As of 2026, a brand-new, adult U.S. passport book will set you back a whopping $165 total. That’s the “execution fee” (fancy talk for “we did paperwork”) plus the actual book cost. Yes, you’re paying the government to sit in a chair and sign a form.
If you think that’s steep, try getting one for a minor. A kid’s passport costs around $135—and they can’t even legally order a beer with it. The irony is thick enough to spread on toast.
The Hidden Fees: Where The Real Pain Lives
Oh, you thought $165 was the end? Bless your heart. You also need a passport photo, which typically costs $15 at a drugstore. Expect to look like a frazzled raccoon who just saw their credit score.
Then there’s shipping. Standard mail is included, but if you want your passport in under 12 weeks (chilling), you’ll pay $60.64 for expedited service. That’s right—you can pay an extra $60 to hurry up and wait.
And let’s not forget the emergency passport fee. If you lose your passport abroad and need one in 48 hours, you’ll drop an additional $60 for the “I made a mistake” tax. That’s almost the price of a nice dinner you could have eaten instead.
