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How long does it take to get a US passport? How much does it cost?
Whether obtaining your first passport in the US or renewing an existing one, the process can be lengthy although express services are available. Here’s what you will need.
A passport is an important document as it serves as proof of identity, and is necessary to own one to be able to travel beyond the United States and to the rest of the world. Now that peak travel season is approaching, it is a good idea to check if your passport is still valid, and if not, how much it will cost to renew it. First-time applicants should also consider the cost of getting a passport, what documents you will need to obtain one and how long the whole process takes from start to finish.
According to the usa.gov website, to be eligible to apply for a passport, a person must be a US citizen by birth or naturalization or a qualified non-US citizen national.
How do I apply for a US passport?
If you are applying for your passport for the first time, you must do so in person, at a passport acceptance facility. This procedure cannot be done online or by mail. Acceptance facilities include post offices, clerks of court, public libraries, and other local government offices which accept passport applications on behalf of the US Department of State. Some of them will offer on-site photo services. Find your nearest acceptance facility here:
What documents will I need to apply for a US passport?
Anyone applying for an American passport for the first time will need a number of documents plus recent color passport photographs of the applicant (taken during the last six months) which follow official guidelines. Here is what you will need:
- Application Form (DS-11)
You can download the DS-11 form online here, print it and complete each section. Another option is to visit your local passport acceptance facility or regional agency to request the form.
It is important that you do not sign the DS-11 form until you are at your appointment and the passport acceptance officer tells you to do so.
- Personal documents
These include original proof of citizenship, an acceptable photo ID (eg. drivers license) and a photocopy of your citizenship document and photo ID.
- Passport photo
- Means to pay the processing fee
You must also submit a photograph that follows the guidelines set by the Office of Consular Affairs:
Your photo should be 2 inches by 2 inches (51 x 51 mm), taken on a white background with the head centered and sized between 1 inch and 1.4 inches (25 and 35 mm). The applicant must be directly facing the camera with a neutral expression and eyes clearly visible. The photograph cannot be cropped or digitally edited.
- Processing fees (see below)
Processing fees: how much does an American passport cost in 2024?
To apply for a passport for the first time, you need to cover the cost of the application as well as the execution fee. The acceptance fee must be paid to the facility which takes your application, and the application fee to the US Department of State.
First-time passport fees:
- Adults over 16 years of age: The passport book alone costs $130 with an execution fee of $35
- Children under 16 years of age: The passport book alone costs $100 with an execution fee of $35
Fees for renewing your existing passport:
- Adults over 16 years of age: The passport book alone costs $130. There is no execution fee in the renewal process.
How long does the American passport process take?
Processing time for passports often varies. As of May 2024, passport applications are processed within six to eight weeks for ordinary service and two to three weeks for expedited service.
These projected processing times do not include the time needed for mailing.
It is advisable to apply for your passport or renew it at least six to nine months before you intend to travel, so you can have enough time to plan your trip. For more information about the US passport, visit the Department of State’s website.
I need my passport quickly, is there an express service?
To speed up the processing of your passport, you must pay for the expedited service, which has an extra cost of $60. If you have questions, you can consult the fee calculator on the State Departments website.
Once your passport application has been submitted, approved and relevant fees paid, it will be just a question of waiting for it to arrive. From start to finish the whole process can take up to 13 weeks, so if you are planning to go on holiday, it’s best to get your passport sorted before you book.
US passports can be renewed by mail. You will need to fill out a DS-62 form, sign and date the document and enclose it in an envelope along with your most recent passport plus an up-to-date passport photograph along with any relevant fees - payable by personal check or money order. The address you need to send your Form DS-82 and supporting documents to is a Post Office (PO) Box - renewals cannot be processed at a passport acceptance facility.
Note that, under the REAL ID Act, starting from May 7, 2025, travellers within the US will no longer be able to use a non-REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or state ID to board a domestic flight.