Applying for or renewing a US passport is the first step toward international travel. While the process is straightforward, the payment rules are specific.
Unlike standard transactions where you can pay the full total with a credit card, passport fees must be split into separate checks depending on your age, application type, and processing speed. This guide breaks down these costs so you can write the correct checks and avoid delays.
First-Time Passport Costs (In-Person Applications)
If you are applying for a passport for the first time, or if your previous passport was lost, stolen, or expired more than 15 years ago, you must apply in person. This involves two distinct fees:
- Application Fee: Paid directly to the U.S. Department of State to cover processing. This must be a check or money order.
- Execution Fee: A flat $35.00 fee paid to the acceptance facility (e.g. your local post office, clerk of court, or library) for identity verification.
Below is the standard pricing breakdown:
| Product Type | Department of State Fee | Acceptance Facility Fee | Total First-Time Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult Book (16+) | $130.00 | $35.00 | $165.00 |
| Adult Card (16+) | $30.00 | $35.00 | $65.00 |
| Adult Book & Card | $160.00 | $35.00 | $195.00 |
| Minor Book (Under 16) | $100.00 | $35.00 | $135.00 |
| Minor Card (Under 16) | $15.00 | $35.00 | $50.00 |
| Minor Book & Card (Under 16) | $115.00 | $35.00 | $150.00 |
To run calculations for your family or check processing speed options, use our Passport Fee Calculator.
Passport Renewal Costs (By Mail)
If you have an undamaged adult passport book that expired less than 15 years ago, you can renew it by mail using Form DS-82.
Because mail renewals do not require in-person identity verification, you do not pay the $35.00 execution fee:
- Adult Book Renewal: $130.00
- Adult Card Renewal: $30.00
- Adult Book & Card Renewal: $160.00
Note: All minor passports (under 16) cannot be renewed by mail. They must always apply in person using Form DS-11 and pay the $35.00 execution fee.
Expedited Processing Fees
If you need your passport quickly, the Department of State offers faster processing options for additional fees:
- Expedited Service Surcharge: Adds $60.00 per application. This reduces processing times from 6-8 weeks down to 2-3 weeks.
- 1-2 Day Express Return Delivery: Adds $21.36 to have your completed passport shipped back to you via express mail.
How to Prepare Your Payment Checks
When submitting your application, you must follow strict payment rules:
- Write your check or money order to “U.S. Department of State”.
- Write the applicant’s full name and date of birth on the memo line of the check.
- Do not combine payments for multiple family members onto one check. Every application must have its own independent check.
Use our Passport Fee Calculator to verify your exact total and see payment instructions.
If you are planning an international vacation and want to verify tipping customs, cover currencies, or check local service charges at your destination, consult our Travel Tipping Explorer.