How much is an expedited passport in the US?

Cost of an Expedited Passport in the US: Breaking Down the Fees

Securing a passport quickly comes with a price. The United States Department of State charges additional fees for expedited processing and rapid delivery. Understanding the cost breakdown is crucial for travelers seeking to obtain their passport swiftly.

Expedited Processing Fee

To expedite the standard processing time of 4-6 weeks, applicants can opt for expedited processing. This service guarantees that the passport will be processed within 3-5 weeks. The fee for expedited processing is $60.

Rapid 1-2 Day Delivery Fee

Those in need of a passport even faster can request rapid 1-2 day delivery. This service ensures that the passport will be delivered within 1-2 business days after processing. The fee for rapid 1-2 day delivery is $21.36.

Older Passport Records Fee

Individuals who have not renewed their passport since before 1994 may encounter an additional fee. The Department of State requires a $150 file search fee to retrieve older passport records. This fee is applicable to anyone who needs to establish their identity or citizenship using a passport issued more than 28 years ago.

Total Cost Calculation

The total cost of an expedited passport varies depending on the services requested. For the most basic expedited processing with standard delivery, the cost is:

• $60 (expedited processing) + $0 (standard delivery) = $60

For expedited processing with rapid 1-2 day delivery, the cost is:

• $60 (expedited processing) + $21.36 (rapid delivery) = $81.36

For expedited processing with rapid delivery and an older passport record fee, the cost is:

• $60 (expedited processing) + $21.36 (rapid delivery) + $150 (older passport record) = $231.36

Important Considerations

• The fees mentioned above do not include the passport book fee, which is currently $145.
• Expedited passport services are available to both first-time applicants and those renewing their passports.
• You must submit a valid reason for requesting expedited passport services. Acceptable reasons include international travel within 3 weeks, death or serious illness of an immediate family member abroad, or official government travel.
• Expedited passport services are not available at all passport acceptance facilities. Check with your local passport office for availability.

Understanding the cost breakdown of expedited passport services in the US ensures that you can budget accordingly and secure your passport in the desired timeframe.