How much is a passport card in 2026
The U.S. passport card is a wallet-sized official travel document. It is valid strictly for international land and sea border crossings between the United States, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda. It cannot be used for international air travel. How much is a passport card
1. How Much to Pay for a Passport ID?
The total cost depends on the applicant’s age and whether they are applying for the first time or submitting a renewal. Government fees are split into an application fee and an execution fee on how much is a passport card.
- First-Time Adult Applicants (Age 16 and older):
- Application Fee: $30
- Execution Fee (paid to the processing facility): $35
- Total Cost: $65
- Child Applicants (Under Age 16):
- Application Fee: $15
- Execution Fee: $35
- Total Cost: $50
- Adult Renewals (Eligible to apply by mail using Form DS-82):
- Application Fee: $30
- Execution Fee: $0
- Total Cost: $30
2. How Long Does It Take to Get a Passport Card?
Processing times fluctuate throughout the year based on seasonal demand. The U.S. Department of State generally operates under two processing tiers:
- Routine Service: Typically takes 6 to 8 weeks from the day the application is received at a passport agency to the day it is delivered.
- Expedited Service: Requires an additional mandatory government rush fee of $60. This reduces the turnaround time to approximately 2 to 3 weeks.
What is the Difference Between a Passport Book and a Passport Card?
The main difference between a passport book and a passport card is that they have different costs and travel validity. In general, a passport book is more expensive and can be used for any type of travel or identity verification, while a passport card has more limitations. How much is a passport card
A passport card is a wallet-sized document that cannot be used for international air travel but is valid for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean. Additionally, it is an accepted REAL ID-compliant document and can be used as identification for domestic U.S. flights. Read our guide on deciding on which of the two passport documents you need.
In the case that you already have a passport book, you can apply for a passport card by mail as a “renewal,” even when it’s your first card, and vice versa. Online renewals require that you have already received a passport card to renew a passport card and a passport book to renew the passport book. How much is a passport card
Learn more: Where Can I Travel When I Don’t Have A U.S. Passport? Once the passport is sorted, the next step is choosing a program. Rustic Pathways student travel programs handle visa coordination and group flights. How much is a passport card
Frequently Asked Questions About the Cost of a U.S. Passport
What is the total cost of a U.S. passport?
For a first-time U.S. passport book, the total cost ranges from $135 to $218.36 for minors under 16, and $165 to $248.36 for adults age 16 and older. These totals include the required application and execution fees, plus optional expedited processing ($60) and optional 1–3 day delivery ($23.36) for passport books.
What is the difference between a passport card and a book?
The main difference between a passport card and a passport book is where you can use it. A passport book works for international air travel and most international entry needs. A passport card costs less, but it only works for land and sea travel from the U.S. to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean, not international flights.
What documents do I need for a passport?
You need proof of U.S. citizenship, proof of identity, and a passport photo. If you are applying for your first passport, you usually submit Form DS-11 and apply in person at an acceptance facility. How much is a passport card
Is it cheaper to get a passport through AAA?
AAA cannot reduce U.S. government passport fees. When you apply at an AAA location that offers passport services, you may pay extra for services like photos, but the federal passport fees stay the same. How much is a passport card
How much is a 10-year passport?
A standard U.S. passport issued to applicants age 16 and older is valid for 10 years. The government application fee for an adult passport book is $130, and first-time applicants also pay a $35 execution fee. Minors under 16 receive a 5-year passport. Shorter-validity passports are typically limited-validity emergency passports, not the default.
Can you apply for a passport online?
You cannot apply online for a first-time U.S. passport. Some eligible adults can renew online for routine service.
Can I fly with a passport card?
No. A U.S. passport card is not valid for international air travel. It is mainly for land and sea travel between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and parts of the Caribbean. How much is a passport card
What is the six-month passport rule?
The six-month passport rule is a travel requirement some countries use. It means your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure date or arrival date, depending on the country. Rules vary by destination, so confirm the requirements for your specific itinerary. How much is a passport card
How much will it cost me to get a passport in the USA?
When you are applying for the first time, expect to pay at least $135 for a minor passport book or $165 for an adult passport book, because first-time applicants usually pay both an application fee and a $35 execution fee. Your total cost can be higher when you add optional services like expedited processing ($60) and 1–3 day delivery for a passport book ($23.36).
Is it cheaper to renew a passport or just get a new one?
Renewing is often cheaper if you qualify, because eligible adult renewals usually do not include the $35 execution fee that first-time applicants pay. If you do not qualify to renew, you must apply in person as a new applicant and pay the execution fee. How much is a passport card
How long does it take to get a U.S. passport?
Routine processing takes 4 to 6 weeks, but the full end-to-end process, including mailing, can take up to 10 weeks. If you pay for expedited service, processing is typically 2 to 3 weeks, and the fastest end-to-end timing is usually about 3 weeks when you add 1–3 day delivery for a passport book. How much is a passport card