How Much Does it Cost to Obtain or Renew an American Passport?

United States passports are issued to citizens and nationals of the United States of America. How Much Does it Cost to Obtain or Renew an American Passport?. They are issued exclusively by the U.S. Department of State. Besides passports (in booklet form), limited-use passport cards are issued by the same government agency subject to the same requirements. It is unlawful for U.S. citizens and nationals to enter or exit the country without a valid U.S. passport or passport-replacement document compliant with the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, though there are many exceptions; waivers are generally granted for U.S. citizens returning without a passport, and the exit requirement is not enforced. As of 2022, United States passport allows visa-free travel to 186 countries and territories, ranking as the 7th most powerful in the world in terms of travel freedom.

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U.S. passport booklets conform with recommended standards (i.e., size, composition, layout, technology) of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). There are five types of passport booklets; the State Department has issued only biometric passports as standard since August 2007. U.S. passports are federal property and must be returned to the government upon demand.

By law, a valid unexpired U.S. passport (or passport card) is conclusive (and not just prima facie) proof of U.S. citizenship, with the same force and effect as proof as certificates of naturalization or citizenship if issued to a U.S. citizen for the full period allowed by law. U.S. law does not prohibit its citizens from holding passports of other countries. All American citizens who plan to depart from the US must have a valid passport or travel document. The US Government issues various types of passports and travel documents, including ordinary and diplomatic passports.

If you’re a US citizen seeking to renew your passport or apply for a new one in 2023, it’s essential to have a clear understanding of the associated fees. Read on to learn more about the fees involved in the US passport application process.

US passport fees 2023

The fees for obtaining a passport in the US vary depending on several factors, including the type of passport, the applicant’s age, and the processing speed required. The fees can range from USD 100 to 130. Applicants can choose between routine or expedited processing. Routine processing typically takes 10-13 weeks, while expedited processing can take 7-9 weeks. Book cheap flights to the US

New passport fees

To obtain a US passport, applicants must be citizens or qualifying US nationals. New applicants, those aged 16 or under, or those unable to renew by mail must apply in person at a post office. Adults must submit the DS-11 form, proof of citizenship, a passport photo, and pay fees based on processing speed.

Below are the fees for obtaining a new passport in the US, which vary depending on the applicant’s age, the passport’s validity period, and the processing speed selected.

Routine processing (currently 10-13 weeks)

For ages 16 and above with (10-year validity)

USD 130 (application fee)
USD 35 (acceptance fee)

For ages under 16 with (5-year validity)

USD 100 (application fee)
USD 35 (acceptance fee)

Expedited processing (currently 7-9 weeks)

For ages 16 and above (10-year validity)

USD 130 (application fee)
USD 35 (acceptance fee)
USD 60 (expedited service fee)
USD 19.53 (optional delivery service fee)

For ages under 16 (5-year validity)

USD 100 (application fee)
USD 35 (acceptance fee)
USD 60 (expedited service fee)
USD 19.53 (optional delivery service fee)

Renewal of passport fees

US passports can be renewed by mail or in person, depending on eligibility criteria. Renewing by mail requires an undamaged passport issued within the last 15 years, when the applicant was 16 or older, bearing the current name or legal documentation of a name change.

The applicant must submit Form DS-82, the old passport, a passport photo, and the required fees to the address provided on the form. Otherwise, in-person renewal is necessary. The following are the associated passport fees.

For ages 16 and above (10-year validity)

USD 130 (application fee)

Lost or damaged passport fees

Lost or stolen passports must be reported immediately, with replacement steps varying depending on location. If you are in the US and your passport is lost or stolen, you must use Form DS-11 to apply for a new passport in person. The following are the associated passport fees.