How much does a US passport cost?
A first adult US passport book costs $130 to the State Department plus a $35 acceptance fee. A child’s book (under 16) is $100 plus $35. Renewing an adult book by mail or online is $130, with no acceptance fee. Expedited service is $60 more. The photo is extra.
Passport book fees
- First adult passport (DS-11): $130 application fee + $35 acceptance fee
- Child under 16 (DS-11): $100 application fee + $35 acceptance fee
- Adult renewal (DS-82, by mail or online): $130
- Passport card only, renewal: $30; book and card: $160
Optional extras
- Expedited service: $60
- 1–3 day return delivery: $26.87 (passport book only)
The photo
The photo isn’t included. In stores it costs from $7.64 to $19.99 (see store prices); at home with PassportOwl the checked digital photo is $11.99.
Card and combo fees for first-time applicants
- Adult passport card (DS-11): $30 application fee + $35 acceptance fee, $65 in total
- Adult book and card (DS-11): $160 + $35, so you save $35 compared with applying separately
- Child passport card (under 16): $15 + $35, $50 in total
- Child book and card (under 16): $115 + $35
- Children under 16 can’t renew. They apply again in person each time and pay the acceptance fee.
Not sure you need both? See passport card vs book.
How to pay each fee
In person, you make two separate payments. The State Department fee goes by check or money order. Make it payable to “U.S. Department of State.”
Write the applicant’s name and date of birth in the memo line. Any expedite or delivery fee goes in that same check.
The $35 acceptance fee is paid to the facility, and each facility sets its own payment methods. At a post office you can pay by check or money order to “Postmaster,” or by debit or credit card.
Renewing by mail? Send a personal check or money order to the State Department, never cash. Renewing online, you pay by credit or debit card.
Delivery and mailing costs
- 1–3 day return delivery: $26.87. You get the passport 1–3 days after it is mailed.
- Return delivery isn’t offered for a card-only application. Cards go by USPS First Class Mail only.
- Don’t send a prepaid return envelope. The State Department won’t use it.
- Faster mailing to the State Department (Priority Mail Express) is paid at the acceptance facility. The price varies by location.
When to pay $60 to expedite
Routine processing takes 4–6 weeks and expedited takes 2–3 weeks. Mailing is extra: up to 2 weeks each way.
Online renewals can’t be expedited. If you renew online, you must not travel abroad for at least 6 weeks. Need speed? Renew by mail and add the $60.
If your trip is within 14 calendar days, you need an appointment at a passport agency or center. There are 26 of them.
Fees you may not expect
- File search: $150 if you can’t get evidence of US citizenship
- Correcting a data or printing error: $0 with Form DS-5504, if the passport is still valid
- Name change within 1 year of issue: $0 with Form DS-5504 (you still send 1 photo)
- Lost in a natural disaster: you may be able to replace it for free
Example totals for common cases
- First adult book, expedited: $130 + $35 + $60 = $225
- First adult book, expedited with 1–3 day delivery: $251.87
- Adult book renewal, expedited: $130 + $60 = $190
- Child book with card: $115 + $35 = $150
The photo is extra in every case. You can check your photo free before you pay for one.
Paying at a passport agency
Passport agencies take more payment types than acceptance facilities. You can pay with a Visa, Mastercard, American Express or Discover credit card.
Visa or Mastercard debit and prepaid cards work if they aren’t tied to a credit line or bank account. Apple Pay, Google Pay and Samsung Pay are accepted too.
Ways to keep passport costs down
- Ask for the large book on form DS-82. The extra visa pages cost nothing.
- Mail family renewals together with one check for the full amount.
- If you renew by mail, postal staff shouldn’t charge you the $35 facility fee.
- Not sure what you owe for a name change? It depends on your case. Use the State Department’s fee calculator.
Already have a photo? Check it free with the passport photo checker. Every rule in one place: passport photo requirements.
Questions
How much does a passport cost at the post office?
For a first adult passport: $130 to the State Department and $35 to the post office as the acceptance fee. The photo is extra.
Who do I pay?
The application fee goes to the U.S. Department of State; the acceptance fee is paid to the acceptance facility.
Are passport fees refundable if my application is denied?
No. The State Department keeps the application fee and the execution fee even if it doesn’t issue a passport. Only the $60 expedite fee can be refunded, and only if processing ran late and you ask.
Can I pay passport fees with a credit card?
For an online renewal, yes. For a mailed or in-person application, the State Department fee must be a check or money order. Post offices accept cards for the $35 acceptance fee.
Can I expedite an online passport renewal?
No. Online renewals can’t be expedited. Renew by mail and add $60 if you need it faster.
Do I pay the $35 acceptance fee when I renew?
No. The $35 fee applies when you apply in person with Form DS-11. Renewals by mail or online pay only the State Department fee.
How much does an expedited passport cost in total?
A first adult book is $225 expedited: $130, the $35 acceptance fee and $60. An expedited adult renewal is $190. Add $26.87 for 1–3 day return delivery.
Is there an extra fee for a larger passport book?
No. When you renew with form DS-82, check the “large book” box. The State Department adds more visa pages at no extra cost.
Can I pay passport fees with Apple Pay?
Only at a passport agency, which also takes Google Pay and Samsung Pay. Acceptance facilities and mail renewals need a check or money order for the State Department fee.
Sources: Passport fees - travel.state.gov , Renew your passport by mail - travel.state.gov , Passport processing times - travel.state.gov , Renew your passport online - travel.state.gov , Change or correct a passport - travel.state.gov , Lost or stolen passports - travel.state.gov , Passport card - travel.state.gov , Passports - USPS . Checked Oct 19, 2026. How we keep rules accurate