As travel restrictions continue to ease and people start planning their post-pandemic adventures, one common question on many minds is “how much money are passports?” The cost of obtaining or renewing a passport can vary depending on several factors, including the type of passport, the applicant’s age, and processing fees. Let’s break down the different types of passports and their associated costs.
First, let’s start with the most common type of passport: the standard adult passport. For adults aged 16 and over, the cost of a standard adult passport in the United States is $110 for a passport book and $30 for a passport card. The passport book is required for international air travel, while the passport card is only acceptable for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda.
For adults aged 16 and over who are applying for their passport for the first time, there is an additional execution fee of $35. This fee is paid to the acceptance facility where the applicant submits their application and supporting documents.
For minors under the age of 16, the cost of a passport book is $80, while the passport card is $15. The execution fee for minors is $35. Both parents or legal guardians must be present when applying for a minor’s passport, and additional documentation may be required.
If you are in need of a passport quickly, expedited processing is available for an additional fee. The expedited service fee is $60 per application, in addition to the standard application and execution fees. Expedited processing can reduce the processing time to as little as 2-3 weeks, compared to the standard 6-8 weeks.
In addition to the standard adult and minor passports, there are also options for special types of passports with different costs. For example, the passport book for a government official or diplomat is $110, while the passport card is $30. The execution fee for government officials and diplomats is $35.
For frequent travelers, the U.S. Department of State offers a passport book with extra pages for an additional fee. The cost of a passport book with 52 pages is the same as a standard adult passport book, but it provides more space for visas and entry/exit stamps.
For those who require a passport for official government business or emergency travel, there is an emergency passport service available. The fee for an emergency passport is $60, in addition to the standard application and execution fees.
It’s important to note that these costs are for U.S. passports only, and the fees for passports in other countries may vary. Additionally, the costs mentioned are as of the time of writing this article and are subject to change. It’s always a good idea to check the most current fees on the U.S. Department of State’s website before applying for a passport.
In conclusion, the cost of passports can vary depending on the type of passport, the applicant’s age, and any additional services required. Whether you’re applying for your first passport, renewing an existing one, or need expedited processing, it’s important to be aware of the fees involved in obtaining a passport. Planning ahead and budgeting for these costs can help ensure a smooth and stress-free travel experience.
