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The Guide to Different Types of U.S. Passports

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Table of Contents

Regular passports

Official passports, diplomatic passports, service passports, passport cards, passport types in the u.s., recapped.

If you thought all U.S. passports were the same, think again. There are actually five types of U.S. passports, but the majority of passport holders will have just one. The most common type of passport is a regular passport, which most U.S. citizens can apply for, although less than half of U.S. citizens have one.

While most qualify only for a regular passport, it may be helpful to know what other types of U.S. passport options are out there. Perhaps one day, you’ll become a diplomat or hold an official government or volunteer job where you can acquire one for free.

» Learn more: The best travel credit cards right now

This passport is the navy blue standard that is used for most types of travel. If you are studying abroad, taking a family vacation or traveling for work, you'll likely carry this type of passport.

The standard option includes 28 pages, but for those that travel frequently, it is possible to request a double book with 52 pages.

To apply for this type of passport, typically called a Type P passport , applicants must provide original or certified proof of U.S. citizenship (like a birth certificate) as well as a passport-size photo and photo identification.

These passports are valid for 10 years for most. For those who apply under age 16, these books are only valid for five years.

If you have changed your name (due to marriage or divorce, for example), additional documentation may be required.

U.S. nationals, those born in American Samoa or those born on Swain Island, are also eligible for this passport.

While it can take typically between six and nine weeks to get a U.S. passport, there are faster ways to get one. Applicants can use an official passport office to apply and pay for expedited service or use an independent expeditor service that handles much of the formality on the traveler’s behalf (although for a higher fee).

There is a subset of regular passport types that are issued for no fee. These are valid for five years and available to employees of the American National Red Cross, Peace Corps volunteers and members of the Department of Defense.

» Learn more: Need a passport for a trip? Give yourself a big time cushion

For those who qualify, an official passport is meant for those who work for the U.S. government and travel on official business. If approved by the Department of State, the main passport holder can also request official passports for a spouse and immediate family members.

To apply for this type of passport, applicants must go through the Special Passport Issuance Agency. While there is no fee required for this type of passport, appropriate documentation for eligibility must be shown.

These passports have the words Official Passport on a maroon cover to help them stand out from the rest. Unlike regular passports, these are only valid for five years and can only be used for official government business. A personal or leisure trip is not eligible.

Foreign service officers or those performing diplomatic duties on behalf of the United States overseas are eligible for this passport. A diplomatic passport, with a black cover, is only eligible to be used when on diplomatic business, which is why these passport holders almost always have a second regular passport to use when not serving in a U.S. diplomatic role.

These can only be used when on diplomatic missions, which are subsidized by the U.S. government. Valid only for five years, these passports require eligible documentation proving the applicant’s diplomatic role as well as a copy of official orders from their assigned post. These passports are issued without charge but must be returned upon completion of diplomatic duties.

Another of the rarer passport types is the service passport, which has a gray cover and is issued to third-party government contractors traveling to the United States on official business. They would apply for this passport type if they are ineligible to travel using their own regular passport. This is only valid for five years.

These are available with a regular passport application for an additional fee, but as the name suggests, they come in the form of an identification card rather than a book. These can be used as official identification, but also for land border crossings into the United States and Mexico.

These are especially helpful for those who live in the U.S. but travel across the border frequently for work or other purposes. Using a passport book to cross the border would quickly fill with stamps, which is why this option is more expeditious.

It is also eligible for sea travel to the U.S., Mexico, Canada, Bermuda and the Caribbean. If you like to travel often by cruise, this can be an excellent solution without worrying about filling up your passport book.

Passport cards have the same eligibility requirements as a regular passport book. They are eligible for 10 years for adults ($30) and five years for those under 16 ($15).

» Learn more: Key differences between passport cards and passports

The next time you are in line at a U.S. immigration point, take a look at the passports around you. Not everyone has Global Entry or uses Mobile Passport . And not everyone has the same color passport cover as other U.S. citizens. When you spot one with a different color, you now have a bit more insight into the type of work that person (or one of their family members) does.

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U.S. Passport Fee Schedule 2024: Routine, Expedited, & More

Home » Passports » How to Obtain a U.S. Passport

The total cost of your passport fees will depend on several factors, including: the passport type, the passport services you require and any additional services you might need or want to add on.

If you are in a rush, a passport expediting service can help simplify this process, but if you choose to apply on your own, this guide will help.

Note: If you don't pay the correct fees, your passport application will be delayed or denied.

Current Passport Fee Tables: Quick Links

• New Passports
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Understanding Passport Fees

Navigating the costs associated with obtaining a passport can be complex. Below, we break down the fees into clear categories: mandatory fees, optional fees, no-cost services, and additional expenses.

Mandatory Fees

• Application Fee: A required fee for most passport applications that will vary depending on the type of application you are submitting
• Acceptance Fee: An additional fee for first-time applicants or those reapplying after a lost or stolen passport, payable at passport acceptance facilities

Optional Fees

• Expedited Processing: For an additional fee (currently $60), you can opt for faster processing of your passport application.
• 1-to-2-Day Delivery: Opt for expedited shipping of your passport with Priority Mail Express for an additional fee (currently $21.36 ).
• File Search Fee: If your citizenship documents are missing, you can request a file search for an additional fee.

No-Cost Services

• Correction of Printing Errors: If your passport has a printing error, the correction is made free of charge.

Additional Expenses

While the direct fees are a significant part of the passport cost, additional expenses can add up:

• Passport Photos: Costs associated with obtaining passport-standard photographs will vary depending on where you get your passport photos taken .
• Supporting Documents: Fees for procuring necessary documents, like a birth certificate.
• Submission Costs: Expenses related to sending your application to the appropriate agency or center, including postage or travel costs.

While the State Department's fee calculator offers a helpful starting point, it might not reflect the full extent of your costs .

To help ease the complexity of planning for international travel, we've compiled the most up-to-date costs into our 2024 Passport Fee charts below. These charts are designed to help you accurately calculate the total cost of obtaining your passport, ensuring no hidden fees catch you by surprise.

What Does a Passport Cost?

Carefully read the information below to be sure that your payment is correct. Know that submitting incorrect passport fees or form of payment will delay the processing of your application.

Note: Form DS-11 is used to apply for a new passport or to replace a lost, stolen or damaged one. All applicants submitting this form must apply in person at an Acceptance Facility (which include most post offices), Regional Passport Agency or, if currently outside the United States, at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate General.

Applicants who need new passports expedited quickly but are unable to personally visit the regional agency should apply through a passport expediting service.

Click for reliable expedited passport courier service .

Related Links

• New Passport Requirements (Book and Card)
• Passport Card information

The US passport renewal fee is paid by those submitting application Form DS-82 . Adult renewal applicants in the U.S. may apply by mail (which we recommend).

You can also apply in person at a Regional Passport Agency if you have urgent international travel needs within 14 days or a life or death emergency that requires travel within 72 hours. Adult applicants outside the U.S. must apply through a U.S. Embassy or Consulate .

You cannot apply for a passport renewal at a post office or other passport acceptance facility.

Applicants who need their passport renewals expedited but are unable to personally visit the regional agency should apply through a passport expediting service .

• Passport Renewal Requirements (Book and Card)

Use Form DS-11 to apply for a child's passport. All Minor applicants ages 15 or younger, including those who are replacing a previous passport, must apply in person at an Acceptance Facility, Regional Passport Agency, a U.S. Embassy, or American Consulate.

Applicants who need passports expedited quickly but are unable to personally visit the regional agency should apply through a passport expediting service .

• Special Requirements for Children Under Age 16

Why Your Passport May Cost More

Please note that the actual total cost of getting a passport is more than the sum of the fees paid to the U.S. government. There are additional expenses that are not listed below such as postage, the price of a passport photo, and a protective envelope to send the application form. These are just a few of the extra costs you should expect when applying for a new travel document.

If you need a passport faster than the 6 to 8 weeks it takes for routine service, you can add the expedited service fee to the total payment. This will reduce your wait to 2 to 3 weeks

We recommend you also add the cost of 1 to 2 days delivery when sending the application by mail. This is not required if you submit the form at a regional agency , however, you will need to provide proof of imminent/urgent international travel to use this option. Note that this is not an option for passport cards. Passport cards are shipped via First Class Mail only.

If the 2 to 3 weeks turnaround offered through typical expedited service is not fast enough or you are unable to visit a processing center, you should apply online for expedited service through a registered courier service . By doing so, you could get your passport as quickly as the same day you apply.

Passport Fees for Optional Services

Expedited service.

Fee: $60 (Applicants in the U.S. only)

See important information about Application Processing Times and follow the instructions on How to Get Your Passport Fast .

When requesting this service, pay the $60.00 Expedited Service Fee for each application, in addition to the required fees noted above.

Passport Book 1-2 Day Delivery

Fee: $19.53

Please note, this fastest delivery service is not available for passport cards , which are delivered via First Class Mail only.

To request 1-2 Day Delivery, pay the $19.533 1-2 Day Delivery fee for each application, in addition to the required fees noted above.

File Search

Required when applicant is unable to present evidence of citizenship.

In addition to the passport application, submit a written request for File Search to verify a previous U.S. Passport or Consular Report of Birth Abroad .

Applicants who are overseas and whose passport was lost or stolen are exempt from paying the File Search Fee. For more information, see emergency passport , 22 CFR 22.1 Item No. 6.

Passport Fees for Special Services

Data error correction.

Use form DS-5504 .

See important information on Correcting or Changing Information in Your Passport .

Name Change

Fee: Varies

• Applicants ages 16 or older whose passports were issued less than a year ago, pay no fee.
• Applicants ages 16 or older who passports were issued more than a year ago, need to apply for a renewal using form DS-82 and pay the renewal fee .
• Applicants ages 16 or older who do not have official documentation of a legal name change, must apply for a new passport .
• Applicants ages 15 or younger must apply for a new passport and pay the appropriate fee .

Passport Fee Payment Instructions

You must be sure to use the appropriate payment methods for your passport application fees and services. Not all locations accept the same payment types, so be sure to check when making your appointment or submitting your application via mail.

Please Note: The Application Fee is a non-refundable processing fee and is retained by the Department of State whether or not the passport is issued . You can get a refund for the expedited service fee under certain circumstances.

Acceptance Facility

• Checks (personal, certified, cashier's, traveler's) and money orders payable to "U.S. Department of State"
• Credit and debit cards CANNOT be accepted.
• Money orders at all locations, payable as instructed by the Acceptance Facility
• Personal checks and cash (exact change only) at some locations
• Credit cards at U.S. postal facilities and some other locations

Renewal by Mail

• Checks (personal, certified, cashiers, travelers), payable to "U.S. Department of State"
• Money orders (U.S. Postal, international, currency exchange), payable to "U.S. Department of State"
• When renewing your passport by mail from Canada, you must pay by check or money order in U.S. dollars drawn from a U.S. banking institution.

Passport Agency

• Credit Cards (VISA, MasterCard, American Express, Discover) and Debit Cards displaying Visa or MasterCard logo
• Money orders (U.S. Postal, international, currency exchanges) payable to "U.S. Department of State"
• Cash (exact amount only)
• Pre-paid credit card or gift card displaying the Visa or MasterCard logo

U.S. Embassy or Consulate

• Please check with the U.S. embassy or consulate general where you plan to apply for acceptable payment options.

Top 5 Questions About Expedited Passport Couriers

1. How can you get a passport when you're in a hurry? 2. What exactly does a passport expediter do? 3. Are passport expediting services legitimate? 4. How can I identify a reliable passport expeditor? 5. Is expedited passport service worth it?

You can also visit our library of articles about passport expediting .

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US passport online renewals now fully open to Americans | Here's how it works

Big news for American travelers with a U.S. passport, the State Department will allow for renewal online thanks to an update to the agency's previous pilot program.

The State Department announced exclusively to ABC News on Wednesday that it's pilot passport renewal program is now fully available to the public.

"We expect 5 million Americans to be able to use this every year," Rena Bitter, Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of Consular Affairs told ABC News exclusively.

Adults 25 or older who have had a U.S. passport before will no longer have to fill out or print a paper application, mail a check, or make an appointment.

"It is for people who can renew their passport. They've had an adult passport, that has expired within the last 5 years or will expire in the coming year," Bitter explained.

What to know about US passport online renewals

The modernized process will be simple: create an account to start the application process on the State Department's website, enter your old passport information and upcoming travel plans.

Plus, the ordeal of going somewhere to get a photo taken will be a thing of the past now that it can be done right from a cellphone.

"You can upload your photo and apply it completely online without having to do anything in person or send anything in the mail," Bitter told ABC News.

The photo cannot be a selfie, must be taken with a white background and needs to be recent.

Finally, those applying for online renewal can check out using a debit or credit card.

"The process of applying for a passport online will be much more convenient for Americans," Bitter said.

See the full list checklist of qualifications needed to apply for online passport renewal below.

The routine processing time for online renewals is 6 to 8 weeks, which only includes the time the application is at a passport agency or center and does not include mailing times.

The digital renewal system was first introduced in 2021 through an executive order from President Joe Biden, but later halted applications indefinitely in 2023 due to the backlog of delays and renewals.

Earlier this month the government agency previously announced it would open a limited number of applications for online renewal at 1 pm ET on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Last year, the U.S. Department of State reported an all-time record high with more than 24 million U.S. passport books and cards issued in a 12-month span.

Online US passport renewal requirements

Passport applicants who wish to do a renewal online must meet the following criteria, per the State Department:

-- Be U.S. citizens and residents ages 25 and older who have already had an existing passport for 10 years; the passport must still be in the applicant's possession (and not previously reported lost or stolen. It can, however, be expired.) -- Not be changing their name, gender, date of birth or place of birth for the new passport. -- Live in a U.S. state or territory. -- Be applying for a regular tourist passport. -- Be able to upload a recent digital photo. -- Be able to pay the renewal fee online with either a debit or credit card.

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