- In 2025, getting or renewing a U.S. passport will cost between $100 and $246.36. The price depends on the age of the applicant and what service they pick.
- First-time applicants need to pay both the application fee and the execution fee. For renewals, only the application fee is needed.
- If you want expedited services, it will cost an extra $60 in addition to the base application fees.
- Passport cards are a less expensive choice for travel by land and sea, but they have some restrictions compared to passport books.
- Payment methods for passport services can vary by location. You can use credit cards, personal checks, or money orders.
- You can get free standard USPS Priority Mail delivery for your passport issuance. If you want expedited delivery, it will cost an estimated $21.36.
Getting a U.S. passport is really important for international travel. This is true whether you are applying for the first time or if you are renewing an old passport. In 2025, it helps to know about passport fees and services to plan better. If you are preparing for your first trip abroad or renewing after many years, understanding the costs is essential. This guide will provide you with everything you need to easily get your passport. It will explain costs, services, and payment options to match your travel needs. Let’s begin!
Overview of Passport Costs in 2025
Passport costs in 2025 will depend on the person’s age, the type of passport, and how they want it processed. For adults who are applying for the first time or renewing their passport, the fees start at $130 for a passport book. There are extra costs for faster processing and execution services. For kids under 16, first-time passport applications start at $100, along with the same execution fee that adults pay.
Renewing a passport by mail or online is simple. But, first-time applicants must visit an acceptance facility to complete their application. You can choose passport books or passport cards. Each option has different uses and costs for travel. Extra services for faster processing and mailing choices can make prices a bit tricky. Let’s closely examine the exact fees and renewal costs.
Initial Application Fees for Adults and Minors
First-time applicants in 2025 will pay different fees based on age and type of passport. Adults who want a passport book must pay $130 and a $35 execution fee. Minors under 16 years will pay $100 for the passport book and the same $35 execution fee. There is a less expensive choice with passport cards. Adults can get a passport card for $30, while minors pay $15, plus the execution fee.
Applicants must hand in their applications at a passport acceptance facility, such as a Post Office. They can also consider using extra services, like expedited processing, if they want faster results. Payments can be made using checks, money orders, or credit cards at these acceptance facilities.
Passport application packages need to have papers that show your identity and U.S. citizenship. It’s smart to plan ahead by a few months since processing times can take several weeks. Understanding these fees can help applicants make better decisions about passport services.
Renewal Fees for Passport Books and Cards
Renewing a passport in 2025 is typically low-cost. For adults, the fee for a passport book renewal is the same as a first-time application, which is $130. There are no extra fees to process this. For renewing a passport card, the cost is $30, and there are also no extra charges. Children cannot renew their passports. Their applications are new and will have the usual fees for first-time applications.
Adults who follow the State Department’s rules should renew their passports by mail. Renewing online has the same costs. A passport book is $130, and a passport card is $30. Many people prefer online renewals since they are simple. However, this way does not offer faster processing.
If you want to get your passport quickly, you should expect to pay more. The regular fee increases by $60 for faster processing from the State Department. There is also an extra charge of $21.36 for quicker mail delivery. If you want to save some money, you can go with the regular service times. This includes USPS Priority Mail delivery at no extra cost.
Detailed Breakdown of Passport Fees
Passport fees in 2025 include important costs for applying, processing, quick services, and optional shipping upgrades. First-time applicants need to pay both application fees and acceptance fees. However, adults renewing a passport do not have to pay execution fees, which makes the process easier.
Applicants can select additional services like quick processing or fast shipping, but there will be extra costs for these options. The payment methods, including checks, money orders, and credit cards, may vary depending on how you submit your application. You can read more about these extra charges in the specific categories below.
Execution Fees and Their Requirements
Execution fees will be $35 in 2025. This fee is necessary for first-time passport applications. It helps pay for processing at places like Post Offices. But if you are renewing your passport online or by mail, you do not need to pay this fee. Remember, execution fees are different from application costs.
At acceptance facilities, you can use personal checks, money orders, and some credit cards to pay. Applicants should check how each facility accepts payments before they go to their appointment. Here’s a summary of these fees:
| Fee Type | Cost | Purpose/Details |
|---|---|---|
| Execution Fee | $35 | Required for first-time applications |
| Passport Photo Fee | $15 | Taken at the acceptance facility |
Submitting applications at acceptance facilities helps make sure your payment is correct and that everything goes well. This is especially helpful for minors and first-time applicants who can benefit from execution services.
Additional Charges for Expedited Services
Expedited services help people get their passports quickly. You won’t have to wait for 4-6 weeks. Instead, you can receive your passport in just 2-3 weeks. There is a fee of $60 for this fast service. If you want faster delivery in the U.S., you can pay $21.36 for delivery in 1-2 days after receiving your passport.
If you need to send an important application fast, it’s a good idea to use Priority Mail Express services. Be sure to write “EXPEDITE” on your application. This lets the processing teams know to move it along quickly. The prices may be a bit different depending on where you are, but they are generally similar in many areas.
These fast services are perfect for urgent international travel. They help you receive your passport quickly in important situations. By choosing Priority Express or other upgrades, applicants can align their delivery options with their travel plans.
Comparing Passport Book vs. Passport Card
When choosing between a passport book and a passport card, consider where you plan to travel and the costs. A passport book costs more, but it allows you to travel anywhere in the world, including by air. A passport card is less expensive, but it only works in certain places and is mainly for land and sea travel.
You can choose either option if you are a first-time applicant or if you are renewing your passport. Passport cards are cheaper, so they might look like a better deal. But they have travel limits, which makes them less flexible than passport books. You should pick one based on your travel plans and budget. Now, let’s check the benefits of each type.
Benefits and Limitations of Each Type
Passport books are perfect for international travel. You can use them for air, land, and sea travel anywhere in the world. This makes them ideal for people who often cross borders. However, the cost is $130 for adults, which is more than passport cards.
Passport cards cost only $30 for adults. They are a budget-friendly option for quick trips to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean. These cards also serve as a REAL ID for flights within the U.S.
The biggest drawback of passport cards is that you cannot use them for international flights. If you want more options, consider getting a passport book. Many budget-minded applicants find that passport cards work well for their local trips.
Ideal Scenarios for Passport Book vs. Card Usage
Knowing when to use a passport book or a passport card can help you plan your travel better. You need a passport book for international flights or trips to far places. For example, if you go to Europe, Asia, or Africa, you will need a passport book to follow the air travel rules.
Passport cards are great for nearby places you can get to by land or sea. A weekend trip to Canada or a cruise in the Caribbean is a perfect time to use a passport card. It also works as a valid form of ID if you need REAL ID.
You can renew a passport book online or by mail. But, if you want a passport card for the first time, you need to visit a passport acceptance facility. Think about where you are going and how you will apply. This will help you choose the best option for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the new security features in passports for 2025?
Passports in 2025 will have improved security features from the State Department. They will include things like RFID chips built into them and advanced laser engraving designs. These updates will help keep your identity safe and make it harder to create fakes. You can check the State Department’s website to learn more about these changes.
Resources
- Passport Fees – U.S. Department of State: For the most up-to-date passport fees, including fees for first-time applications, renewals, and expedited services, visit the U.S. Department of State’s official website.
- Expedited Services – U.S. Department of State: Information on expedited processing for U.S. passports, including the additional $60 fee for faster service.
- Passport Photo Guidelines – U.S. Department of State: The U.S. Department of State provides guidelines on passport photo requirements, including costs and where to take your photo.
- USPS Passport Services: USPS offers detailed information on the delivery options for passports, including free standard USPS Priority Mail delivery and the $21.36 expedited delivery