Show All Answers

1. How much does a U.S. passport cost?

If you are age 16 or over and apply for a new passport book, you’ll pay $110 to the U.S. Department of State, plus a separate $35 execution fee to the Passport Acceptance Facility.

If you are a minor and currently under the age of 16, the cost is $80 to the State Department, plus a separate $35 execution fee to the Passport Acceptance Facility.

You can request expedited service (2 to 3 weeks) from the U.S. Department of State for an additional $60.

2. How long is a U.S. passport valid for?

A passport's validity is generally determined by the applicant's age. In the U.S., passports issued for adults ages 16 and older are valid for 10 years. Children 15 years of age and under receive passports valid for 5 years. The issue date of your passport can be found on the data page of your Passport Book or on the front of your Passport Card.

If possible, you should renew your passport approximately 9 months before it expires. Some countries require that your passport be valid at least 6 months beyond the dates of your trip. Some airlines will not allow you to board if this requirement is not met.

3. When do I need a U.S. passport to travel?

You will need a passport to travel every time you leave the United States or its territories. There is 1 exception to this rule for American citizens, traveling by land or sea to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda - a passport card can be used.

4. What is a passport card?

Available since July 14, 2008, a passport card is a wallet-size travel document that can be used to travel from the United States to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda by land and sea but not air. It is most convenient for those who live close to the border and travel frequently by land or sea. They cannot be used for travel to destinations aside from those listed above, or for any air travel whatsoever. The cost of a passport card is $30 for adults ages 16 and older and $15 for children 15 years of age and under, plus the execution fee of $35

5. What if I have changed my name?

If you need to change the name in your passport, and your passport is less than 1 year old, use Form DS-5504. If your current passport is more than 1 year old and you wish to change the name, you will need to apply for Passport Renewal. You will need to submit the original court document indicating the name change or original marriage certificate, along with your current passport and other supporting documents.

6. I am renewing my passport. Will I get my old passport back?

Yes, in most cases, the Department of State will return the old, canceled passport. However, the decision to return or destroy a canceled passport is entirely at the discretion of the Department of State. If the passport is damaged, the Department of State will usually destroy the passport rather than return it.

7. I have a life or death emergency. What should I do?

If you have a life or death emergencies that involves a serious illness, injury, or death in your immediate family, that requires you to travel within 24-48 hours to a country that requires a passport, you must appear in person at a National Passport Information Center and documentation of the emergency may be requested.

Please call the National Passport Information Center at 877-487-2778 (TTY/TDD 888-874-7793) to schedule an appointment.

8. Where are the instructions for filling out the passport forms?

Forms & instructions can be found at the U.S. Department of State's website. travel.state.gov