How Much Does a Passport Cost?

Almost nothing is more exciting than planning your first international trip. You book your flights, pick your hotels and make sure all your tours are arranged. The only thing left is getting a passport.

In the United States, applying for and receiving a passport can be quite a lengthy process — and it’ll cost you some money. Let’s take a look at the different types of passport applications and how much a passport costs, whether you’re using an agency, heading to the post office or renewing by mail.

How much does a passport cost?

The amount that you’ll need to pay is going to depend on your age, the type of passport you're getting and whether you've had a passport before. For anyone age 16 or older applying for a passport for the first time, a new passport card will cost $65 and a passport book will cost $165. If you get them both, it'll cost $195.

A passport card grants you access over land and select sea borders but does not allow for international air travel.

For children under the age of 16, the cost is slightly lower for a new passport. A passport card for children costs $50 and a passport book costs $135. To get both a passport book and card for a child, it'll cost $150.

» Learn more: How to get your first passport

Types of passport applications

U.S. passport fees vary based on what type of application you’re submitting. Here’s a breakdown of the different passport applications you can do:

• Adult (over 16) applying for the first time. You can opt to get a passport book, a passport card or both book and card. Costs range from $65 to $195, including an acceptance fee.

• Adult (over 16) renewing your passport. You can renew your passport book, card or opt for both. You won’t pay an acceptance fee, so costs are lower. They run from $30 to $160. 

• Child (under 16) applying for a passport. Children are not eligible to renew passports; instead they must reapply every five years. Costs range from $50 to $150, including an acceptance fee. 

How much does it cost to renew a passport?

The passport renewal cost varies based on what you’re getting. A passport book by itself costs $130, while renewing a passport card costs just $30. Opting for both will run you $160.

The cost of passport changes

How much are passport changes? You don’t need to get an entirely new passport if you just need to make a change. Depending on the reason for your change, it may cost you nothing to get an alteration.

• Correcting a data error. This is free to do. 

• Changing your name or gender. Fees may vary, so if either of these changes apply to you, be sure to use the U.S Department of State's built-in fee calculator. 

» Learn more: 4 times when you should renew your passport

Getting an expedited passport

Applying for or renewing a passport can take a lot of time, especially when government delays cause a backlog. If you need a passport quickly, it’s possible to apply for expedited service. The current wait time to get your passport are as follows:

There are additional fees associated with getting an expedited passport. You’ll also need to make an appointment at a passport agency, though these are limited and not guaranteed.

Here are the costs for rushing your passport:

• Expedited service. The cost for expedited service is $60 and includes a reduced processing time. 

• One- to two-day delivery. This runs an additional $19.53 and ensures that once processed, your passport book is sent back quickly. 

» Learn more: Why (and how) to renew your passport now, even if you’re not traveling soon

Using a passport agency for urgent travel

If you have urgent travel, you can also opt to go to a passport agency or passport center. You won’t pay more than you would for an expedited passport. You’ll also be able to skip paying for shipping.

However, in order to take advantage of this in-person agency service, you must have international travel within the next 14 days. You must also provide proof of this travel.

If you have life-or-death circumstances and need to travel within the next three business days, your appointment will be prioritized.

Costs of using a passport courier

Finally, there are passport courier or expeditor companies that work on your behalf to get you an expedited passport.

These are not operated by the U.S. government and cannot get your passport to you any faster, but they do provide aid with completing the requirements for getting a new passport.

However, the costs of these courier services can be outrageous. In addition to paying the standard fees for your passport, these agencies will also charge you additional fees. In circumstances where you have very urgent travel, this can cost you hundreds more than just doing it yourself.

» Learn more: Need a passport for a trip? Give yourself a big time cushion

So, how much is a U.S. passport?

Getting a U.S. passport can take a lot of coordination, especially if it’s your first time.

The fee that you’ll pay for your passport will differ based on whether it’s a renewal, a name change, how old you are and whether you’re also getting a passport card. You’ll also need to pay more if you need your passport right away. If you’re getting a passport, expect to pay anywhere from $50 to $195.