How Much Does It Cost to Get a Passport?

5 Min Read | Published: March 5, 2024

A man's hand is holding a passport, a luggage and opening the door

This article contains general information and is not intended to provide information that is specific to American Express products and services. Similar products and services offered by different companies will have different features and you should always read about product details before acquiring any financial product.

See how much it costs to get a passport, along with how long it typically takes and what happens if you need to replace a lost or stolen passport.

At-A-Glance

The processing time to receive a new passport is currently 6-8 weeks (as of January 2024), but this time can vary considerably depending on demand.
The fee for a new adult passport book is $130 plus a $35 execution fee (as of January 2024).
Damaged, lost, or stolen passports cannot be renewed. Instead, you may need to apply for a new passport.

If you’re traveling internationally, you’ll need a passport. At least in most cases. It can also be used as your primary identification on domestic flights, with some travelers opting not to leave home without it. In this article, we’ll uncover how much it costs for a new passport, along with some advice for what you can do if your passport is lost or stolen.

2024 Costs for a New Passport

There are two types of passports in the United States: a passport book and a passport card.
A passport book allows you to travel internationally by air, sea, or land. A passport card, on the other hand, can be used when entering the United States at land border crossings and seaports-of-entry from: Canada, Mexico, Caribbean countries, and Bermuda; but it cannot be used for international air travel.¹

The first-time adult 2024 cost for a passport book is $130 plus a $35 execution fee. The first-time adult 2024 cost for a passport card will cost you $30 plus the $35 execution fee.²

Give yourself plenty of time before you need to travel. According to the U.S. State Department, the routine processing time for a new passport is currently (January 2024) six to eight weeks.³ You can pay an extra $60 to expedite processing and get it faster, but how quickly can vary, depending on demand. Be sure to keep this in mind when you make travel plans and allow yourself plenty of time for passport processing.

Passports for minors who are under sixteen years of age cost less. For standard processing, the fee for a minor passport book is $100 plus a $35 execution fee. Expedited processing will cost more. A passport card for a minor currently costs $15 plus a $35 processing fee.⁴

Fees for Passport Renewals

If your passport is nearing its expiration date, you’ll want to consider renewing it before you travel internationally. A U.S. passport can typically only be renewed if you have it in your possession and it was issued within the past fifteen years. It must also be undamaged. To renew your passport, you can submit form DS-82 to the State Department.⁵

The cost to renew your passport is $130 for a U.S. passport book and $30 for a U.S. passport card.⁶ That’s only for adult passports. Minor passports are valid for five years and are not renewable. Parents or guardians must appear in person with the minor and apply for a new passport if the old one has expired.⁷

Replacing a Lost, Damaged, or Stolen Passport

If your passport has been lost, stolen, or seriously damaged, you’ll typically need to apply for a new one. You can’t renew your passport if you are unable to produce it in an undamaged state. Learn more about reporting and replacing a lost or stolen passport at the U.S. Department of State’s website.

Quick Reference Guide for Passport Fees

Adult passports are typically valid for ten years and minor passports are valid for five years. You might want to check your passport’s expiration date if you haven’t looked at it in a while. If you’re close to that date, start the process of renewal as soon as possible.

Did you know?

While some countries just need your passport to be valid for the duration of your stay, others need at least six months. Be sure to check the entry requirements and guidelines for the country that you’re planning to visit before you book your trip.

Here are the fees for new passports and passport renewals (including execution fees):

Application Type	U.S. Passport Book	U.S. Passport Card
New Adult Applicant	$165	$65
New Minor Applicant	$135	$50
Renewal (Adult Only)	$130	$30
Expedite Fee	$60	N/A

(Source: UNITED STATES PASSPORT FEES, U.S. Department of State)

If you’re planning to travel, be sure to check the U.S. Department of State’s website for the most up-to-date information on passport fees, as well as expected timelines for processing passport applications.

Frequently Asked Questions

You can upgrade your application from routine processing to expedited processing for an additional $60. You may also choose to add a 1–2-day delivery service of your completed passport book for an additional fee.

This is a common request. The State Department may issue you an emergency passport within three days if an immediate family member has died in a foreign country, is dying, or has a life-threatening illness or injury. You can make an appointment online or by calling 877-487-2778.⁸

The Takeaway

Applying for a passport is one of those expenses that you’ll encounter if you plan to travel internationally. Be sure to allow plenty of time for your application to process before your planned trip.

¹ "What Is a Passport Card?," U.S. Department of State

^2,4,6 "United States Passport Fees," U.S. Department of State

³ "Processing Times for Passports," U.S. Department of State

⁵ "Renew by Mail," U.S. Department of State

⁷ "Apply for a Child Under 16," U.S. Department of State

⁸ "Life or Death Emergencies," U.S. Department of State

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Kevin D. Flynn is a financial services provider, business coach, and financial writer. He lives in Leominster, Massachusetts with his wife Evelyn, two cats, and ten wonderful grandchildren.

All Credit Intel content is written by freelance authors and commissioned and paid for by American Express.

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