Your Free Guide to Passport Replacement Costs

Understanding U.S. Passport Replacement Costs

When you need to replace your passport, understanding the costs involved helps you plan your budget and know what to expect at the State Department. The total expense depends on several factors, including the type of passport you're replacing, how quickly you need it, and whether you apply in person or by mail.

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As of 2024, the U.S. State Department charges specific fees for passport replacement. For a standard adult passport book (valid for 10 years), the passport replacement fee is $130. If you need only a passport card (the wallet-sized version valid for 5 years for travel to Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean by land or sea), the fee is $35. Many people choose to get both the book and card together, which costs $165 total.

These fees cover the cost of producing your new passport document. However, additional charges may apply depending on your circumstances. If you cannot locate your previous passport, you'll need to report it as lost or stolen, which may involve extra documentation but no additional fee. If your passport was damaged, you'll pay the standard replacement fee rather than a different "damage" fee.

The fees the State Department charges have changed over time and may be adjusted in the future. The Department reviews its fee structure periodically based on operational costs. Before you begin the replacement process, checking the official State Department website (state.gov) ensures you have the current fee amounts. This prevents surprises when you're ready to submit your application.

Practical Takeaway: Budget $130 for a standard adult passport book replacement, or $35 for a passport card. If you want both, expect to pay $165 total in passport fees, not including any expediting or execution fees.

Processing Speed Options and Associated Costs

The State Department offers different processing timeframes for passport replacement, and choosing a faster option means paying additional fees. Understanding these tiers helps you decide what speed makes sense for your travel plans and budget.

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Routine processing typically takes 7-10 weeks under normal circumstances. This is the standard option with no additional fee beyond the passport replacement fee itself. This timeframe works well if you're planning travel several months in advance or if you're not under time pressure to receive your new passport.

Expedited processing reduces the timeframe to 2-3 weeks and costs an additional $60 fee on top of the passport replacement fee. This option is useful when your travel is scheduled within the next 2-3 months. Many people choose expedited processing for upcoming vacations or business trips that don't require immediate departure but also don't allow months of waiting time.

Expedited processing with execution at an acceptance facility adds another layer. If you apply in person at a passport acceptance facility or passport agency, you can pay an execution fee (usually around $35 for routine processing or more for expedited services) to have your application processed on-site. Some passport agencies offer same-day or next-day service for an additional fee, though this varies by location and availability.

During peak travel seasons (typically spring and early summer), processing times extend even with expedited service. The State Department has occasionally implemented emergency expediting during unusual circumstances, but this isn't a standard option. Checking processing times on the State Department website before paying for expedited service helps ensure you're selecting the right speed tier for your actual needs.

Practical Takeaway: Add $60 to your total cost if you need expedited processing (2-3 weeks instead of 7-10 weeks). In-person execution fees vary by location but typically add $35 or more. Plan your timeline accordingly to avoid rushing into the most expensive options.

Application Method Choices: Fees and Convenience

How you submit your passport replacement application affects both the cost and the convenience of the process. The State Department provides multiple pathways, each with different fee structures and requirements.

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Mail-in replacement is an option if your passport is undamaged, unexpired or expired less than five years ago (with some exceptions for passport books versus cards), and you were at least 16 years old when it was issued. To apply by mail, you gather required documents—your current or expired passport, a completed form, a new passport photo, and payment—then mail everything to the address listed on the State Department website. This method costs only the standard replacement fee; no additional fee applies for submitting by mail.

In-person application at a passport acceptance facility or passport agency carries the standard passport fee plus a potential execution fee. Passport acceptance facilities are located at post offices, libraries, and courthouses throughout the country. Passport agencies are federal facilities in major cities. The execution fee (typically $35) pays for the staff member to accept and verify your application in person. Some locations may charge additional fees for expedited execution.

Requesting a passport replacement online is not currently possible through the State Department, though the agency continues to modernize its services. Some third-party passport services advertise online application options, but these are not official State Department channels and charge additional fees (often $50-$200 or more) for their services. These companies essentially handle your application preparation and submission for you, which is why they charge above the official government fees.

Choosing between these methods depends on your circumstances. Mail-in is cheapest if you're eligible. In-person application takes longer to complete but allows you to address issues on the spot. Third-party services cost more but may appeal to people unfamiliar with the process or those who value convenience despite higher costs.

Practical Takeaway: Mail-in replacement costs the least (just the passport fee) if you're eligible. In-person application costs $35-$60+ more in execution fees. Avoid third-party services for standard replacements, as they charge significant markups over official government fees.

Lost, Stolen, or Significantly Damaged Passports

If your passport is lost, stolen, or damaged beyond use, the replacement process and costs follow specific rules established by the State Department. Understanding these distinctions prevents unnecessary expenses and ensures you follow the correct procedure.

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When your passport is lost or stolen, you must report this to the State Department as part of your replacement application. This doesn't cost extra money, but it does require additional documentation. You'll need to submit a statement explaining the loss or theft, and you may need to provide evidence of where you were traveling or what circumstances led to the loss. This information helps the State Department invalidate the lost document in their system, preventing misuse.

Applying for replacement of a lost or stolen passport requires in-person application in most cases. You cannot submit a lost or stolen passport application by mail since you don't have the physical document to return. You'll visit a passport acceptance facility or passport agency, provide your statement about the loss or theft, and complete the application in person. This in-person requirement adds the execution fee (typically $35) to your cost.

For damaged passports, the level of damage matters. Minor damage like worn covers or small tears may not prevent mail-in replacement if the passport is otherwise readable and valid. However, significant damage—water damage, torn pages, missing security features—requires in-person application and carries the same fees as a lost or stolen replacement.

The passport replacement fee itself ($130 for a book) remains the same whether your passport is lost, stolen, or damaged. You don't pay a different or higher fee for these circumstances. The additional cost comes from the in-person execution fee required when you cannot submit by mail.

Practical Takeaway: Lost, stolen, or significantly damaged passports require in-person application, which costs the standard passport fee ($130) plus the execution fee (typically $35), totaling approximately $165 for a passport book. Budget extra time since you can't use the mail-in option.

Additional Costs and Hidden Fees to Anticipate

Beyond the base passport fee, several other costs may apply depending on your situation. Knowing about these potential expenses helps you budget accurately and avoid surprises when submitting your application.

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Passport photos are required for every application and must meet specific State Department standards. You cannot use photos from social media, selfies, or professionally retouched photos. You need a new photo each time you apply, even if you recently had passport photos taken. Professional passport photos from drugstore photo centers, portrait studios, or specialized passport photo services typically cost $10-$25 for a set of two photos. Some people reduce this cost by asking friends or family to take compliant photos at home