Applying for a U.S. passport is a crucial step for international travel. It’s essential to understand all the associated costs to budget accordingly. This guide breaks down the different types of passport fees as outlined by travel.state.gov, helping you navigate the expenses for your travel documents.
Applying for a passport involves two primary fees: application processing fees and acceptance fees. These fees are distinct and paid to different entities. The processing fees go directly to the U.S. Department of State for the examination and processing of your application. Acceptance fees, on the other hand, are paid to the facility where you submit your application, such as a Post Office.
The application processing fees vary depending on the type of passport you are applying for. For a first-time adult passport book, the fee is currently $130. If you are renewing your adult passport book, the fee is also $130. For minors under 16, the fee for a passport book is $100. Passport cards, which are valid for land and sea border crossings to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean, have different fees. An adult passport card costs $30, and a minor passport card is $15. It’s important to note that passport cards are not valid for international air travel.
In addition to processing fees, there is an acceptance fee of $35 if you are applying in person at an authorized acceptance facility like a Post Office. This fee compensates the acceptance facility for their service in reviewing your application documents, verifying your identity, and securely sending your application to the State Department. Some Post Offices also offer passport photo services for an additional fee, typically around $15.
When paying for passport fees, the methods vary depending on whether you are paying the acceptance facility or the State Department. For acceptance fees at a Post Office, you can typically pay by cash, check or money order payable to “Postmaster,” debit card, or credit card. For the application processing fees sent to the State Department, you must pay by check or money order payable to “U.S. Department of State.” You can also pay online for renewals in some cases using a credit or debit card. Cash is not accepted for State Department processing fees.
It’s crucial to check the official travel.state.gov website for the most up-to-date information on passport fees, as these fees are subject to change. Planning ahead and understanding these costs ensures a smoother passport application process and helps you prepare for your international travels without unexpected financial hurdles.
