Residents of the United States of America who desire to travel outside of the country will need a passport. Those applying for the first time will need to apply for it in person at a Passport Agency, a U.S. Embassy, a U.S. Consulate, or a Passport Application Acceptance Facility.
Adults
Individuals who are 16 years of age and older are considered to be “adults.” Adult applications and renewals cost $140 for a book and card together. Adults looking to apply or renew will use the form that is called DS-82. Adults who need just the adult passport book and not a card will need to pay a renewal fee of $110 and also use the DS-82 form. Adults who wish to renew a passport card on its own will only have to pay $30. They will also utilize the DS-82 form.
Adults living in the U.S. who are looking to renew are encouraged to apply by mail. Adults living abroad (except for those in Canada) will need to apply at a U.S. consulate or embassy. Those living in Canada will need to submit the DS-82 Application for a U.S. Passport by mail to the address noted on the form. They should be aware that the typical $25 execution fee is not applicable to form DS-82.
Minors
Individuals under the age of 16 are considered to be minors. They will utilize the DS-11 form to apply for a passport. Minors who apply or renew for a passport book and card will have to pay an application fee of $95 and an execution fee of $25 for obtaining both book and card. Those looking to obtain only a minor book will need to pay an $80 application fee and a $25 execution fee. Minors looking to obtain a minor card will need to pay a $15 application fee along with the $25 execution fee. It is important to note that all minor applicants and minors looking to renew must do so in person. Their applications and renewal forms will not be accepted by mail. In addition, passports for minors are only valid for 5 years (instead of the typical 10 years for adults).
Expedited Service
Expedited service is available for applicants who live in the United States. It costs an additional $60. There is an overnight delivery service available for U.S. applicants for an extra $15.45. This service is only available for books and not cards. Cards are only delivered by way of First Class Mail.
Precautions
People should be aware that the submission of insufficient fees will significantly slow or even cancel the completion of the application process. Always pay the exact fee that is associated with the type that is being requested or renewed. Applicants who apply for the document on Form DS-11 will be required to pay an execution fee when the application is executed. This fee is designed to cover the expenses involved in executing the application, like the verification of the person's identity and the processing of the application. Only checks and money orders are acceptable forms of payment. Credit and debit cars are not accepted.
