How Much Does a Passport Cost?

The true cost of getting a U.S. passport goes beyond the standard government fees. While the U.S. Department of State charges a fixed amount to process your application, there are several other expenses you may need to pay-some required, others optional, but often necessary depending on your situation.

If you're only looking for the official application and execution fees, visit our Passport Fees 2025 page.

Table of Contents

• What Determines the Total Cost of a Passport?
• Required Passport Fees in 2025
• Special Service Fees for Passport Applications
• Additional Expenses to Consider
• The Hidden Time Cost of Getting a Passport
• Expediting a Passport Yourself vs. Using a Registered Expediter
• Summary Table of Fees to Include

What Determines the Total Cost of a Passport?

Most Applicants Underestimate the Total Cost

Many travelers focus only on the U.S. government fees, unaware that other costs can quickly add up. These might include photo services, mailing fees, travel to a passport agency, expedited shipping, and even lost wages if you need to take time off work.

Total Passport Cost Range: What to Expect

In most cases, you can expect to pay anywhere from $200 to $1,200 or more depending on how urgently you need your passport and which services you choose to use.

Why It's Important to Know the Full Cost

Understanding the full cost of getting a passport helps you budget appropriately and avoid last-minute surprises. Some of these costs are easy to overlook, yet they can significantly affect your overall expenses.

Ready to see a full breakdown? Keep reading to explore both required and optional passport fees, plus tips for saving money during the process.

Required Passport Fees in 2025

When applying for a U.S. passport in 2025, there are two mandatory government fees: the application fee and, in some cases, the execution (acceptance) fee. The total amount you'll pay depends on the applicant's age and whether you choose a passport book, a card, or both.

Application Fees by Age and Document Type

Execution Fee

An additional $35 execution fee is required when submitting Form DS-11 to apply for a new passport or to replace a lost, stolen, or damaged one. This fee is paid to the acceptance facility (such as a post office) and is not required when submitting a passport renewal via Form DS-82.

Important: Passports issued to minors (under age 16) cannot be renewed. A new application using Form DS-11 is always required, and both the application and execution fees must be paid in full.

Once you've identified the government fees that apply to your situation, write them down. Next, we'll explore the additional-and often unexpected-expenses that contribute to the true total cost of getting your passport.

Special Service Fees for U.S. Passport Applications (2025)

In addition to the required government fees, you may choose or need to pay for one or more special services. These optional fees can speed up processing or help in special circumstances.

1. Expedited Processing Fee - $60

If you need your passport faster than routine processing allows, you can request expedited service for an additional $60. This service is available when applying:

• In person at an acceptance facility
• By mail when renewing a passport
• At a regional passport agency

2. 1-2 Day Delivery Fee - $21.36

You may pay $21.36 for 1-2 day delivery of your new passport book once it's printed. This is a separate service from expedited processing, and it's only available for passport books, not cards.

Passport cards are shipped via First Class Mail and are not eligible for express shipping.

3. File Search Fee - $150

If you cannot submit proof of U.S. citizenship but were previously issued a passport, you can request a File Search from the State Department for $150. They will attempt to locate archived records that verify your citizenship.

Example Cost Breakdown with Special Services

See the complete list of passport fees here.

If any of these services apply to you, be sure to include them in your total passport cost calculation. Still, there are other expenses you may incur when applying for your passport. Let's take a closer look at those next.

Additional Expenses to Consider When Getting a U.S. Passport

In addition to the required government and optional service fees, there are several common but often overlooked expenses that can increase the total cost of getting a passport. These include transportation, shipping, and incidentals that vary depending on where and how you apply.

1. Passport Photo

All applicants must submit one recent passport photo taken within the last six months. Prices typically range from $5 to $15, depending on where you go. Visit our guide to where to get a passport photo taken.

You can take your own photo at home, but it must meet strict government requirements. Mistakes in photo size, lighting, or background are a common cause of passport application delays.

2. Mailing, Shipping & Handling

If you're mailing your application-such as when submitting a passport renewal by mail-you'll need a secure envelope and trackable shipping. Costs range from $8 to $15 for USPS Priority Mail with tracking.

For expedited processing, return delivery may require an additional $21.36 for 1-2 day service.

3. Transportation, Parking & Travel

If you're visiting a passport acceptance facility, plan for fuel, public transit fare, or parking fees. These can add anywhere from $5 to $30+, especially in urban areas.

Those applying at a regional passport agency-usually for urgent or same-day service-may face even higher costs. Depending on the location, you could spend hundreds on:

• Gas or airfare
• Hotel accommodations (if staying overnight)
• Meals and incidental expenses

4. Total Additional Costs: What to Expect

Not all these costs apply to every applicant. Someone applying at a nearby facility might only spend an extra $10 to $20. However, if you're traveling a long distance or using expedited services, your additional expenses could easily exceed $200 or more.

To avoid surprises, we recommend researching estimated prices for:

• Photo services near you
• Shipping and mailing options
• Local or long-distance travel and lodging

Once you've added these extras to the required and optional fees, you'll have a much clearer picture of the true cost of getting your U.S. passport.

The Hidden Time Cost of Getting a Passport

While most applicants focus on government fees and shipping charges, the value of your time is another important factor to consider when calculating the true cost of getting a U.S. passport.

How Much Time Does the Passport Process Take?

Depending on your situation, the process may take as little as an hour or as much as a full day. Tasks often include:

• Filling out and printing the DS-11 or DS-82 form
• Scheduling and attending an appointment at a passport acceptance facility
• Getting your passport photo taken
• Traveling to a post office or passport agency, possibly waiting in line

Time Has Value-Even If You Don't Bill By the Hour

If you value your time at just $15/hour, spending 6 to 8 hours on the process adds an additional $90 to $120 to your total cost. For professionals or business owners, the opportunity cost may be even higher.

Now consider combining that with other expenses such as transportation, mailing, and optional services. Your total could easily exceed $400 to $700, especially if you need to visit a regional passport agency.

Consider a Passport Expediting Service

If your time is limited or you need your passport fast, a passport expediting service may be worth the additional cost. These services handle much of the process for you and can dramatically reduce the time you need to invest personally.

Expediting a Passport Yourself vs. Using a Registered Expediter

Many people assume that handling expedited passport processing on their own - by visiting a regional passport agency - will save them money. But when you factor in all the time, travel, and incidental costs, the total can rival or exceed the cost of hiring a registered passport expediter.

True Cost of Expediting In Person

Let's break down the common expenses when applying at a regional passport agency:

• Expedited passport fee: $60
• Travel (gas, flights, or transit): $50-$300+
• Parking and local transport: $10-$50
• Meals or snacks during your trip: $15-$40
• Lodging if an overnight stay is needed: $100-$200+
• Lost time from work or other obligations: varies, but often $100+

Total estimated cost: $300 to $800 or more, depending on your location and circumstances. This does not include your application and execution fees.

Cost of Using a Registered Expediter

Professional passport expediting services typically charge a flat fee for handling the application and managing the appointment on your behalf. Most charge between:

• $119 to $699+ depending on speed and service level
• Courier services may also include photo checks, form reviews, and real-time updates

What You Avoid: travel, lodging, time off work, waiting in line, and the risk of errors or delays.

Who Should Consider an Expediter?

For expedited service, the true cost can easily reach $1,000 or more. Now that you understand all the hidden expenses, you can choose the option that makes the most sense for your situation and budget.

Whether you apply by mail, at a local acceptance facility, in person at a passport agency, or through a registered expediter, knowing the full cost helps you make the best decision.

Top 5 Questions About Expedited Passport Couriers