How to Pay for a U.S. Passport: Methods, Fees, and What to Expect
What payment methods the State Department accepts
The State Department accepts payment by credit card, debit card, or check—but the method depends on how you apply. If you apply in person at a passport acceptance facility or agency, you can pay with cash, check, credit card, or debit card on the spot. If you apply by mail, you must send a check or money order; credit cards are not accepted for mail applications.
For expedited processing or to replace a lost or stolen passport, you can pay online using a credit or debit card through the State Department's website. This online payment option is only available for certain services and is not the same as applying online—you still mail in your application materials, but you pay the fee in advance through their payment portal.
No payment method is faster or slower than another once submitted. The processing time depends on demand and the service level you choose (routine or expedited), not on how you paid.
Key Takeaways
- In-person applications accept cash, check, credit card, or debit card; mail applications accept only check or money order.
- Online payment through the State Department website is available for certain services like expedited processing, but you still mail in your physical application.
- Passport fees vary by document type and service level—a first-time adult passport book costs more than a renewal, and expedited processing adds a separate fee.
- If you pay by check or money order and it bounces or is rejected, your application will be delayed and you may face additional fees.
- The State Department does not accept payment through third-party services, apps, or payment platforms—only direct payment to them.
Passport fees and what they cover
A new adult passport book (for someone 16 or older applying for the first time) costs $130 for the book itself, plus a $35 execution fee, totaling $165. A passport card (a wallet-sized ID valid for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean) costs $30 plus the $35 execution fee, totaling $65. If you want both the book and card together, the combined fee is $165 plus $20, totaling $185.
Renewal fees are lower because you do not pay the execution fee again. An adult passport book renewal costs $130. A passport card renewal costs $30. These fees apply whether you renew by mail or in person.
Expedited processing adds $60 to any application or renewal. This speeds up the State Department's review from the standard 6 to 8 weeks (or longer during peak seasons) to 2 to 3 weeks. Rush processing, which is even faster, costs $70 and aims for 24 hours, but is only available for in-person applications at certain agencies and requires you to already have a valid passport or passport card.
Fees for minors (under 16) are lower: a new passport book is $115 plus $35 execution fee ($150 total), and a passport card is $15 plus $35 execution fee ($50 total). Both parents or guardians must appear in person to apply for a minor's passport.
How to pay when you apply in person
When you apply at a passport acceptance facility or passport agency, bring your payment method with you. Passport acceptance facilities are typically located in post offices, libraries, and county clerk offices. Passport agencies are federal offices in major cities. You can find the nearest location on the State Department's website by entering your zip code.
At the facility, you will complete your application form (DS-11 for a new passport, DS-82 for a renewal, or DS-64 if your passport was lost or stolen). The staff will review your documents, take your photo if needed, and collect your payment before you leave. If you pay by check, write it out to "U.S. Department of State." If you pay by card, the facility will run it through their payment terminal. Cash is accepted at most locations, but call ahead to confirm if you plan to pay that way.
Keep your receipt. It shows your application number and the date you applied. You will need this to track your passport status online or to contact the State Department if there is a problem.
How to pay when you apply by mail
For mail applications, you must include payment with your application packet. Write a check or money order for the full amount and make it payable to "U.S. Department of State." Do not send cash by mail—it can be lost or stolen.
Include the check or money order in the same envelope as your application form, birth certificate, photo ID, and passport photo. The State Department will not process your application until payment is received. If your check bounces or is rejected, they will return your entire application packet and you will have to resubmit everything with a new payment method.
Mail your application to the address listed on the form you are using (DS-11, DS-82, or DS-64). Processing times begin when the State Department receives your packet, not when you mail it. Use tracking mail or certified mail if you want proof of delivery, though it is not required.
Online payment for expedited and replacement services
If you are paying for expedited processing or a replacement passport (lost, stolen, or damaged), you can pay online through the State Department's payment portal before mailing in your application. This does not mean you apply online—you still fill out the paper form and mail it in—but you can pay the fee in advance using a credit or debit card.
To pay online, visit the State Department's website and look for the "Pay My Passport Fee" option. You will enter your personal information and the type of service you need. The system will generate a confirmation number. Include this confirmation number with your mailed application so the State Department knows the payment has already been received.
Paying online does not speed up processing beyond the expedited timeline you chose. It simply means your payment is recorded before your application arrives, reducing the chance of a delay due to payment issues.
What happens if your payment is rejected or lost
If you pay by check or money order and it is rejected—because the account has insufficient funds, the signature does not match, or the check is post-dated—the State Department will return your entire application packet. You will have to resubmit everything, including a new payment method. This can add 2 to 4 weeks to your timeline.
If you pay by card in person and the card is declined, the staff will ask you to provide a different payment method before they process your application. If you cannot pay at that moment, you will have to reschedule your appointment.
If you mail a check and it is lost in transit, the State Department will eventually contact you asking for payment. This delay can push your passport issuance back by several weeks. For this reason, some people prefer to pay online or in person when possible.
Do not send payment separately from your application. The State Department processes applications and payments together. If your payment arrives before your application, they will hold it until the application shows up. If your application arrives first, they will wait for payment before moving forward.
Payment options you cannot use
The State Department does not accept payment through PayPal, Venmo, wire transfer, or any third-party payment app. You cannot pay through a travel agent, passport service company, or any intermediary—you must pay directly to the State Department.
Some private passport expediting services advertise that they can speed up your application. These companies charge their own fees on top of the State Department fees. They do not have special access to the State Department's processing queue; they simply handle your paperwork and mail it in for you. You can do this yourself for free by paying directly to the State Department and using expedited processing.
The State Department also does not accept payment plans or partial payments. You must pay the full fee upfront. If cost is a barrier, some nonprofits and legal aid organizations offer passport fee assistance, though availability varies by location.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay for a passport with a gift card or prepaid card?
Yes, if the gift card or prepaid card is a Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover card, you can use it to pay in person or online. The card must have the cardholder's name on it and enough balance to cover the full fee. Some prepaid cards have restrictions on government payments, so check with your card issuer first.
What if I send a check for more than the passport fee?
The State Department will process your application using the full amount you sent. If you overpaid, they will not refund the difference. Write your check for the exact amount owed to avoid this.
Do I have to pay for expedited processing if I am in a hurry?
Expedited processing is optional and costs extra. If you cannot afford it, standard processing is free—you just wait longer. Some passport agencies offer rush processing (24 hours) for an additional $70, but only if you apply in person and already have a valid passport or card.
Can someone else pay for my passport?
Yes. A family member or friend can pay on your behalf when you apply in person, or they can send a check in your name with your mailed application. The payment does not have to come from the person whose name is on the passport.
What if I lose my receipt after paying in person?
You can still track your passport status online using your name, date of birth, and Social Security number. The receipt is helpful but not required. If you need your application number for any reason, the State Department can look it up by phone or through their website.