add $60 to your total.
Budget for additional costs like passport photos ($10 to $20) and mailing fees ($5 to $30).
Plan ahead to avoid using third-party courier services, which can charge $100 or more for rushed passport delivery.
A first-time passport book for adults costs $165, which covers the application and execution fees. Those who only need a passport card — typically for regional travel to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and the Caribbean — will pay $65. A bundled option is available for $195 for those needing both.
When applying for children under 16, the cost for a first-time passport book is $135, while the passport card costs $50. Families who require both documents can opt for a bundle that includes both the book and card for $150.
Unlike adult passports, children’s passports cannot be renewed. A new application must be submitted every five years to keep their identification up to date and ensure they remain valid for international or regional travel as the child grows.
Applicant | Passport Book | Passport Card | Book + Card Bundle |
|---|---|---|---|
Adults (16 and Over) | $165 | $65 | $195 |
Children (Under 16) | $135 | $50 | $150 |
Renewing a passport book costs $130. If you only need a passport card for regional travel, the renewal price is a more affordable $30. Alternatively, you can renew both the passport book and card together for $160, saving $5 compared to renewing them individually.
Applicant | Passport Book | Passport Card | Book + Card Bundle |
|---|---|---|---|
Adults (16 and Over) | $130 | $30 | $160 |
A passport book allows international travel by air, sea or land to any country, ideal for those who travel frequently or to multiple destinations. In contrast, a passport card is limited to land and sea travel to nearby regions like Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and the Caribbean, excluding air travel.
Both options have the same application process, requiring proof of U.S. citizenship and a valid ID with a standard processing time of six to eight weeks.
In addition to the regular fees, passport applications and renewals often involve optional costs for faster processing, photo services or shipping. These additional fees help streamline the process but can vary based on your preferences and specific requirements.
Expedited Processing Fees: Additional $60–80
If you need your passport faster, expedited processing is available for an additional $60. This service reduces the wait time to about two to three weeks instead of the standard six to eight weeks. For even faster delivery, you can opt for one- to two-day shipping at an additional cost of about $21, which can help ensure you receive your passport in time for any last-minute travel plans.
Courier and Expeditor Service Fees: Starts at $100
Third-party expediting companies offer faster passport services but at a higher price. Fees typically start around $100 and can rise to several hundred dollars depending on how quickly you need the passport. These services are often used by people who need their passports in less than two weeks and can handle all the logistics on your behalf.
File Search Fees: $150 Per File
When key documents, like proof of U.S. citizenship, are missing or incomplete, a $150 file search fee is required. This fee is necessary when you cannot provide a previous passport or a certified birth certificate. It allows the US State Department to verify your citizenship through other official records, such as census records or birth records from your birth state.
Passport Photo Fees: $10–20
Passport photos usually cost between $10 and $20 at retail locations such as pharmacies, post offices or photo service providers. Alternatively, you can take your own photos at home by following the official guidelines, which can help you save money on photo fees.
Notary Services Fees: $10–15
Certain documents submitted by mail for passport applications may need to be notarized, such as parental consent forms for minors or legal name change documents. Notary fees typically range from $10 to $15 per notarization, but the cost may vary depending on your state or the notary service provider you choose.
Mailing and Delivery Fees: $5–30
When submitting your passport application, you’ll need to cover the cost of mailing it to the appropriate processing center. Standard mailing through USPS typically costs around $5 to $10.
However, if you prefer faster or more secure options, such as courier or overnight services, these can range from $15 to $30, depending on the provider and service. These premium services ensure quicker delivery and added tracking options compared to regular postal services.
You can minimize your passport costs by applying during off-peak seasons, taking your own photos and using your credit card rewards. Incorporate these strategies into your budgeting to reduce fees and simplify the process.
Submit your passport application in the fall or winter to avoid the busy summer and holiday season. You’re more likely to experience quicker service without the need for expedited fees when there are fewer applications being sent in.
Use a smartphone or digital camera to capture a compliant image that follows the official passport photo guidelines for size, background and lighting. Print it at low-cost providers like pharmacies for lower costs compared to photo booths.
Apply at least six to eight weeks before your planned departure to avoid the $60+ expedited fee and allow enough time for any document corrections or mailing delays.
Check local post offices, community centers or even large retail chains for seasonal promotions, which can include discounts on passport photos and fees. Memberships like AAA may also offer savings on application-related costs.
Certain credit cards reimburse travel-related expenses like Global Entry or TSA PreCheck fees, which can offset the overall cost of obtaining a passport. These rewards are particularly useful for frequent travelers, especially when budgeting for travel and figuring out how to handle money while traveling overseas.
To help you better understand the costs involved in getting a passport, we’ve listed clear answers to the most common questions about it.
It costs $165 to replace a lost or stolen adult passport and $135 for a child’s passport. You will also need to submit Form DS-64 to report the loss or theft and follow the standard application process for a new passport.
No, if your passport application is denied, the application fee is non-refundable, but you will not incur additional charges. However, you will need to pay the full fees again if you reapply.
The fees for applying at a post office or a passport agency are the same. However, passport agencies typically offer expedited services for an additional $60 fee if you need your passport in a hurry, whereas post offices do not offer this service.
No, passport fees are non-refundable, even if you cancel your application or no longer need the passport. Once the application is submitted, the processing fee is retained, regardless of the outcome.
Discover how to make your travels safer and more affordable with tips on insurance, budgeting, and credit cards. These MoneyGeek resources can help you plan for every aspect of your trip.
About Nathan Paulus
Nathan Paulus is the Head of Content Marketing at MoneyGeek, with nearly 10 years of experience researching and creating content related to personal finance and financial literacy.
Paulus has a bachelor's degree in English from the University of St. Thomas, Houston. He enjoys helping people from all walks of life build stronger financial foundations.
