Passports are essential documents for anyone looking to travel internationally, and for United States citizens, obtaining a US passport is a necessary step in order to explore the world. But just how much does it cost to get a US passport? Let’s take a closer look at the fees associated with obtaining this important travel document.
As of 2021, the cost to apply for a US passport varies depending on several factors, including the applicant’s age, whether they are applying for a new passport or renewing an existing one, and the type of passport being requested. The two main types of US passports are the traditional passport book and the passport card, which is a smaller, more limited-use version of the passport book.
For adults aged 16 and older, the cost to apply for a new US passport book is $110, while the cost for a passport card is $30. To renew a passport book for an adult, the fee is $110. If an applicant wishes to both apply for a new passport book and passport card, the cost is $140. These fees do not include the additional $35 execution fee that must be paid to an acceptance facility, such as a post office or clerk of court, when submitting the application.
For minors under the age of 16, the cost to apply for a new passport book is $80, while the cost for a passport card is $15. To renew a passport book for a minor, the fee is $80. If a parent or guardian wants to apply for both a new passport book and passport card for a minor, the cost is $95. And just like for adults, there is a $35 execution fee that must be paid in addition to the passport application fee.
It’s important to note that these fees are for routine passport processing, which can take up to 18 weeks to receive the passport. If an applicant needs their passport sooner, they can choose expedited processing for an additional fee of $60. Expedited processing reduces the processing time to 12 weeks for routine processing and 6 weeks for expedited processing. Applicants can also request overnight delivery of their passport for an additional fee of $17.56.
For those who need their passports in a hurry, the US Department of State also offers expedited services at its regional passport agencies and centers. These facilities can issue passports on the same day for emergency situations, such as a life-or-death emergency, urgent travel within 72 hours, or a qualified need for a foreign visa within 14 days. The expedited service fee for these emergency situations is $60, in addition to the standard passport application fees.
In addition to the fees associated with applying for a US passport, applicants should also consider the cost of obtaining necessary documents, such as passport photos and proof of citizenship. Passport photos typically cost around $15 at a post office or pharmacy, while obtaining a certified copy of a birth certificate can range from $10 to $30, depending on the state where the birth certificate was issued. Applicants who do not have a birth certificate may need to obtain a certificate of naturalization or certificate of citizenship, which can cost upwards of $600.
Overall, the cost to get a US passport can add up quickly, especially for families applying for multiple passports at once. However, having a valid passport is essential for international travel and opens up a world of opportunities to explore different cultures, meet new people, and create lasting memories. So while the fees may seem steep, the experiences that come with having a passport are priceless.
