What Determines the Cost of a U.S. Passport?
Your government total depends on the document you request and the application form you use.
Form DS-11 applicants pay two required fees: the State Department application fee and a separate $35 acceptance fee. This includes first-time applicants, children under 16, and adults who do not qualify for renewal.
Form DS-82 applicants pay only the application fee. Eligible adult renewals do not include the $35 acceptance fee. For example, a first-time adult passport book costs $165, while an adult passport book renewal costs $130.
Expedited processing adds $60. Optional 1–3 day return delivery applies only to passport books and costs $22.05 . Photos, mailing, travel, and private courier services are all separate expenses that can speed up your total turnaround time.
Use the tables below to find the required government fees for your application and identify any additional costs that apply.
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Required U.S. Passport Fees in 2026
Every applicant pays a State Department application fee. Applicants using Form DS-11 also pay a separate $35 acceptance fee to the facility that accepts the application.
| Application | Application Fee | Acceptance Fee | Total Government Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| First-time adult passport book | $130 | $35 | $165 |
| First-time adult passport card | $30 | $35 | $65 |
| First-time adult book and card | $160 | $35 | $195 |
| Adult passport book renewal | $130 | None | $130 |
| Adult passport card renewal | $30 | None | $30 |
| Adult book and card renewal | $160 | None | $160 |
| Child passport book | $100 | $35 | $135 |
| Child passport card | $15 | $35 | $50 |
| Child book and card | $115 | $35 | $150 |
Applicants age 16 or 17 pay adult application fees and the $35 acceptance fee because they apply in person using Form DS-11.
Review the complete U.S. passport fee chart before submitting payment.
When the $35 Acceptance Fee Applies
The $35 acceptance fee applies when an applicant submits Form DS-11 at a post office, library, court, or other passport acceptance facility.
Adults renewing with Form DS-82 do not pay the acceptance fee. Children under 16 cannot renew and must submit a new Form DS-11 application each time.
Applicants who request a passport book and card on the same DS-11 application pay the acceptance fee once.
Optional State Department Passport Fees
Optional fees apply only when you select the service or the State Department requires it for your application.
Expedited Processing: $60
Add $60 to request expedited passport processing. The fee applies whether you submit Form DS-11 at an acceptance facility, renew by mail with Form DS-82, or apply at a regional passport agency.
Current State Department processing estimates are 4 to 6 weeks for routine service and 2 to 3 weeks for expedited service. Mailing time is separate.
Optional 1–3 Day Return Delivery: $22.05
This fee covers faster delivery after the State Department prints and mails a passport book. It does not shorten application processing.
The service applies only to passport books. Passport cards are sent by First Class Mail.
File Search Fee: $150
The State Department charges $150 to search its records when an applicant cannot submit citizenship evidence but previously received a U.S. passport or Consular Report of Birth Abroad.
Review the file-search requirements before adding this fee.
Example: First-Time Adult Passport Book with Expedited Service
- Passport book application fee: $130
- Acceptance fee: $35
- Expedited-service fee: $60
- Optional 1–3 day return delivery: $22.05
Total before optional return delivery: $225
Other Costs That May Apply
Passport Photo
Photo costs vary by provider. Applicants can take their own photo when it meets every State Department requirement. Review the options in our guide to getting a passport photo.
Mailing the Application
Applicants renewing by mail pay the cost of sending the application to the State Department. Use a mailing service that provides tracking.
Form DS-11 applicants can pay an acceptance facility for faster outbound mailing. The charge depends on the mailing service and location.
Travel, Parking, Meals, and Lodging
Applicants pay their own transportation, parking, meals, and lodging when an acceptance facility or passport agency is not nearby.
Find a nearby passport acceptance facility before calculating travel costs.
Time and Travel Costs
Form DS-11 applicants must appear at an acceptance facility. The process can also include scheduling an appointment, getting a photo, traveling, parking, and taking time away from work or other responsibilities.
A regional passport agency appointment can require additional travel when the nearest agency is outside your area. These appointments are for international travel within 14 calendar days or a foreign visa needed within 28 calendar days. Appointments are free and depend on availability.
Review the requirements for applying at a regional passport agency before making travel arrangements.
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Applying at a Passport Agency vs. Using a Courier
Applying at a Passport Agency
Passport agency appointments are free. Applicants pay their own transportation, parking, meals, lodging, and time away from work. The appointment requires qualifying urgent travel and is subject to availability.
Using a Registered Passport Courier
A courier charges a private service fee. Services can include document review, submission instructions, application tracking, passport pickup, and return delivery.
A courier cannot waive State Department requirements. The State Department applies the same processing standards whether an eligible application is submitted by the applicant or a courier.
Compare current providers and services in our passport courier directory, or check out our best expediter recommendations.
Passport Cost Summary
| Fee or Expense | Amount | When It Applies |
|---|---|---|
| Passport application fee | $15–$160 | Every application; amount depends on age and document type |
| Acceptance fee | $35 | Form DS-11 applications |
| Expedited service | $60 | When expedited processing is requested |
| 1–3 day return delivery | $22.05 | Optional; passport books only |
| File search | $150 | When a qualifying applicant cannot submit citizenship evidence |
| Photo, mailing, travel, or courier | Varies | Depends on the applicant, location, and service provider |
Official sources: See the State Department's current passport fee schedule, processing estimates, urgent appointment rules, and courier guidance.
Last reviewed: July 2026
Our role: U.S. Passport Service Guide explains government passport fees and the separate costs charged by mailing, photo, travel, and courier providers. Confirm current charges before submitting an application or purchasing a private service.
Compare Your Fast Passport Options
If routine service is too slow, you may need an agency appointment or help from a registered courier. Compare your options before you decide.
