The cost of a minor passport in the United States combines several standard fees charged by the U.S. Department of State. For applicants under 16, the total price reflects a base passport book fee plus an execution fee, with optional add-ons for expedited service or a passport card. This article outlines current fees, how they’re calculated, and practical tips to plan around them, ensuring families understand what to pay and when.
Cost Basics For a Minor Under 16
Two main options exist for a minor’s first passport: a passport book (the traditional passport) and a passport card (a smaller card useful for land and sea travel to certain countries). The core costs are:
- Passport Book for a minor: $80
- Passport Card (optional): $15
- DS-11 Execution Fee: $35
When you add the two, the total for a minor who wants both the passport book and card is typically $130 (book $80 + card $15 + execution $35). If you choose only the passport book, the total is usually $115 (book $80 + execution $35). The passport card alone without a book is not generally issued for minors.
How Fees Are Calculated
Fees are set by the U.S. Department of State and apply uniformly to all applicants, with differences between first-time issuances and renewals. For minors, the execution fee of $35 is collected to cover the cost of processing the application and verifying the identity of both the parent or guardian and the child. The passport book and passport card fees reflect the issuance and production costs of the documents themselves.
Important: Additional charges may apply if you request expedited processing or other optional services, which can increase the total cost. Always verify current fees on the official government site before applying, as costs can change.
Expedited Processing And Other Add-Ons
Families may opt for faster processing if timelines are tight. The key add-on is the expedited service fee, which is typically around $60. Expedited processing aims to shorten handling times, though total delivery times vary based on demand at the time of application and mailing speed.
There is also a return shipping option when applicable, and optional insured mailing services may incur extra costs depending on the carrier and service chosen. For travel plans far in advance, calculating expedited fees into the total cost helps avoid last-minute surprises.
Timeline And When Fees Are Charged
Fees are paid at the time of application. For minors, the DS-11 form is used, and in-person presence is required with both parents or guardians present for first-time issuances. Processing times vary by service level and current demand. Routine processing often takes several weeks, while expedited options aim for faster timelines. Plan budget and travel dates with the processing window in mind to ensure passport readiness for planned trips.
Receiving the final passport booklet, or card, will occur at the end of the processing period. In some cases, documents are mailed separately, so families should factor mail transit times into their travel plans as well.
Required Documents And How They Influence Costs
Cost is only one part of the equation. For a minor’s passport application, families must assemble:
- Proof of U.S. citizenship (e.g., a birth certificate or previous passport, if applicable)
- Evidence of parental relationship (e.g., birth certificate naming parents)
- Photo identification for the parent or guardian
- One 2×2 inch passport photo of the child
- Completed DS-11 form (notarized signatures are not required for the minor’s form if submitted at a passport acceptance facility)
Photo services add a separate but common cost. A typical passport photo session may cost between $10–$20 depending on the provider. While not a “fee” charged by the State Department, it is a related expense families should budget for when calculating total costs.
Cost-Saving Tips For Families
- Plan in advance to avoid expedited fees. If travel can be scheduled with standard processing times, this reduces total costs.
- Apply for the book only when needed—the book is the primary cost. If the trip requires a card, budget accordingly, but note minors generally prefer the book for international travel.
- Use a single application window to avoid multiple execution fees. For first-time minors, a single DS-11 submission is standard.
- Check discount or fee waivers for qualifying situations, though in general the minor fees are fixed by the State Department.
Common Questions About Minor Passport Costs
Question: Are there any hidden fees for minors? Answer: Fees are clearly listed by the Department of State. The primary costs are the book fee, card fee (optional), and the $35 execution fee, with optional expedited service. Always verify current figures before applying, as policies can change.
Question: Can parent or guardian fees differ from child fees? Answer: The execution fee applies per application, not per person. For a single minor’s first-time application with both a book and optional card, the total reflects the combined costs of the requested document(s) and the execution fee.
Question: Do renewal options exist for minors? Answer: Minors under 16 generally apply using DS-11 for a first issue. Renewals for minors typically require new documentation and may incur the standard minor fees, but renewal rules differ from adult renewals and should be checked on the official site.
What To Expect At The Application Visit
Applicants must appear in person at an official passport acceptance facility with both parents or guardians, or follow the approved guardianship rules if applicable. The process includes presenting required documents, submitting the DS-11 form, providing one passport photo, and paying the applicable fees. After submission, the child’s identity is verified, and the passport is produced and mailed to the applicant’s address.
Summary Of Typical Costs For A Minor
Using current guidance, a minor’s passport book is typically $80, the execution fee is $35, yielding a base total of $115 for the book alone. If the family adds the passport card, the combined total becomes $130. Expedited processing adds around $60, increasing the total accordingly. Always verify fees on the official government site before applying to ensure up-to-date pricing.