Understanding U.S. Passport Fees: What You'll Pay in 2024
U.S. passport fees vary based on the type of passport you need and your age. As of 2024, the State Department charges specific amounts for different passport services. For a passport book (the standard travel document), the fees break down into two parts: the execution fee and the issuance fee.
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For adults (age 16 and older) applying for a new passport book, you'll pay a $130 issuance fee plus a $35 execution fee, totaling $165. If you're renewing an expired passport book by mail and it's still in your possession, the cost is lower—just $130 for the issuance fee. The execution fee applies only to first-time applications and in-person renewals.
Children under 16 have different pricing. A new passport book for a child costs $100 (issuance) plus $35 (execution), totaling $135. Renewing a child's passport by mail costs $100. These lower fees reflect the shorter validity period for children's passports, which are valid for five years rather than ten years for adults.
Passport cards, which are smaller than books and valid only for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean, cost less. A new passport card for an adult is $55 (issuance) plus $35 (execution), totaling $90. Renewing a card by mail costs $55. For children, a new card is $35 (issuance) plus $35 (execution), totaling $70, with mail renewals at $35.
Many people combine services. A passport book and card together for an adult costs $165 for the book plus $55 for the card, totaling $220 (when applying in person). This combination gives you flexibility—use the book for international flights and the card for land border crossings.
Practical takeaway: Write down which type of passport you need before visiting an acceptance facility or paying fees. Knowing whether you want just a book, just a card, or both will help you budget accurately and avoid overpaying.
Processing Time and Rush Services: Additional Costs to Know
Standard passport processing takes about 6 to 8 weeks from the time the State Department receives your application. However, processing times can vary depending on the time of year and application volume. Summer months (May through August) typically see longer processing times because more people travel during that season.
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If you need your passport faster, the State Department offers expedited processing. Expedited service reduces processing time to approximately 2 to 3 weeks and costs an additional $60 on top of your regular passport fees. So if you're applying for an adult passport book with expedited processing, your total would be $165 plus $60, equaling $225.
For people who need a passport even faster, the State Department offers emergency services through passport agencies and centers. Emergency processing can take as little as 24 hours to a few days but costs an additional $35 on top of the expedited fee of $60. This combination—expedited plus emergency—means you'd pay $165 plus $60 plus $35, totaling $260 for an adult passport book.
You must request expedited or emergency services in person at a passport acceptance facility or passport agency. You cannot request these services by mail. Additionally, you can only use emergency services if you have a specific trip scheduled within 2 weeks (for emergency processing) or 2 to 3 weeks (for expedited processing). The State Department requires proof of your travel plans, such as airline tickets or hotel reservations.
Some passport acceptance facilities don't offer same-day service, so location matters. Passport agencies in major cities like New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Miami handle rush requests, but smaller regional offices may not. You can find your nearest passport facility through the State Department's website.
Practical takeaway: If you plan a trip more than 8 weeks away, use standard processing and save the extra fees. If your trip is sooner, calculate whether the $60 expedited fee or $95 emergency fee fits your budget. Book your appointment early—rush services require in-person visits and spots fill quickly during peak travel seasons.
Replacement and Renewal Fees: Different Costs for Different Situations
Passport renewal and replacement are two different services with different costs. Understanding which one you need determines what you'll pay. Renewal applies when your passport is expired or expiring soon and you want to extend its validity. Replacement applies when your passport is lost, stolen, or damaged.
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Renewing your passport by mail costs $130 (for adults with a book). This is the least expensive option. You can renew by mail if your passport is undamaged, your name hasn't changed due to marriage or court order, and you've had your current passport for at least five years (or you received it before age 16 and are now at least 16). Mail renewal typically takes 6 to 8 weeks during regular times and longer during peak seasons.
If you can't renew by mail, you must renew in person at an acceptance facility. In-person renewal costs $130 (issuance) plus $35 (execution), totaling $165 for an adult. This applies if your name has changed, your passport was damaged, or you don't meet other mail renewal criteria. In-person renewal takes the same 6 to 8 weeks as mail renewal for standard processing.
If your passport was lost or stolen, you must apply for a replacement. The cost is the same as a new application: $130 (issuance) plus $35 (execution) for an adult, totaling $165. However, you'll need to file a report with the State Department about the lost or stolen passport. This report is included in the application process and has no separate fee. You must replace in person and bring a police report if available, though it's not always required.
Damage to your passport sometimes allows renewal by mail and sometimes requires replacement in person. Minor damage like a bent corner or small stain might allow mail renewal. Damage that affects readability—like water damage, torn pages, or faded information—typically requires in-person replacement at the higher cost.
Practical takeaway: Check your passport's condition now. If it's in good condition and your personal information hasn't changed, you can save money by renewing by mail before it expires. Keep this renewal option in mind 6 to 12 months before your expiration date so you have time for standard processing.
Additional Fees and Hidden Costs You Should Know About
Beyond the basic passport fees, several additional charges may apply depending on your situation. Understanding these helps you budget for the full cost of getting your passport.
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One common additional cost is the acceptance agent fee. When you submit your application at a local passport acceptance facility (usually a post office, library, or courthouse), that facility may charge a fee ranging from $0 to $35 in addition to State Department fees. This fee goes to the local facility, not the federal government. The amount varies by location, so you should call ahead to ask. Some facilities charge nothing; others charge the maximum $35. The State Department doesn't collect this fee, so it won't appear on your government receipt.
Another cost involves photos. You'll need a new passport photo meeting specific requirements: 2x2 inches, taken within the last 6 months, with a white or off-white background, showing your full face straight-on, with eyes open and a neutral expression. Professional passport photos at studios or photo shops typically cost between $10 and $25. Some pharmacies with photo departments offer passport photos for $8 to $15. Many post offices also provide this service. You cannot use selfies or digital photos you've edited. Two photos are required for in-person applications, and one is required for mail renewals. Budget $15 to $50 for photos depending on where you get them.
If you need copies of your birth certificate or other supporting documents and don't have them, obtaining these can cost money. A certified copy of a birth certificate from your state's vital records office typically costs $10 to $30. You'll need to request this from the state where you were born, and processing can take one to two weeks.
Translation fees may apply if your supporting documents are in a language other than English. The State Department requires official English translations for