Learn About U.S. Passport Fee Information

Programs That May Be Available Based on Your Situation

The U.S. State Department offers several pathways for obtaining a passport, and understanding which option fits your circumstances can help you navigate the process more smoothly. Your situation—whether you're a first-time applicant, renewing an existing passport, or seeking expedited service—determines which program structure applies to you.

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For first-time passport applicants, the standard program requires you to appear in person at an acceptance facility. These facilities include post offices, libraries, and county clerk offices throughout the country. This in-person requirement exists because officials need to verify your identity and citizenship documents directly. If you've never held a U.S. passport, you cannot use mail-in renewal services, regardless of your age or circumstances.

Passport renewal by mail is another program available to specific individuals. You may be able to renew through the mail if your passport is undamaged, was issued when you were 16 or older, and was issued within the last 15 years. This program can reduce the need to visit an acceptance facility in person, though not everyone meets these requirements.

The State Department also maintains a minor passport program for children under 16. Parents or guardians must appear with the child at an acceptance facility. Children's passports expire after five years, whereas adult passports are valid for 10 years. This difference affects renewal timing and costs.

For those needing their passport quickly, the State Department offers expedited processing as an add-on to standard services. This program accelerates review time but involves additional costs beyond the base passport fee. There is also a same-day execution program available at certain passport acceptance agencies during in-person visits, which represents the fastest option available.

Practical Takeaway: Before beginning any passport process, determine whether you're applying for the first time, renewing, or seeking expedited service. Each path has different location requirements, document needs, and costs. Identifying your situation first prevents wasted effort pursuing options that don't match your circumstances.

How the Process Works: Steps to Explore Your Options

Understanding the sequential steps of passport acquisition helps you prepare properly and avoid confusion. The process varies slightly depending on which program you're using, but certain foundational elements remain consistent across all pathways.

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The first step involves gathering required documents before visiting any facility. For a new passport, you'll need proof of U.S. citizenship (such as a birth certificate or naturalization certificate), a valid government-issued photo ID, and proof of residency. Having these documents ready prevents delays and return trips. The State Department website provides detailed lists of what documents count as acceptable proof for each category.

Next, you'll need an appropriate photo meeting specific requirements. Passport photos must be 2x2 inches, taken within the last six months, showing a full frontal view with a plain white or off-white background. Many drugstores and pharmacies offer passport photo services for around $10-15. Some acceptance facilities can take your photo on-site for an additional fee, typically between $10 and $16, though this convenience costs more than obtaining a photo elsewhere beforehand.

For those pursuing mail-in renewal, the process involves completing the appropriate form (DS-11, DS-82, or DS-64 depending on circumstances), gathering your current passport and supporting documents, and mailing everything to the address specified on the State Department's website. You'll track your application through the mail and receive your new passport by return mail within the stated processing timeframe.

For in-person applications, you'll visit an acceptance facility with your completed form and documentation. The acceptance agent verifies your documents, takes your photo if you haven't brought one, and collects payment. They'll provide you with a receipt showing your tracking number. You then wait for processing to complete, during which the State Department reviews your application and produces your passport.

Processing times vary based on current demand and whether you've selected expedited service. Standard processing typically takes several weeks to a few months. Expedited processing reduces this to around two to three weeks, but this only shortens the review period—it doesn't change how long mailing takes on either end.

Practical Takeaway: Map out your timeline working backward from when you need your passport. If international travel is several months away, standard processing works fine. If you're leaving in four weeks, expedited processing or same-day execution at a passport agency may be necessary. This timeline awareness shapes which program and options you'll pursue.

Common Mistakes to Avoid: What Most People Get Wrong

Many applicants encounter preventable problems that delay their passport acquisition. Learning about these common pitfalls before you start can spare you frustration and extra trips.

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One frequent mistake involves submitting incorrect or incomplete documents. The State Department has very specific requirements for what counts as proof of citizenship and identity. A birth certificate is acceptable, but a birth announcement is not. A driver's license works as ID, but a student ID does not. People sometimes assume similar documents will work and arrive at the acceptance facility only to learn they've brought the wrong paperwork. Always verify each document against the official checklist on the State Department website before visiting.

Another common error is submitting a passport photo that doesn't meet requirements. Photos must show your face clearly without glasses (sunglasses or regular), filters, or excessive makeup. The background must be plain white or off-white—no patterned backgrounds, landscapes, or other people in the frame. Many people have photos taken that they think look good but don't meet the technical specifications. Some acceptance facilities will refuse to accept non-compliant photos and ask you to return with a better one, adding delay.

People frequently attempt to renew by mail when they're not actually permitted to do so. If your passport is damaged, lost, or stolen, mail renewal is not an option—you must apply in person. If your passport was issued before you turned 16, or if it's been more than 15 years since issue, mail renewal doesn't work. Some applicants don't realize they fall into these categories and waste time preparing mail applications only to find out they need to start over with an in-person visit.

A significant mistake involves misunderstanding what "expedited" means. Many people pay extra for expedited processing thinking it will get them a passport in days. In reality, expedited service shortens the review process at the State Department but doesn't eliminate mailing time. Even with expedited processing, you're still waiting for your application to arrive at the processing facility and for your new passport to be mailed back to you. Same-day execution at a passport agency is the only option that provides a passport the same day you apply.

Another common problem occurs when applicants wait until the last possible moment to apply. If your passport expires and you haven't started the process, you won't have a valid passport in time for planned travel unless you pursue same-day execution at a passport agency. Waiting until a week before departure and hoping standard processing will suffice often results in cancelled or delayed travel plans.

People also sometimes provide illegible or incomplete forms. The application forms (DS-11, DS-82, or DS-64) ask for specific information in specific sections. Skipping lines, writing illegibly, or providing incomplete information creates processing delays while the State Department contacts you for clarification.

Practical Takeaway: Treat your document gathering as a verification task, not a guessing game. Print the official checklist from the State Department, physically check off each required item as you gather it, and verify that your photo meets all technical specifications before submitting anything. This methodical approach eliminates most problems that create delays.

What It May Cost: Understanding Passport Fees and Associated Expenses

Passport costs have multiple components, and understanding the full picture prevents surprises when you're paying. The base fees vary depending on passport type and whether you're renewing or applying new.

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For a new adult passport (16 and older), the execution fee is $130, and the application fee is $35, totaling $165. This represents the base cost for standard in-person service. A new child passport (under 16) costs $100 for execution and $35 for application, totaling $135. These fees are set by federal law and are the same whether you apply in New York or Alaska.

Passport renewals have different costs. If you're renewing by mail and meet all requirements, the cost is $130. If you're renewing in person at an acceptance facility (because you don't meet mail renewal requirements), you'll pay the full $165 for an adult passport, the same as a new