The Cost of a US Passport: What You Need to Know Before You Apply
Traveling internationally is an exciting and rewarding experience, but it can also be expensive. One of the essential items you need to have before you can travel outside of the United States is a passport. However, many people are surprised to learn just how much it costs to apply for or renew a passport. In this article, we will break down the current costs associated with obtaining a US passport and provide you with some helpful tips to save money during the application process.
The United States Department of State is responsible for issuing passports to US citizens. There are two types of passports available: a passport book and a passport card. A passport book is the most common type of passport and can be used for international travel by air, sea, or land. A passport card, on the other hand, is a smaller, more convenient form of identification that can only be used for land and sea travel between the US, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda.
The cost of a passport book for adults (age 16 and older) is $110 for a first-time applicant and $80 for a renewal. For children under the age of 16, the cost is $80 for a first-time applicant and $80 for a renewal. The cost of a passport card for adults is $30 for a first-time applicant and $30 for a renewal. For children under the age of 16, the cost is $15 for a first-time applicant and $15 for a renewal.
In addition to the cost of the passport itself, there are also other fees that you may need to pay when applying for or renewing your passport. The execution fee, which is paid to the acceptance facility that processes your application, is $35. If you need to expedite your passport application, you will also need to pay an additional $60 fee. Expedited processing typically takes 2-3 weeks instead of the standard 6-8 weeks.
There are a few ways that you can save money on your passport application. If you are in a hurry to receive your passport, consider scheduling an appointment at a regional passport agency. These agencies offer expedited processing for an additional fee, but you can typically receive your passport within a week. You can also save money by applying for your passport during the off-peak season, which is typically in the winter months.
Another way to save money on your passport application is to take advantage of any discounts that may be available to you. If you are a senior citizen, active-duty military member, or a student studying abroad, you may be eligible for a discounted passport fee. Additionally, some credit cards offer travel benefits that include reimbursement for passport fees.
It is essential to remember that your passport is a valuable document that should be kept safe at all times. If your passport is lost or stolen, you will need to apply for a replacement, which can be costly. The cost of replacing a lost or stolen passport is $110 for a passport book and $30 for a passport card.
In conclusion, obtaining a US passport can be expensive, but it is a necessary expense if you plan to travel internationally. By understanding the costs associated with applying for or renewing your passport and taking advantage of any available discounts, you can save money on the application process. Remember to keep your passport safe and consider purchasing travel insurance to protect yourself in case your passport is lost or stolen while traveling. Safe travels!
