After spending seven years in the U.S. Air Force as an Arabic linguist, Carissa is now a freelance writer using points and miles to fund a four-year (and counting!) adventure. She previously worked as a reporter for The Points Guy. Her writing has since been featured in numerous publications, including Forbes, Business Insider, and The Balance. When she's not flying, you'll usually find her in a Priority Pass lounge somewhere, sipping tea and cursing slow Wi-Fi.
Assistant Assigning Editor Meghan CoyleMeghan Coyle started as a web producer and writer at NerdWallet in 2018. She covers travel rewards, including industry news, airline and hotel loyalty programs, and how to travel on points. She is based in Los Angeles.
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Almost nothing is more exciting than planning your first international trip. You book your flights, pick your hotels and make sure all your tours are arranged. The only thing left is getting a passport.
In the United States, applying for and receiving a passport can be quite a lengthy process — and it’ll cost you some money. Let’s take a look at the different types of passport applications and how much a passport costs, whether you’re using an agency, heading to the post office or renewing by mail.
The amount that you’ll need to pay is going to depend on your age, the type of passport you're getting and whether you've had a passport before. For anyone age 16 or older applying for a passport for the first time, a new passport card will cost $65 and a passport book will cost $165. If you get them both, it'll cost $195.
A passport card grants you access over land and select sea borders but does not allow for international air travel.
For children under the age of 16, the cost is slightly lower for a new passport. A passport card for children costs $50 and a passport book costs $135. To get both a passport book and card for a child, it'll cost $150.
U.S. passport fees vary based on what type of application you’re submitting. Here’s a breakdown of the different passport applications you can do:
Adult (over 16) applying for the first time . You can opt to get a passport book, a passport card or both book and card. Costs range from $65 to $195, including an acceptance fee.
Adult (over 16) renewing your passport . You can renew your passport book, card or opt for both. You won’t pay an acceptance fee, so costs are lower. They run from $30 to $160.
Child (under 16) applying for a passport . Children are not eligible to renew passports; instead they must reapply every five years . Costs range from $50 to $150, including an acceptance fee.
The passport renewal cost varies based on what you’re getting. A passport book by itself costs $130, while renewing a passport card costs just $30. Opting for both will run you $160.
How much are passport changes? You don’t need to get an entirely new passport if you just need to make a change. Depending on the reason for your change, it may cost you nothing to get an alteration.
Correcting a data error . This is free to do.Changing your name or gender . Fees may vary, so if either of these changes apply to you, be sure to use the U.S Department of State's built-in fee calculator.
Applying for or renewing a passport can take a lot of time, especially when government delays cause a backlog. If you need a passport quickly, it’s possible to apply for expedited service. The current wait time to get your passport are as follows:
Routine processing: Six to eight weeks. Expedited processing: Two to three weeks.There are additional fees associated with getting an expedited passport. You’ll also need to make an appointment at a passport agency, though these are limited and not guaranteed.
Here are the costs for rushing your passport:
Expedited service . The cost for expedited service is $60 and includes a reduced processing time.One- to two-day delivery . This runs an additional $19.53 and ensures that once processed, your passport book is sent back quickly.
If you have urgent travel, you can also opt to go to a passport agency or passport center. You won’t pay more than you would for an expedited passport. You’ll also be able to skip paying for shipping.
However, in order to take advantage of this in-person agency service, you must have international travel within the next 14 days. You must also provide proof of this travel.
The phone number to make an urgent appointment at a passport agency is +1 877-487-2778. The office is open seven days a week to make appointments.
If you have life-or-death circumstances and need to travel within the next three business days, your appointment will be prioritized.
Finally, there are passport courier or expeditor companies that work on your behalf to get you an expedited passport.
These are not operated by the U.S. government and cannot get your passport to you any faster, but they do provide aid with completing the requirements for getting a new passport.
However, the costs of these courier services can be outrageous. In addition to paying the standard fees for your passport, these agencies will also charge you additional fees. In circumstances where you have very urgent travel, this can cost you hundreds more than just doing it yourself.
Getting a U.S. passport can take a lot of coordination, especially if it’s your first time.
The fee that you’ll pay for your passport will differ based on whether it’s a renewal, a name change, how old you are and whether you’re also getting a passport card. You’ll also need to pay more if you need your passport right away. If you’re getting a passport, expect to pay anywhere from $50 to $195.
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Carissa Rawson is a freelance award travel and personal finance writer. Her work has been featured in numerous publications, including Forbes, Business Insider, and The Points Guy. See full bio.
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