Last updated: March 2026
How Much Does a Passport Cost?
US passport costs range from $30 for a child's card to $230+ for an expedited adult book with rush shipping. Enter your situation. New or renewal, adult or child, book or card. And get an exact breakdown of every fee you will pay.
Passport Cost Value Calculator
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Why Knowing Your Passport Cost Value Matters
Passport fees are set by the US Department of State and change periodically. As of 2026, a new adult passport book costs $160 (application fee + acceptance fee). Renewals are $130. Expedited processing adds $60, and rush shipping adds $19.53. Many travelers are surprised by the total cost, especially for families. Passports for two adults and two children can cost $500-$700+. Understanding the exact fee structure helps you budget and avoid unnecessary add-on costs.
Key Factors That Affect Passport Cost Value
Understanding what drives the price of passport cost helps you get the most accurate valuation.
New vs. Renewal
New passport (first-time or expired 5+ years): $130 application fee + $35 acceptance fee = $165 total. Renewal (by mail, expired less than 5 years): $130 total. Renewals are cheaper because they skip the acceptance fee charged by the post office or acceptance facility.
Book vs. Card vs. Both
Passport Book: required for all international air travel. $130 (renewal) or $165 (new). Passport Card: valid for land/sea travel to Canada, Mexico, Caribbean, Bermuda only. $30 (new) or $30 (renewal). Both together: $195 (new) or $160 (renewal).
Adult vs. Child (Under 16)
Adult (16+): $165 new, $130 renewal. Child (under 16): $135 new (must apply in person with both parents). Children cannot renew by mail. Each application is treated as new. Children's passports are valid for 5 years vs. 10 years for adults.
Expedited Processing
Standard processing: 6-8 weeks. Expedited: 2-3 weeks, adds $60 to the fee. Emergency/life-or-death: same-day or next-day at a regional passport agency (appointment required, $60 expedite fee applies). Rush delivery (1-2 day shipping): $19.53 additional.
Passport Photos
Passport photos taken at the acceptance facility: $0-$15. Walgreens/CVS passport photos: $16.99. DIY passport photos (printed at home or pharmacy): $0.25-$2. Online services that verify compliance: $5-$10. Photos must meet strict State Department requirements (2x2 inches, white background, specific head position).
Tips for Valuing Passport Cost
Get the most accurate estimate by following these tips when evaluating your passport cost.
Specify whether this is a new passport or renewal
Note if you need a book, card, or both
Include the number of adults and children applying
Mention if you need expedited processing
Passport Cost Market Insights
The State Department processes approximately 22 million passport applications per year. Post-pandemic demand has caused significant backlogs, with standard processing times sometimes reaching 10-13 weeks. Expedited processing has become almost essential for anyone traveling within 3 months. The State Department has been hiring additional staff and opening new processing facilities to reduce wait times. Online renewal for eligible adults launched in 2023 and has reduced renewal processing times significantly.
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Passport Cost Valuation FAQ
How much does a passport cost in 2026?
New adult passport book: $165 ($130 application + $35 acceptance fee). Adult renewal by mail: $130. Add $60 for expedited processing (2-3 weeks instead of 6-8). Add $19.53 for rush delivery. Total for expedited new passport with rush delivery: $244.53.
How long does it take to get a passport?
Standard processing: 6-8 weeks. Expedited processing: 2-3 weeks ($60 additional). Emergency appointments at regional passport agencies: 1-3 days (must have proof of imminent travel within 14 days). Always apply well in advance of your travel date.
Can I renew my passport online?
Yes, eligible adults can renew online at travel.state.gov. You must have a passport issued within the last 15 years, be 25 or older, and have a passport in your possession. Online renewal is the fastest and most convenient option. Processing times are typically faster than mail-in renewals.
How much does a child's passport cost?
New child passport (under 16): $135 ($100 application + $35 acceptance fee). Children must apply in person with both parents present (or with notarized consent from the absent parent). Child passports are valid for 5 years. There is no mail-in renewal for children.