Passport USA Price: What You Need to Know Before Applying
If you’re looking to travel internationally, one of the most important documents you need to have is a passport. For US citizens, getting a US passport is a critical step in ensuring you can travel abroad. However, many people are often deterred by the cost associated with obtaining a passport. In this article, we’ll break down the passport USA price and provide you with all the information you need to know before applying.
Passport USA Price Breakdown
The cost of obtaining a US passport varies depending on the type of passport and how quickly you need it. As of 2021, the passport USA price breakdown is as follows:
– Passport Book (Age 16 and older): The standard passport book for applicants age 16 and older costs $110. This fee includes both the application fee and the execution fee. The passport book is valid for international travel by air, sea, or land.
– Passport Book (Under 16): For applicants under the age of 16, the cost of a passport book is $80. As with the passport book for adults, this fee includes both the application fee and the execution fee.
– Passport Card: If you don’t plan on traveling by air and only need a passport for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda, you can opt for a passport card. The cost of a passport card for applicants age 16 and older is $30, while the cost for applicants under 16 is $15.
– Expedited Service: If you need your passport in a hurry, you can request expedited service for an additional fee of $60 per application. This will speed up the processing time to 4-6 weeks instead of the standard 10-12 weeks.
Additional Fees to Consider
In addition to the cost of the passport itself, there are a few other fees you may need to consider when applying for a US passport:
– Passport Photos: You will need to provide one passport photo with your application. Most passport photo services charge around $15-$20 for a set of two photos.
– Execution Fee: If you are applying for a passport for the first time, you will need to pay an execution fee of $35. This fee is paid to the acceptance facility where you submit your application.
– Overnight Delivery: If you’re applying for expedited service, you may also want to consider paying for overnight delivery to ensure your passport gets to you as quickly as possible. This can cost anywhere from $15-$40 depending on the delivery service you choose.
How to Save Money on Your Passport Application
If the cost of a US passport is a concern for you, there are a few ways you can save money on your application:
– Apply Early: The best way to avoid expedited service fees is to apply for your passport well in advance of your travel plans. This will give you plenty of time to receive your passport before you need it.
– Opt for a Passport Card: If you don’t plan on traveling by air, consider applying for a passport card instead of a passport book. The passport card is cheaper and may be all you need for your travel plans.
– Skip the Extras: While it’s important to have a valid passport, you can save money by skipping extras like overnight delivery or extra passport photos. Stick to the basics to keep costs down.
In conclusion, obtaining a US passport is an important step in ensuring you can travel internationally. While the cost of a US passport may seem daunting, there are ways to save money on your application. By understanding the passport USA price breakdown and considering additional fees, you can better prepare for the cost of obtaining a passport. Remember to apply early, opt for a passport card if possible, and skip extras to keep costs down. Safe travels!
