How much is a new US passport? If you want to apply for a passport, factoring in the cost before starting the process is very important. Passports are not bought and sold per SE, but application fees are attached for processing. The fee hardly changes and is set by the Department of State for all applicants, irrespective of their location or economic class.
Application Fee For Anew Passport
The application fee for a new passport is $130 for a passport booklet and $30 for a passport card. If you choose to get both, you will be charged an application fee of $160.
This fee doesn’t include the service fee for expedited processing if you want your application processed as quickly as possible due to an emergency, nor does it include courier costs.
It is also important to note that the fee is non-refundable and does not guarantee that you will get the passport if you don’t qualify for it based on US law.
Is There A Difference Between A Passport Book & A Passport Card?
There isn’t a difference between a passport book and a passport card, as both are the same. The only difference is that a passport book can be used for visa applications and land, air, and sea travels but passport cards are only used for land travels across the US borders and cannot be used to apply for a visa. However, having both is not a bad idea, especially if you travel across the Canada and Mexico border from time to time.
Who Can Apply For A New US Passport
American citizens of all ages can apply for a passport. Non-US citizens do not qualify for a passport, but those with dual nationality (US citizenship and citizenship of a second country) qualify for a US passport. One of the documents you will be asked to submit is proof of citizenship which may be a birth certificate or a naturalization certificate to prove that you are indeed an American.
How To Apply For A New Passport?
Applying for a new passport is straightforward as long as you meet the requirements to obtain one. Besides being a US citizen as a basic requirement, you must also be present to submit your application in person. Application by mail for a new passport is not allowed by the Department of State. There are two ways to apply for a passport, as discussed below.
Through A Passport Agency/Office
The US State Department has accredited agencies and offices in all the federation states, and some states have several offices to handle passport applications. To apply through an agency, you must book an appointment first, as walk-ins are not allowed. Please search for the nearest agency using your ZIP code and call their hotline to book an appointment during working hours.
On the set date, visit the agency with all your documents and submit them to the passport officer once it is your turn. You can return to collect your passport when it is ready or pay the USPS to mail it to your mailing address.
Through The Embassy/Consulate
If you live abroad and your passport expires or is stolen, you can still apply for a new passport by visiting the US embassy in your home country. If it is lost or stolen, the officials at the embassy will provide you with a DS-64 form which you must fill out to declare that your passport is missing. Whether your passport is missing or expired, they will provide you with a DS-11 application form to apply for a new passport.
Processing Timeline
After submitting your application, it takes about 6-8 weeks or up to 10 weeks to get a new passport. This is why it is best to submit your application for a new one long before the previous one expires or before your next trip. However, a special expedited service for emergency cases costs $60 extra besides the application fee. Just explain your reason why you want the passport urgently and indicate the same in the application form.
DS-11 Form: You must fill out the DS-11 application form for a new passport. All fields must be filled out, and don’t sign it unless the passport officer attending to you instructs you to do so.
Proof of Citizenship: A birth certificate or naturalization certificate to prove your citizenship.
Proof of Identity: A valid US government-issued ID card like a driver’s license. The front and back copy is required.
Passport Photo: A passport photo that meets the requirements.
Passport Fees: A money order or US cheque for the passport application fee. These is also an execution fee that you must pay to the passport officer at the regional passport agency.
Original documents and copies of each should be presented to the passport agency.
How much is a new US passport? The passport book is $130, while the card is $30.