US Passport Cost: A 10-Year Guide

Getting a U.S. passport for a 10-year validity period involves several fees, and the total cost can vary slightly depending on your circumstances, such as whether you are applying for a new passport or a renewal, and if you need expedited services. For most adults applying for a new passport, the total cost will be $130. This breaks down into a $100 application fee paid to the U.S. Department of State and a $30 execution fee paid to the acceptance facility where you submit your application. This guide will provide a comprehensive breakdown of these costs.

Breakdown of Passport Fees

Understanding each component of the passport fee is crucial for budgeting. The fees are standardized by the U.S. Department of State to ensure consistency across all applications. For adults seeking a passport for the standard 10-year validity, the fees are as follows:

Application Fee

The application fee is the largest portion of the passport cost. This fee is paid directly to the U.S. Department of State and covers the processing and issuance of your passport book. For a standard adult passport book, this fee is $100.

Execution Fee

In addition to the application fee, there is an execution fee. This fee is paid to the facility that accepts your passport application, such as a post office or county clerk's office. This fee covers the services of the acceptance agent who verifies your identity and witnesses your signature. For a standard passport book, this execution fee is $30.

Total Cost for a New Adult Passport Book

Combining the application fee and the execution fee, the total cost for a new adult passport book valid for 10 years is $130. This is the most common scenario for individuals applying for their first U.S. passport or for those whose previous passport has expired and they do not qualify for renewal by mail.

Passport Book vs. Passport Card

When applying for a passport, you have the option of getting a passport book, a passport card, or both. Each has a different cost and different usage limitations.

Passport Book Costs

The passport book is what most people envision when they think of a passport. It is a booklet that is valid for international air, land, and sea travel. The fees for the passport book are as detailed above: $100 application fee plus a $30 execution fee for a total of $130 for a new adult passport.

Passport Card Costs

The passport card is a more limited form of identification. It is wallet-sized and can be used for international travel by land or sea to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean. It is not valid for international air travel. The fees for a passport card are separate from the book fees.

For a new adult passport card, the application fee is $30, and the execution fee is $30, totaling $60.

Cost for Both Book and Card

If you wish to obtain both a passport book and a passport card, you will pay the combined fees. For a new adult, this would be the $100 application fee for the book, the $30 application fee for the card, and a single $30 execution fee. This brings the total cost for both the book and the card to $160.

Renewing Your Passport

Renewing your U.S. passport is typically less expensive than applying for a new one, especially if you qualify for renewal by mail. For most adult passport renewals, the process is simpler and requires only the application fee. — Fredericksburg TX Zip Codes: Find Your Address

Renewal by Mail

If your most recent U.S. passport was issued when you were 16 or older, was issued within the last 15 years, is undamaged, and you have it in your possession, you can likely renew it by mail. The fee for renewing an adult passport book by mail is $130. This fee includes the application fee ($100) and the renewal fee ($30). Note that there is no execution fee for renewals by mail.

Renewing a Passport Card

Similarly, if you are renewing a passport card by mail and meet the eligibility requirements, the fee is $30. This fee covers the application and renewal costs for the card.

Passport Book and Card Renewal

If you are renewing both a passport book and a passport card by mail, the fees are combined. The cost would be $130 for the book and $30 for the card, for a total of $160.

Expedited Passport Services

If you need your passport sooner than the standard processing times, you can opt for expedited services for an additional fee. This service is available for both new applications and renewals. — Wade Dunks On Lebron: A Legendary Moment In NBA History

Expedited Processing Fee

The U.S. Department of State charges an additional fee for expedited processing. This fee is $60 per application. This fee is paid in addition to the regular application and execution fees.

Total Cost with Expedited Service

For a new adult passport book with expedited service, the total cost would be the standard $130 plus the $60 expedited fee, totaling $190. For an expedited renewal by mail of a passport book, the total cost would be $130 plus the $60 expedited fee, totaling $190.

1-2 Day Delivery

Beyond expedited processing, you can also pay for faster delivery of your completed passport. This is an additional fee and is separate from the expedited processing fee. The cost for 1-2 day delivery is $19.53.

Fees for Minors (Under 16)

Passports for minors under the age of 16 have different fees and validity periods. These passports are valid for 5 years, not 10, and require different documentation. The total cost for a new passport book for a minor is $100. This includes a $80 application fee and a $20 execution fee paid to the acceptance facility.

Minor Passport Card

The cost for a minor's passport card is $40, which includes a $20 application fee and a $20 execution fee.

Passport Agency and Acceptance Facility Fees

It's important to distinguish between fees paid to the U.S. Department of State and fees paid to the acceptance facility. The application fee always goes to the Department of State. The execution fee is paid to the facility where you apply.

Acceptance Facility Fees

Most passport acceptance facilities, such as post offices, charge the standard $30 execution fee for a passport book and $30 for a passport card. Some facilities may have additional services or fees, but these are not mandated by the Department of State.

Important Considerations and Additional Fees

While the fees outlined above cover the majority of passport costs, there are a few other potential expenses to be aware of.

Photos

Passport photos must meet specific requirements. Many acceptance facilities offer photo services for an additional charge, typically ranging from $10 to $20. You can also get passport photos taken at many drugstores or pharmacies.

Lost or Stolen Passports

If your passport is lost or stolen, you will need to apply for a new one, and you will be responsible for paying the full application and execution fees as if you were applying for the first time. — Free VR Games: The Ultimate Guide To Virtual Reality Gaming

Name Change

If you need to change your name on your passport due to marriage or other legal reasons, the process and fees depend on whether the change occurs within one year of your passport being issued. If it's within a year, you can generally update it for free by submitting the required documentation. If it's after one year, you will need to reapply and pay the full passport fees.

Summary of Costs

To summarize, for a U.S. passport valid for 10 years:

• New Adult Passport Book: $130 ($100 application + $30 execution)
• Renewed Adult Passport Book (by mail): $130 ($100 application + $30 renewal fee)
• Expedited New Adult Passport Book: $190 ($130 standard fee + $60 expedited fee)
• New Adult Passport Card: $60 ($30 application + $30 execution)
• Renewed Adult Passport Card (by mail): $30
• New Minor Passport Book (under 16): $100 ($80 application + $20 execution)

Always check the official U.S. Department of State website for the most current fee information, as fees can be subject to change. Careful planning and understanding these costs will help ensure a smooth application process for your U.S. passport.

Frequently Asked Questions about US Passport Costs

What is the total cost for a new U.S. passport book for an adult?

The total cost for a new adult U.S. passport book is $130. This includes a $100 application fee paid to the Department of State and a $30 execution fee paid to the acceptance facility.

How much does it cost to renew a U.S. passport book by mail?

Renewing an adult U.S. passport book by mail costs $130. This fee covers the application and renewal costs.

Can I get a U.S. passport faster, and what is the cost?

Yes, you can expedite your U.S. passport application for an additional $60 fee, making the total cost for a new adult passport book $190. You can also pay an extra $19.53 for 1-2 day delivery of your passport once it's processed.

What is the difference in cost between a passport book and a passport card?

A passport book costs $130 for a new adult application, while a passport card costs $60 for a new adult application. The card is limited to land and sea travel to specific nearby countries.

Are there different fees for children's passports?

Yes, passports for minors under 16 are valid for 5 years and cost $100 for a passport book ($80 application + $20 execution fee) and $40 for a passport card ($20 application + $20 execution fee).

Where can I find the most up-to-date fee information?

The most accurate and up-to-date fee information can always be found on the official U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs website. Fees are subject to change.

Do I have to pay extra if I lose my passport?

Yes, if your passport is lost or stolen, you must apply for a new passport and pay the full fees as if you were applying for the first time.