As the world begins to slowly open up after a year of travel restrictions and lockdowns, many Americans are starting to think about venturing outside their borders once again. And for those looking to do so, one key document they will need is a passport.
But how much does a U.S. passport cost these days? The answer to that question is not as straightforward as you might think. The cost of a passport can vary depending on several factors, including the age of the applicant, the type of passport being applied for, and how quickly the applicant needs it.
At the most basic level, there are two main types of passports available to U.S. citizens: a passport book and a passport card. A passport book is the traditional, full-size passport that allows for international travel by air, sea, or land. A passport card, on the other hand, is a less expensive, wallet-sized card that can only be used for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda.
For those applying for their first U.S. passport, the cost can vary depending on the age of the applicant. For adults (age 16 and older), the application fee for a passport book is currently $110, while the application fee for a passport card is $30. For minors (under age 16), the application fee for a passport book is $80, while the application fee for a passport card is $15.
In addition to the application fee, there are also other fees associated with getting a U.S. passport. One of the most common additional fees is the execution fee, which is currently $35. This fee is charged to applicants who are applying for their first U.S. passport, those who are replacing a lost or stolen passport, or those who are renewing a passport that was issued more than 15 years ago. The execution fee covers the cost of verifying the applicant’s identity and citizenship, as well as administering the oath of allegiance.
For those who need their passport in a hurry, there is also the option of expediting the application process. Expedited service is available for an additional fee of $60, and can reduce the processing time from 4-6 weeks to 2-3 weeks. There is also the option of overnight delivery for an additional fee of $17.13, which allows applicants to track the delivery of their passport.
It’s also important to note that the cost of a U.S. passport is subject to change. The U.S. Department of State periodically reviews the fees associated with passport services and adjusts them as needed. The last fee increase occurred in 2018, when the application fee for a passport book increased from $105 to $110 for adults and from $80 to $85 for minors. The execution fee also increased from $25 to $35.
For those who are planning to travel internationally in the near future, it’s a good idea to start the passport application process as soon as possible. The average processing time for a standard passport application is currently 4-6 weeks, but that can vary depending on the time of year and the volume of applications being processed. By applying early and being prepared to pay the necessary fees, travelers can ensure that they have their passport in hand when they need it.
In conclusion, the cost of a U.S. passport can vary depending on several factors, including the age of the applicant, the type of passport being applied for, and how quickly the applicant needs it. For those looking to travel internationally, it’s important to be aware of the fees associated with getting a passport and to plan accordingly. By starting the application process early and being prepared to pay the necessary fees, travelers can ensure that they are ready to explore the world once again.
