A US passport costs $165 for a first-time adult in 2026
A first adult passport book costs $165. That is two payments: $130 to the US Department of State and $35 to the post office or other place that takes your application. A passport card costs $65, and a book and card together cost $195. Faster service adds $60, and 1 to 3 day delivery adds $22.05.
First-time adult passport fees (Form DS-11)
| Passport book, application fee | $130 |
|---|---|
| Passport card, application fee | $30 |
| Book and card, application fee | $160 |
| Acceptance fee (paid to the acceptance facility) | $35 |
| Expedite fee (optional) | $60 |
| 1 to 3 day delivery (optional, books only) | $22.05 |
| File search fee (only if you cannot prove citizenship) | $150 |
| Book, routine service | $165 |
|---|---|
| Book, expedited | $225 |
| Book, expedited with 1 to 3 day delivery | $247.05 |
| Book and card, routine service | $195 |
You pay two separate payments: the application fee to the Department of State and the $35 acceptance fee to the facility. Source: US Department of State, United States Passport Fees chart (updated March 2026).
What this price covers
The $165 is the whole government cost for a first adult passport book with routine service. Photos are not included. The $130 goes to the Department of State and the $35 goes to the place that checks your documents, such as a post office. The State Department says to pay them as two separate payments.
What changes your price
- Book or card. A book works for all travel. A card costs less but works only by land and sea to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and the Caribbean.
- Speed. Expedited service adds $60.
- Delivery. 1 to 3 day delivery of the book adds $22.05.
- First time or renewal. Renewals by form DS-82 skip the $35 acceptance fee.
Ways to pay less
- Apply well before you travel so you do not need the $60 expedite fee.
- If you have had a passport before, check if you can renew by mail and skip the $35 fee.
- Only buy the card if you drive or cruise to nearby countries. It is not valid for flights abroad.
How we got these numbers
Every number on this page comes from the US Department of State, the agency that sets the fee. Where we show a total, we only add up the agency's own listed fees so you can see the full cost in one place. We do not add our own guesses and there is no calculator, because the government sets one price for everyone. Fees can change, so check the agency's website before you pay. We last checked on September 26, 2026.
Common questions
How much is a passport in 2026?
$165 for a first adult passport book: $130 plus a $35 acceptance fee.
How much is an expedited passport?
Add $60, so $225 for a first adult book, or $247.05 with 1 to 3 day delivery.
How much is a passport book and card?
$195 for a first-time adult: $160 plus the $35 acceptance fee.