Passport application fee:How much does a passport application fee cost in 2026?

Q: How much does a passport application fee cost in 2026?

A: In 2026, the U.S. passport application fee for a first-time adult applicant using Form DS-11 is $130 for the passport book, plus a separate $35 execution fee paid to the acceptance facility. That brings the total to $165 for a standard adult book. If you also want a passport card, add $30, making the combined book and card total $195 including the execution fee. Renewals using Form DS-82 do not require the execution fee, so adults pay only the $130 application fee. Applicants under 16 pay $100 for the book plus the $35 execution fee, totaling $135. Expedited service remains an optional $60 surcharge, and overnight delivery of a new passport costs an additional $21.65. Keep in mind that these figures reflect standard processing; rush options, expedited return shipping, and any 2026 fee adjustments should always be confirmed on the official State Department website before you mail your application, since paying the wrong amount can delay processing.

Q: Can I pay the passport application fee online in 2026?

A: Yes, in 2026 the State Department continues to expand online passport services, but the rules depend on your application type. For routine first-time or child applications submitted at an acceptance facility, you typically pay the $35 execution fee directly to that facility and the $130 application fee by check or money order to the U.S. Department of State. However, if you are eligible for online renewal through the updated online passport renewal system, you can pay the entire $130 fee electronically with a credit or debit card, or an ACH transfer from a bank account. Online payment eliminates the need for paper checks and reduces mailing errors. Some regional agencies and passport fairs may also accept card payments on-site, but this is not guaranteed. Always check the official travel.state.gov payment page because accepted methods can vary by location and are updated as the online system rolls out to more applicants throughout 2026.

Q: What happens if I pay the wrong passport application fee in 2026?

A: Paying the wrong passport application fee in 2026 will delay your passport, and in some cases your entire application may be rejected and returned. If you underpay the $130 adult book fee or forget the separate $35 execution fee for Form DS-11, the acceptance agent or the State Department will not process the application until the correct amount is received. Overpayments are also a problem: the government does not automatically refund excess amounts, and resolving the discrepancy can take weeks. The safest approach is to verify the current fee on travel.state.gov immediately before submitting, use a check or money order made payable to the correct recipient, and write your date of birth and full name on the memo line. For renewals by mail, include the $130 fee with Form DS-82 and keep a copy of everything you send. If you are unsure, call the National Passport Information Center before mailing so a small payment mistake does not derail your 2026 travel plans.

Dialogue about

Common scenarios of "Passport application fee"

【Citizen】 Hi, I'm here to apply for a passport. Can you tell me how much the application fee is?

【Officer】 Hello! The standard passport application fee is $135 for adults. Are you applying for a new passport or renewing an existing one?

【Citizen】 I'm applying for a new one. Is there any additional cost for the photo or processing?

【Officer】 The $135 fee covers the application processing and includes the passport card if you want one. However, you'll need to provide a passport photo, which you can get at many locations for around $10-$15.

【Citizen】 I see. Can I pay with a credit card?

【Officer】 Yes, we accept credit cards, debit cards, and checks. Cash is not accepted for passport fees.

【Citizen】 What about expedited service? How much extra does that cost?

【Officer】 For expedited service, there's an additional $60 fee, so the total would be $195. That usually gets your passport processed within 2-3 weeks.

【Citizen】 Is there any option for faster processing, like same-day?

【Officer】 For life-or-death emergencies, you can make an appointment at a regional agency, but there's still a $60 expedite fee plus possible additional costs. Same-day service is not guaranteed.

【Citizen】 Okay. Do I need to pay for the passport card separately?

【Officer】 No, the $135 fee covers both the passport book and card if you apply for both at the same time. If you apply for just the card, the fee is $55 for adults.

【Citizen】 What if I'm under 16? Is the fee different?

【Officer】 Yes, for minors under 16, the application fee is $105. The expedite fee is still $60.

【Citizen】 Are there any other fees I should be aware of, like for a name change?

【Officer】 If you're changing your name, you'll need to submit a new application, so the same fees apply. There's no extra fee for the name change itself, but you'll need to provide legal documentation.

【Citizen】 Can I pay the fee online before my appointment?

【Officer】 Currently, you can pay online only if you're renewing by mail. For in-person applications, you pay at the time of application.

【Citizen】 Alright. So for a new adult passport with expedited service, I'd pay $195, plus the cost of a photo. Is that correct?

【Officer】 That's correct. The $195 covers the $135 application fee and the $60 expedite fee. Don't forget to bring a check or card for payment and your photo.