The price of an American passport is a topic that often raises questions among travelers. Many people wonder how much it costs to obtain this essential travel document. In this article, we will delve into the details of the cost of an American passport and explore the factors that determine its price.
As of 2021, the cost of a standard adult passport book (Form DS-11) is $110. This fee includes the application processing fee and the execution fee. The application processing fee is $110, while the execution fee is $35. The execution fee is paid to the acceptance facility where you submit your application.
For those under the age of 16, the cost of a passport book is $80. This fee includes the application processing fee of $80. The execution fee does not apply to applicants under 16 years old.
In addition to the standard passport book, travelers also have the option of obtaining a passport card. The cost of a passport card is $30 for adults and $15 for minors under the age of 16. The passport card is a wallet-sized card that can be used for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda. However, it cannot be used for international air travel.
Applicants have the option of applying for both a passport book and a passport card at the same time. The cost of a passport book and card package for adults is $140, while the cost for minors under 16 is $95.
Expedited processing is available for an additional fee. The cost of expedited processing is $60 per application. Expedited processing shortens the processing time to 4-6 weeks, compared to the standard processing time of 10-12 weeks. This option is ideal for travelers who need their passports quickly for upcoming travel plans.
There are also additional fees for certain services or requests. For example, a name change within one year of passport issuance may be done for free, but for changes made after that time, there is a $110 fee. Similarly, there are fees for renewing a passport by mail (Form DS-82) or for adding visa pages to a passport.
It is important to note that these fees are subject to change, so it is recommended to check the latest fee schedule on the official website of the U.S. Department of State before applying for a passport.
The cost of an American passport is determined by several factors. One of the main factors is the type of passport document being applied for – whether it is a standard passport book, a passport card, or a passport book and card package. The fees also vary depending on the age of the applicant, with different rates for adults and minors under 16.
Another factor that determines the cost of an American passport is the processing time. Expedited processing incurs an additional fee of $60 and guarantees a faster processing time of 4-6 weeks. Standard processing, on the other hand, takes 10-12 weeks and does not have an additional fee.
In conclusion, the cost of an American passport varies depending on the type of passport document, the age of the applicant, and the processing time. While the standard adult passport book costs $110, applicants have the option of obtaining a passport card or a passport book and card package for an additional fee. Expedited processing is also available for those who need their passports quickly for upcoming travel plans. It is important to check the latest fee schedule on the official website of the U.S. Department of State before applying for a passport to ensure that you have the most up-to-date information on passport fees.
