When it comes to overseas travel, having a passport is a must. A passport is a travel document that serves as proof of identity and citizenship, allowing individuals to enter and exit countries. Whether it’s for business, pleasure, or personal reasons, many individuals will need a passport at some point in their lives. But how much does a passport actually cost? In this article, we’ll explore the different types of passports, the fees associated with getting a passport, and other factors that can affect the total cost.
Types of Passports
Before we dive into the cost of a passport, it’s important to understand the different types of passports that are available. In the United States, there are two types of passports: a traditional passport book and a passport card. The passport book is the most commonly used type of passport and is required for all international air travel. A passport card, on the other hand, can only be used for land and sea travel between the United States and Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda.
There are also different types of passport books, including the standard adult passport book, the minor passport book, and the passport book for individuals who are applying for the first time. Additionally, there are expedited passport services available for an additional fee.
Passport Fees
So, how much does a passport actually cost? The fees for a passport vary depending on several factors, including the type of passport, the applicant’s age, and whether or not expedited services are requested.
Standard Passport Fees
For a standard adult passport book, the fee is $145. This fee includes the cost of the passport book, the execution fee, and the security surcharge. The execution fee is $35 and is paid to the passport acceptance facility where you submit your application. The security surcharge is $15 and is included in the total cost of the passport book.
For a minor passport book, the fee is $115, which includes the cost of the passport book, the execution fee, and the security surcharge. A minor passport book is for individuals under the age of 16.
For individuals applying for their first passport book, the fee is $145 for an adult passport book and $115 for a minor passport book.
Expedited Passport Fees
If you need your passport within two to three weeks, you can request expedited services for an additional fee of $60. If you need your passport in less than two weeks, you can make an appointment at a regional passport agency and pay an expedited fee of $60, as well as the other applicable fees.
Passport Card Fees
If you only need a passport card, the fee is $65 for adults and $50 for minors. The execution fee and security surcharge are included in this fee.
Other Passport Costs
In addition to the fees associated with getting a passport, there may be other costs to consider. These costs may include:
– Passport photos: You will need to provide a passport photo when applying for a passport. This photo must meet specific requirements, such as being 2 inches by 2 inches and taken within the last six months. Many passport acceptance facilities offer passport photo services for an additional fee, or you can take your own passport photo and have it printed at a local pharmacy or office supply store.
– Travel visas: Depending on the country you’re traveling to, you may need a travel visa, which is a separate document that allows you to enter and exit a foreign country. The cost of a travel visa varies depending on the country you’re visiting.
– Shipping costs: If you’re applying for a passport through the mail, you may need to pay for shipping costs to send your application to the passport agency and to receive your new passport. Shipping costs may vary depending on the shipping method you choose.
– Other fees: Depending on your specific situation, there may be other fees to consider, such as name change fees, expedited delivery fees, or fee waivers for certain individuals.
How to Save Money on a Passport
While getting a passport can be expensive, there are ways to save money. Here are a few tips:
– Plan ahead: If you know you’ll need a passport in the future, start the application process early to avoid expedited fees.
– Skip the expedited services: If you don’t need your passport immediately, skip the expedited services and save $60.
– Consider a passport card: If you’re traveling to a country that allows for entry and exit with a passport card, consider getting a passport card instead of a passport book.
– Take your own passport photos: Instead of paying for passport photo services, take your own passport photos and have them printed at a local pharmacy or office supply store.
– Use a credit card that offers travel rewards: Some credit cards offer travel rewards, such as points or miles, for purchases made with the card. Use a credit card that offers travel rewards to help offset the cost of getting a passport.
Passport Validity
When applying for a passport, it’s important to note that passports have an expiration date. For individuals over the age of 16, a passport is valid for 10 years from the date of issue. For individuals under the age of 16, a passport is valid for five years from the date of issue.
It’s important to note that some countries require travelers to have a passport that will be valid for at least six months beyond their planned departure date. That means if your passport is set to expire in six months or less, you may need to renew your passport before traveling.
Passport Renewal
If your passport is set to expire or has already expired, you can renew your passport by mail. The cost to renew a passport by mail is $110 for an adult passport book and $80 for a minor passport book. If you need your passport renewed quickly, you can request expedited services and pay an additional fee of $60.
In conclusion, getting a passport can be expensive, but it’s an important investment for anyone who plans to travel internationally. The fees associated with getting a passport vary depending on the type of passport, the applicant’s age, and whether or not expedited services are requested. Additionally, there may be other costs to consider, such as passport photos and travel visas. However, by planning ahead and taking advantage of cost-saving measures, like skip the expedited services and take your own passport photos, you can help offset the cost of getting a passport.
The passport cost can be affected by a variety of factors. The passport prices listed below are accurate as of July 13, 2010.
For an adult applicant applying for a passport book whether for the first time or when applying for a renewal, the passport cost for the book is one hundred and ten dollars. The passport cost for a passport card is thirty dollars, whether the person has already obtained a passport book or card or not. These passport prices can be combined into a single passport cost of one hundred forty dollars. These passport prices, as mentioned are the same whether the person is pursuing their first adult passport or is renewing a previously held passport.
The difference in passport prices between a new adult application and a renewal lies in the fact that a new application must be accompanied by an execution fee of twenty five dollars. For renewals, there is no passport cost associated with the execution of the request.
For minor applicants for a passport, applying for a passport book and card has a passport cost of ninety five dollars, plus a twenty five dollar execution fee. Of these ninety five dollars, eighty dollars is the passport cost for the book, with a fifteen dollar passport cost for the passport card. For minors, the passport prices for renewals and new documents are the same.
Other passport prices include fees for expedited service, passport book overnight delivery, a file search fee,
and fees to add pages to a passport.
