**How much does an American passport cost?**
Obtaining a passport is an essential step for any American citizen planning to travel internationally. The cost of an American passport can vary depending on different factors such as the type of passport, the applicant’s age, and whether it is a renewal or a new application. To clearly address the question at hand, the cost of an American passport is as follows:
The Cost of an American Passport
The fee structure for American passports is determined by the U.S. Department of State. As of November 2021, the cost of an American passport is as follows:
– For applicants age 16 and above, a passport book costs $110.
– For applicants under the age of 16, a passport book costs $80.
– In addition to the passport book fee, an execution fee of $35 is charged for all first-time applicants, minors, and individuals replacing a lost or stolen passport.
It’s important to note that these fees only cover the cost of the passport application. Additional services (such as expedited processing) may incur extra charges.
1. How long is an American passport valid?
An American passport for adults is valid for 10 years, while passports for minors (under 16) are valid for 5 years.
2. Are there any additional fees for expedited processing?
Yes, expedited processing incurs an additional fee of $60. This service is typically for individuals who need their passport urgently (usually within 2-3 weeks).
3. Are passport cards cheaper than passport books?
Yes, passport cards are less expensive than passport books. The cost for an adult passport card is $30, while for minors it is $15. The downside is that passport cards can only be used for land and sea travel to specific countries.
4. Do passport fees vary for individuals renewing their passports?
No, the fees for passport renewals remain the same as for new applications. Renewal fees are $110 for adults and $80 for minors, with an additional execution fee of $35 if applicable.
5. Are there any costs associated with correcting errors on a passport?
If the errors on your passport are due to a mistake by the U.S. Department of State, there are no fees involved. However, if the errors are a result of incorrect information provided by the applicant, normal passport fees will apply.
6. Can passport fees be paid by credit card?
Yes, all passport fees can be paid by credit card when submitting the application.
7. Are passport fees refundable?
No, passport fees are non-refundable. Even if your application is denied or you decide not to proceed with the process, the fees will not be reimbursed.
8. Is there a fee for adding extra blank pages to a passport?
As of January 1, 2016, the option to add extra visa pages to U.S. passports has been discontinued. Instead, individuals needing more pages will have to apply for a new passport and pay the associated fees.
9. Are there any discounted passport fees for senior citizens or military personnel?
No, the passport fees are the same for all individuals regardless of age or military status.
10. What forms of payment are accepted for passport fees?
The U.S. Department of State accepts payments in the form of checks, money orders, credit cards, and debit cards.
11. Are there any circumstances where passport application fees can be waived?
In certain cases, such as emergency evacuation or similar circumstances deemed necessary by the U.S. Department of State, passport fees may be waived.
12. Can passport fees be deducted as a tax expense?
Although passport fees are required for international travel, they are not considered tax-deductible expenses according to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
In conclusion, the cost of an American passport varies depending on the applicant’s age, whether it is a new application or renewal, and the type of passport required. Adult passports cost $110 for the passport book, while minors’ passports are priced at $80. Additional fees apply for expedited processing or the use of a passport card. It is important for potential applicants to be aware of these costs and factors when planning their travel and budgeting accordingly.