US Passport Fees for Kids: A Complete Cost Breakdown

Table of Contents#

1. Types of US Passports for Children
2. Core Passport Fees for Minors (Under 16)
3. Additional Fees You May Encounter
4. How to Pay for Your Child’s Passport
5. Pro Tips to Reduce Child Passport Costs
6. Frequently Asked Questions
7. References

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1. Types of US Passports for Children#

Before diving into fees, it’s critical to understand the two main passport options for kids, as their costs and use cases differ:

Passport Book#

• Use Case: Required for all international travel by air, sea, or land (including trips to Europe, Asia, or South America).
• Validity: 5 years (minors’ passports expire sooner than adults’ 10-year passports due to rapid appearance changes).

Passport Card#

• Use Case: Only valid for land or sea border crossings between the US and Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda. Cannot be used for international air travel.
• Validity: 5 years.

Combined Book + Card#

If you anticipate both air travel and border crossings, you can apply for both documents in one application to save time (and potentially money compared to applying separately later).

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2. Core Passport Fees for Minors (Under 16)#

All child passport applications require in-person submission at an acceptance facility (e.g., post office, library, county clerk’s office) or passport agency. This means two mandatory fees apply: the application fee (paid to the US Department of State) and the execution fee (paid to the facility verifying your documents).

Key Notes:#

• The execution fee covers verifying your child’s identity, witnessing your signature, and reviewing application documents. It’s a one-time fee per application, even if you’re applying for both book and card.
• Minors cannot renew passports by mail—every application (even after expiration) requires an in-person visit, so fees remain the same as first-time applications.

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3. Additional Fees You May Encounter#

Beyond core fees, several optional or unexpected costs can add to your total:

Expedited Processing Fee#

If you need your child’s passport faster than the standard processing time (8–11 weeks as of 2024), you can pay an extra $60 for expedited service, which reduces processing time to 2–3 weeks. This fee applies to any passport type (book, card, or combined).

Overnight Delivery Fee#

For expedited applications, you can add $19.53 (as of 2024) for overnight return shipping via USPS Priority Mail Express. This ensures you receive the passport as soon as processing is complete. Standard shipping is free but takes 1–2 weeks.

Passport Photo Fees#

Most acceptance facilities require a recent, compliant passport photo. You have two options:

• Professional Photos: $10–$20 at pharmacies, post offices, or photo studios.
• DIY Photos: Free if you follow the State Department’s guidelines (2x2 inches, white background, no hats or glasses unless medically necessary, etc.). Use online tools to crop and verify compliance before printing.

Correction Fees#

If you need to correct a mistake on your child’s passport (e.g., misspelled name), the fee is $30 for a passport book or$20 for a passport card. This fee only applies if the error was not caused by the State Department.

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4. How to Pay for Your Child’s Passport#

Payment methods vary based on where you apply:

At an Acceptance Facility (Post Office, Library)#

• Application Fee: Must be paid by check or money order made out to “U.S. Department of State.” Cash or credit cards are not accepted for this fee.
• Execution Fee: Paid directly to the facility via cash, check, money order, or credit card (varies by location).

At a Passport Agency#

If you need urgent travel assistance (within 72 hours), visit a regional passport agency. Here, you can pay both fees via credit card, debit card, check, money order, or cash.

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5. Pro Tips to Reduce Child Passport Costs#

1. Take DIY Passport Photos: Follow the State Department’s strict guidelines to avoid rejections and save $10–$20. Use a smartphone and free online tools to crop and validate the photo.
2. Apply Early: Avoid expedited fees by submitting applications 3–4 months before your trip. Regular processing times can fluctuate, so check the State Department’s website for updates.
3. Combine Book + Card: If you think your child will need both documents, apply for them together. The combined application fee ($160) is cheaper than applying for each separately later ($130 + $30 =$160, same cost—but you save on extra execution fees if you applied separately).
4. Check for Fee Waivers: The State Department offers fee waivers in rare cases, such as:
   • Humanitarian travel (e.g., visiting a sick family member abroad).
   • Travel sponsored by a non-profit organization.
   • Low-income families receiving certain federal benefits (e.g., SNAP, Medicaid). You’ll need to submit Form I-912 to request a waiver.

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6. Frequently Asked Questions#

Q: How long is a child’s passport valid?#

A: 5 years, regardless of passport type. Adults receive 10-year passports, but minors’ passports expire sooner because their appearance changes significantly.

Q: Do both parents need to be present to apply?#

A: Yes, both parents or guardians must be present to give consent. If one parent cannot attend, they must submit a notarized Form DS-3053 (Statement of Consent) along with a copy of their valid ID.

Q: Can I renew my child’s passport by mail?#

A: No. All minor passport applications (including renewals) require in-person submission to verify identity and consent.

Q: What if my child’s passport is lost or stolen?#

A: You must submit a new application (Form DS-11) and pay the same fees as a first-time applicant. You’ll also need to provide evidence of the lost/stolen passport (e.g., a police report).

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7. References#

All fees and guidelines are sourced from the official US Department of State website:

• US Passport Fees for Minors
• Child Passport Application Requirements