Cost to Renew a Passport
By Tim Zimmer; Updated June 08, 2017An easy guide to passport renewal fees
A passport is required for all international travel if you choose to fly. If your passport has expired, you'll have to bite the bullet and apply for renewal. Fees for renewing your passport depend on several factors, including whether you choose to renew by mail or in person, to get your passport expedited, or to change your name on your application. This guide will walk you through what fees to expect when renewing your passport.
Renewing your passport by mail
When renewing your passport, you must complete a DS-82 form and pay a $110 application fee (the total cost for adults to renew a passport by mail). However, if renewing by mail, you'll be asked to include your most recent passport with your application. You must also provide a certified copy of a legal name-change document, if changing your name, and a photograph that meets all the photo requirements (and there are a lot). It's important to note that adult renewal applicants must apply by mail. However, if you're unable to complete the DS-82 form and provide the required documentation, you'll have to renew your passport in person at a passport renewal facility (which will cost you more time and money).
Renewing your passport in person
The cost to renew a passport in person is more expensive and time-consuming than renewing by mail. When applying in person at a passport acceptance facility, you'll be asked to complete a DS-11 form and pay a $110 application fee and $25 execution fee (a total of $135). Those under the age of 16 must also complete a DS-11 form and pay an $80 application fee and $25 execution fee (a total of $105). When you reach the front of the line at the passport acceptance facility, you'll be asked to present evidence of U.S. citizenship, an ID with photocopies, and a photograph that meets all of their (quite particular) photo requirements. When choosing to renew your passport in person, make sure the location provides passport services.
Renewing your passport card
Renewing a passport card is cheaper and less time-consuming than renewing a passport. If applying by mail, you'll be asked to submit a DS-82 form with the required documents and pay a $30 application fee (the total amount to renew a passport card by mail). If renewing in person, you must submit a DS-11 form with required documentation and pay a $15 application fee and $25 execution fee (a total of $40). Keep in mind that passport cards are only valid in certain countries, so make sure to do your homework before applying!
Getting your passport expedited
The regular price to renew a passport is $110 by mail and $135 at a passport acceptance facility. Processing times for your passport can vary, but passports typically take six to eight weeks to reach your doorstep. If you're in a hurry, you can apply for expedited service ($60 at the time of writing) and an overnight delivery service ($15.45) to have your renewed passport delivered within two to three weeks. The overnight delivery service won't impact the time it takes to process your application – only the amount of time your application is in the mail. If expediting via mail, expect to hand over $170 and an extra $15.45 if choosing the overnight delivery service. If you're in a rush and choose to expedite in person, expect to pay $195 and an extra $15.45 for overnight delivery.