Quick answer: In 2026, a first-time adult U.S. passport book costs $165 total: a $130 application fee plus a $35 acceptance fee. A first-time adult passport card costs $65 total, while applying for both the book and card costs $195. An eligible adult renewing a passport book normally pays $130 because renewals generally do not include the $35 acceptance fee.
U.S. passport fees in 2026
| Applicant and product | Application fee | Acceptance fee | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| First-time adult passport book | $130 | $35 | $165 |
| First-time adult passport card | $30 | $35 | $65 |
| First-time adult book and card | $160 | $35 | $195 |
| Minor under 16 passport book | $100 | $35 | $135 |
| Minor under 16 passport card | $15 | $35 | $50 |
| Minor under 16 book and card | $115 | $35 | $150 |
| Adult renewal passport book | $130 | Usually $0 | $130 |
| Adult renewal passport card | $30 | Usually $0 | $30 |
| Adult renewal book and card | $160 | Usually $0 | $160 |
These are U.S. Department of State fees effective in 2026. First-time applicants and children generally apply in person using Form DS-11 and pay two separate fees. Eligible adult renewals generally use Form DS-82 or the online renewal process and pay the application fee directly to the State Department.
Passport book versus passport card
A passport book is valid for international travel by air, land, and sea. A passport card is less expensive, but it is not valid for international air travel. The card can be used for land and sea entry from Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and Caribbean countries at authorized ports of entry.
| Feature | Passport book | Passport card |
|---|---|---|
| International flights | Yes | No |
| Land and sea travel from approved nearby countries | Yes | Yes |
| Adult validity | 10 years | 10 years |
| Validity for children under 16 | 5 years | 5 years |
| Adult first-time total | $165 | $65 |
If you may take an international flight during the next ten years, the book is usually the more practical choice. The card can be useful as a compact federal ID or for eligible land and sea trips, but it cannot replace the book for air travel abroad.
Optional expedited and delivery fees
- Expedited service: add $60 per application.
- 1–3 day return delivery: add $23.36 when available for a passport book.
- Passport photo: free if you take and print an acceptable photo yourself, or an additional charge from a pharmacy, shipping store, or acceptance facility.
- Certified records: you may need to pay separately for a certified birth certificate or replacement citizenship document.
- Travel to an acceptance facility: parking, transit, or other local costs are not included in federal fees.
Total cost examples
First-time adult, routine passport book
- Application fee: $130
- Acceptance fee: $35
- Estimated photo cost: $0–$20
- Estimated total: $165–$185
First-time adult, expedited passport book
- Application fee: $130
- Acceptance fee: $35
- Expedited service: $60
- Optional 1–3 day delivery: $23.36
- Estimated photo cost: $0–$20
- Estimated total: $248.36–$268.36
Family of two adults and two children
For four first-time passport books, two adults cost $330 total and two children cost $270 total. The federal fees equal $600 before photos, expedited service, delivery, or document costs.
How long does a passport take in 2026?
The State Department lists routine processing at 4 to 6 weeks and expedited processing at 2 to 3 weeks. Mailing time is not included and may add about two weeks. Travelers with urgent international travel within 14 calendar days may qualify for an appointment at a passport agency, but appointments are limited.
Apply well before buying nonrefundable travel. If you are budgeting transportation to an airport, our guide explains whether a $45 rideshare fare for a 12-mile airport trip is reasonable.
How to avoid unnecessary passport costs
- Apply early enough to avoid the $60 expedite fee.
- Use the official State Department form filler and do not pay a third party merely to provide free government forms.
- Check whether you qualify to renew by mail or online before paying an acceptance fee.
- Choose the passport card only if its travel limits fit your needs.
- Follow the photo rules carefully to avoid delays or paying for a replacement photo.
- Verify fees on Travel.State.Gov before submitting payment.
Frequently asked questions
How much is a first U.S. passport in 2026?
A first-time adult passport book costs $165 in federal fees. A child passport book costs $135. Photos and optional expedited services cost extra.
Why are there two separate passport payments?
First-time applicants normally pay the application fee to the U.S. Department of State and the $35 acceptance fee to the facility that reviews the application and identity documents.
Is the $60 expedite fee per family or per person?
It is charged per application. A family submitting four applications would pay four expedite fees if every application receives expedited service.
Can I use a passport card to fly internationally?
No. The passport card is not valid for international air travel. You need a passport book for international flights.
Bottom line
Budget $165 for a first-time adult passport book or $130 for an eligible adult book renewal in 2026. Apply early and allow for mailing time so you can avoid optional expedited costs.