In today’s globalized world, it has become increasingly common for families to travel abroad with their children. As such, obtaining a passport for children has become an essential step for many parents. However, the cost of obtaining a passport for kids can vary depending on a variety of factors. In this article, we will explore how much it costs to get a passport for children and provide some tips on how to save money during the application process.
The cost of obtaining a passport for a child can vary depending on the age of the child, the type of passport being applied for, and the processing time chosen. For children under the age of 16, a standard child passport is typically valid for five years and costs $80 for first-time applicants. Renewing a child’s passport costs $80 as well. However, if expedited processing is required, an additional fee of $60 will apply.
In addition to the standard child passport, there is also the option of obtaining a passport card for children. The passport card can only be used for travel by land or sea to certain countries and is not valid for international air travel. The cost of a passport card for children is $15 for first-time applicants and $15 for renewals.
For children aged 16 or 17, the cost of obtaining a passport is slightly higher. A standard adult passport for children aged 16 or 17 is valid for 10 years and costs $110 for first-time applicants. Renewing an adult passport for children aged 16 or 17 costs $110 as well. Expedited processing for adult passports costs an additional $60.
It is important to note that these fees only cover the cost of the passport itself. There may be additional fees for other services, such as passport photos or expedited processing. Passport photos typically cost around $15, while expedited processing can cost $60 in addition to the standard application fee.
When applying for a child’s passport, there are a few tips that parents can keep in mind to save money. One way to save money is to apply for the passport well in advance of any planned travel dates. Expedited processing can add significant costs to the application, so applying early can help avoid these fees.
Another way to save money is to take passport photos at home or use a passport photo service that offers lower rates. Many drugstores and retail stores offer passport photo services at a fraction of the cost of professional photographers.
Lastly, parents can save money by applying for the passport card instead of the standard passport, if their travel plans only involve land or sea travel to certain countries. The passport card is a more cost-effective option that still allows for international travel to select destinations.
In conclusion, the cost of obtaining a passport for children can vary depending on the age of the child, the type of passport being applied for, and the processing time chosen. By planning ahead, taking passport photos at home, and considering the passport card option, parents can save money during the application process. Traveling with children can be an enriching experience for the whole family, and obtaining a passport for kids should not be a barrier to exploring the world.
