Passport Acceptance Fee: What You Need to Know Before Applying for a Passport
If you’re planning to travel internationally, one of the first things you’ll need is a passport. And while the process of applying for a passport may seem straightforward, there are important fees to consider before submitting your application. One of the fees you’ll encounter is the passport acceptance fee, which is crucial to understand before you start the application process.
What is a Passport Acceptance Fee?
A passport acceptance fee is a mandatory fee that is paid when you apply for a new passport in person at an official passport acceptance facility. This fee exists to cover the cost of processing your application, verifying your identity, and ensuring that all necessary documentation is in order. It is important to note that this fee is separate from the passport application fee, which covers the cost of producing the physical passport book or passport card.
How much does the Passport Acceptance Fee Cost?
The cost of the passport acceptance fee varies depending on the applicant’s age and whether they are applying for a new passport or renewing an existing one. As of 2021, the passport acceptance fee for applicants over the age of 16 is $35. For applicants under the age of 16, the fee is $15.
It’s important to note that the passport acceptance fee is non-refundable, even if your application is denied for any reason. This means that you’ll need to ensure that all of your documentation is in order before submitting your application to avoid losing the fee.
Where can you pay the Passport Acceptance Fee?
The passport acceptance fee is paid at the passport acceptance facility where you submit your application. These facilities are typically located at post offices, public libraries, courthouses, and other government buildings. Before visiting a passport acceptance facility, it’s important to check their hours of operation and whether an appointment is required.
In addition to the passport acceptance fee, you’ll also need to pay the passport application fee when you submit your application. The application fee varies depending on the type of passport you’re applying for (book or card) and whether you’re applying for a new passport or renewing an existing one. As of 2021, the application fee for a new adult passport book is $110, while the fee for a new adult passport card is $30.
Tips for Paying the Passport Acceptance Fee
When paying the passport acceptance fee, it’s important to keep the following tips in mind to ensure a smooth application process:
1. Bring the correct form of payment: Most passport acceptance facilities accept payment in the form of cash, check, or money order. It’s important to check with the specific facility you plan to visit to ensure they accept the form of payment you plan to use.
2. Bring the necessary documentation: In addition to the acceptance fee, you’ll need to bring a completed passport application form, proof of U.S. citizenship (such as a birth certificate or naturalization certificate), a valid form of identification (such as a driver’s license or state ID), and a passport photo. It’s important to have all of these documents in order before visiting a passport acceptance facility to avoid delays in processing your application.
3. Verify the passport acceptance facility’s hours of operation: Before visiting a passport acceptance facility, it’s important to verify their hours of operation and whether an appointment is required. Some facilities may have limited hours or may require appointments, so it’s essential to plan accordingly to avoid any delays in submitting your application.
In conclusion, the passport acceptance fee is a mandatory fee that must be paid when applying for a new passport in person. By understanding the cost of the fee, where to pay it, and how to pay it, you can ensure a smooth application process and avoid any delays or complications. Traveling internationally can be an exciting experience, and having a valid passport is essential to making your travel plans a reality. So, make sure to budget for the passport acceptance fee when planning your trip, and you’ll be one step closer to your next international adventure.
