A U.S. passport book costs $165 for first-time adult applicants - $130 in application fees plus a $35 acceptance fee. A passport card runs $65. The total you pay depends on your age, which type of passport you need, and whether you add expedited processing or faster shipping.
The following will walk you through the full fee breakdown by passport type, renewal costs, expedited service pricing, and what to budget for photos and delivery.
The cost of a U.S. passport depends on three things: which type of passport you're applying for (book, card, or both), whether you're a first-time applicant or renewing, and whether you're applying for an adult or a minor. The table below covers the most common scenarios using current State Department fees.
The table above shows base government fees only. Photo, shipping, and expedited service can raise the final cost.
The $35 acceptance fee applies to first-time applicants and minors applying in person at an acceptance facility. Adults renewing by mail using Form DS-82 do not pay an acceptance fee if they meet the eligibility requirements.
Common add-ons
The U.S. State Department issues two passport types, each serving a different purpose.
Which one should you choose? If you plan to fly internationally at any point, a passport book is required - the card will not be accepted at airport immigration. If your travel is limited to land or sea crossings into Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, or the Caribbean, a card covers those trips at a lower cost. Some applicants order both at the same time, which saves on the acceptance fee compared to applying for each separately.
If you already have an eligible adult passport, renewal is usually the simpler and more affordable option. Adults can renew by mail using Form DS-82, or online if eligible, and the base fee starts at $130 for a passport book - with no acceptance fee required.
Who can renew by mail or online
You qualify to renew rather than apply as a new applicant if all of the following are true:
Adults who qualify to renew by mail or online do not pay the $35 acceptance fee. Optional fees for expedited processing ($60) and 1–3 day delivery ($22.05) apply if selected.
Expedited service is an optional add-on that shortens passport processing time for applicants who need their passport sooner than the routine timeline allows.
Expedited service details
Adding expedited service to a first-time adult passport book raises the base total from $165 to $225, before photo and delivery costs.
Expedited processing vs. delivery
The $60 fee speeds up how quickly the State Department processes your application - it does not cover shipping. If you need your passport returned quickly after processing, budget an additional $22.05 for 1–3 day delivery service.
When to choose expedited service
If your trip is within the next four to six weeks, expedited processing is worth considering. For routine applications, the current processing window is 6–8 weeks, which may not leave enough time without it.
If you need a passport within 14 days
Standard expedited processing may not be fast enough for urgent travel. If your trip is within 14 days, you may need to schedule an appointment at a regional passport agency. Appointments are limited and require proof of urgent travel, such as a flight itinerary.
Passport photos and return delivery are not included in the base passport fee - they are separate costs every applicant should budget for.
Passport photo requirements
Every application requires a photo that meets State Department standards. The photo must be:
Photos that do not meet these requirements are a common cause of application delays or rejections. Most pharmacies, post offices, and photo studios offer passport photo services, though fees vary by provider. If you want to cut costs, you can also take your own passport photo at home and have it printed to spec.
If you are renewing online, you will upload a digital photo rather than mail a printed one.
Return delivery
Once your passport is processed, the State Department mails it back to you. For faster return, 1–3 day delivery is available for $22.05. This fee applies to passport books only and is available for U.S. mailing addresses. It covers delivery speed after processing - it does not affect how quickly your application is reviewed.
Understanding passport costs is one thing - navigating the application is another. GOV+ is designed to make sure applicants show up at their acceptance facility with a complete, accurate application, so there are no errors that send you back to square one.
Here's how GOV+ can help:
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Ready to get started? Apply for a passport with GOV+.
A first-time adult passport book costs $165 - a $130 application fee plus a $35 acceptance fee. A passport card costs $65. If you add expedited processing ($60) and 1–3 day delivery ($22.05), a first-time adult passport book comes to $247.05 before photo costs.
No. Adults who qualify to renew by mail using Form DS-82 or through the online renewal process do not pay the $35 acceptance fee. The fee only applies to first-time applicants and minors applying in person at an acceptance facility.
Routine processing currently takes 6–8 weeks, not including mailing time. Adding the $60 expedited service fee shortens that to approximately 2–3 weeks. If your trip is within 14 days, you may need to schedule an appointment at a regional passport agency rather than relying on standard expedited processing.
No. Minors under 16 cannot renew by mail. They must apply as new applicants using Form DS-11 and appear in person at an acceptance facility with a parent or guardian present.
A passport book is required for all international air travel and is accepted at all border crossings. A passport card is valid only for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean. If you plan to fly internationally at any point, you need a passport book.
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