subject: How to Pay for Your US Passport Renewal [print this page] How to Pay for Your US Passport Renewal How to Pay for Your US Passport Renewal
Unfortunately, renewing your passport is not free, although it is somewhat cheaper than getting a brand new passport is. Making that payment may be the least pleasant part of the passport renewal process, but paying the correct amount with the appropriate payment method is important if you want your application to be processed in a timely manner.
First, you need to figure out how much your passport renewal will cost. The amount you'll have to pay will depend on a few different factors, such as whether you want a passport card and whether or not you need expedited service. Here's a rundown of prices as of March 2011. Prices change from time to time. For current prices, it's always a good idea to check the Department of State's website:
Passport renewal, book only: $110
Passport renewal, book and card: $140
Passport card only: $30 (bear in mind that the passport card can only be used for land or sea travel to Mexico, Canada or the Caribbean)
Expedited service: $60 (This reduces the processing time from the standard 6 weeks to approximately 3 weeks)
Overnight service from the passport office: $12.72. If you order expedited processing, it is recommended that you also order overnight service.
Next, you'll need a method of payment that the Department of State will accept. If you're renewing by mail, you can enclose a cashier's check, a personal check, a certified check, a traveler's check or a money order for the appropriate amount. Do not send cash.
Checks and money orders must be made out to the "US Department of State." You may not abbreviate "US Department of State," and of course you need to make the check or money order out properly and sign it. Failure to fill out your check or money order correctly will delay your application until the Department of State is able to contact you and get it corrected.
If you are applying for an emergency US passport renewal and you've made an appointment at one of the 22 Regional Passport Agency offices, you also have the option of using a credit card for payment. Please note that passport agency offices do not accept cash.
