A passport is an essential document for international travel, enabling citizens to travel abroad for business, education, or leisure.
The United States Department of State is responsible for issuing passports to US citizens. In this blog, we will discuss the cost of a passport in the USA in 2023.
Passport Book vs. Passport Card: How Much is a passport
There are two types of passports that US citizens can apply for the passport book and the passport card. The passport book is the traditional passport, which is required for international air travel.
The passport card is a wallet-sized card that can be used for land and sea travel between the US, Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean.
Passport Book Fees
The fees for a passport book vary depending on several factors, such as the applicant’s age, whether the passport is being renewed or applied for the first time, and whether the application is being expedited or not.
For adults (age 16 and older) applying for a new passport book, the fee is $145. For adults renewing their passports, the fee is $110.
For children (under age 16) applying for a new passport book, the fee is $115. These fees are for standard processing and take 10-12 weeks for processing and delivery.
Expedited processing is available for an additional fee of $60, which reduces the processing time to 4-6 weeks. Applicants can also request expedited overnight delivery for an additional fee of $17.56 per application.
Passport Card Fees: How Much is a passport
For adults (age 16 and older) applying for a new passport card, the fee is $65. For adults renewing their passport card, the fee is $30. For children (under age 16) applying for a new passport card, the fee is $50.
Expedited processing is available for an additional fee of $60, which reduces the processing time to 2-3 weeks. Applicants can also request expedited overnight delivery for an additional fee of $17.56 per application.
Passport Book and Card Fees
For adults (age 16 and older) applying for both a new passport book and passport card, the fee is $175. For adults renewing both a passport book and passport card, the fee is $140.
For children (under age 16) applying for both a new passport book and passport card, the fee is $130.
Expedited processing is available for an additional fee of $60, which reduces the processing time to 4-6 weeks. Applicants can also request expedited overnight delivery for an additional fee of $17.56 per application.
Additional Fees
In addition to the above fees, there may be additional fees for certain situations, such as replacing a lost or stolen passport, adding pages to a passport book, or correcting errors on a passport. These fees can range from $0 to $142 depending on the situation.
Conclusion
In summary, the cost of a passport in the USA in 2023 varies depending on the type of passport, the age of the applicant, and whether expedited processing and delivery is requested. The fees for a passport book for adults are $145 for new applications and $110 for renewals, while the fees for a passport card for adults are $65 for new applications and $30 for renewals.
Applicants can also apply for both a passport book and passport card for a combined fee of $175 for adults and $130 for children. It is important to plan ahead and budget for these fees when planning for international travel.
FAQ’s and Answers
1. What is the cost of a new adult passport book in the United States?
For first-time applicants aged 16 and older, the total cost for a passport book is $165. This includes a $130 application fee and a $35 execution fee.
2. How much does it cost to renew an adult passport?
Renewing an adult passport by mail costs $130, which is the application fee. The execution fee is not required for renewals by mail.
3. What are the fees for a minor’s passport?
For applicants under 16, the total cost for a passport book is $135, comprising a $100 application fee and a $35 execution fee.
4. Is expedited passport processing available, and what is the additional cost?
Yes, expedited processing is available for an additional $60. This service reduces the processing time to approximately 2-3 weeks.
5. What is the difference in cost between a passport book and a passport card?
A passport card costs $65 for first-time adult applicants, which includes a $30 application fee and a $35 execution fee. The passport card is valid for land and sea travel between the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean but cannot be used for international air travel.
6. Are there additional fees for optional services?
Yes, optional services such as expedited processing ($60) and overnight delivery ($15.45) incur additional fees.
7. Have there been any recent changes to passport fees?
As of January 19, 2025, the U.S. Department of State has updated its fee schedule. It’s advisable to consult the official State Department website or local passport acceptance facilities for the most current information.
For comprehensive and up-to-date details on passport fees and application procedures, please visit the U.S. Department of State’s official website.
