Fast-track patent examination costs $903 to $4,515
A request for prioritized examination, often called Track One, moves a patent application ahead in line. The USPTO fee is $4,515 regular, $1,806 small entity or $903 micro entity. It is paid on top of the normal filing, search and examination fees.
Prioritized examination fee (regular / small / micro)
| Request for prioritized examination | $4,515 regular / $1,806 small / $903 micro |
|---|---|
| Filing, search and exam (utility) | $2,000 regular / $800 small / $400 micro |
| Track One plus filing, search and exam, regular | $6,515 |
|---|---|
| Track One plus filing, search and exam, micro | $1,303 |
Small entities filing online pay $70 for the basic filing fee instead of $140, which brings their filing, search and exam total to $730. Source: USPTO fee schedule, effective January 19, 2025, last revised August 14, 2026.
What this price covers
Prioritized examination does not make a patent more likely to be granted. It only changes how fast the application is handled.
What changes your price
- Your fee level. Small entities pay 40 percent of the regular fee and micro entities pay 20 percent, if they qualify.
Ways to pay less
- Only pay for speed if a quick patent matters, such as for investors or a product launch.
How we got these numbers
Every fee on this page comes from the USPTO fee schedule. Each fee has three levels: the regular fee, the small entity fee and the micro entity fee. Small and micro entity status have their own rules, set out in 37 CFR 1.27 and 1.29. The USPTO says a false small or micro entity claim can bring a penalty of at least three times the fee that was not paid. Where we show a total, we only add up the USPTO's own fees. We do not add our own guesses, and patent attorney or agent fees are not included. We last checked the schedule on September 26, 2026.
Common questions
How much is Track One?
$4,515 regular, $1,806 small, $903 micro.
Is it on top of normal fees?
Yes.