Quick answer
A first U.S. passport book for an adult costs $165 in government fees. A renewal by mail costs $130. Faster government processing adds $60, and fast return delivery adds $22.05. A passport card on its own is cheaper, at $65. If you use a courier like us, our service fee is added on top of the government fees.
Government fees at a glance
| Situation | Application fee (to the U.S. Department of State) | Acceptance fee (to the facility) | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| First passport book, adult (16+) | $130 | $35 | $165 |
| Passport book renewal by mail (adult) | $130 | none | $130 |
| Passport book, child (under 16) | $100 | $35 | $135 |
| Passport card only, adult, first | $30 | $35 | $65 |
| Passport card only, child | $15 | $35 | $50 |
| Book and card together, adult, first | $160 | $35 | $195 |
| Book and card renewal by mail | $160 | none | $160 |
The acceptance fee applies when you apply in person at an acceptance facility. Renewals by mail don't pay it. Official fee chart.
Optional extras
| Extra | Cost | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| Expedited service | $60 | Faster government processing, about 2 to 3 weeks instead of 4 to 6 weeks |
| 1-2 day return delivery (passport books only) | $22.05 | Faster delivery of your new passport book once it's printed |
Costs people forget
- Passport photos, unless you take your own correctly. See Passport photo requirements.
- A certified birth certificate, if you don't have one. Fees vary by state, and your state's page lists the fee and the office.
- Postage, when you mail an application, with tracking recommended.
- Travel to a passport agency for an urgent in-person appointment, if you go that route.
What it costs through us
Through a registered courier, you pay the government fees, including the expedite fee, plus our service fee, which depends on how fast you need the passport:
| Service level | How long | Our service fee |
|---|---|---|
| Time Critical | 4 business days | $395 |
| Emergency | 6 business days | $295 |
| Priority | 8 business days | $245 |
| Standard (renewals) | 10 business days | $195 |
The service fee is per applicant, and FedEx shipping is charged once per order. The government fees are paid to the U.S. Department of State separately, usually by check or money order. Full details on our Pricing page.
How to pay the government fees
- The application fee goes to the U.S. Department of State, usually by personal check or money order.
- The acceptance fee is paid separately to the facility (post office, clerk's office or library). Accepted payment methods vary, so check with the facility.
- Government fees aren't refunded if an application is denied or withdrawn.
Questions
A child's passport book (under 16) costs $135 in government fees, including the acceptance fee. Children always apply in person.
Renewing a passport book by mail costs $130, with no acceptance fee. Expediting adds $60.
Yes: $65 for a first adult card, versus $165 for a book. But the card can't be used for international flights. See Passport book vs. card.
The State Department's expedite fee is $60, on top of the regular fees. When we hand-carry your application to a passport agency, it's processed as expedited, so the expedite fee is part of the government fees you pay. Our service fee covers our work, and saves you the agency trip.
No. They're paid to the U.S. Department of State, and the acceptance fee to the facility. Our price is our service fee only.