How Much Does a Passport Cost in New Orleans?
For most New Orleans residents applying for a first-time adult passport, the total government fee is $165 for a passport book or $65 for a passport card. The price depends on the applicant’s age, the document selected, and whether the application is a first-time application or a renewal. Optional expedited processing, faster delivery, and photo services can add to the cost.
Meta description: Find out how much a passport costs in New Orleans, including application and acceptance fees, child passport prices, renewals, expedited service, and local application steps.
New Orleans Passport Fees at a Glance
Passport charges are set by the U.S. Department of State, not by the city of New Orleans or the State of Louisiana. Applicants generally pay separate fees: an application fee to the State Department and, for most first-time applicants, an acceptance fee to the facility that reviews and forwards the application.
| Application type | Passport book | Passport card | Book and card |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult age 16 or older, first-time application | $165 | $65 | $195 |
| Child under 16, first-time application | $135 | $50 | $150 |
| Adult renewal by mail, if eligible | $130 | $30 | $160 |
These totals combine the State Department application fee and the standard $35 acceptance fee where one applies. Renewal totals do not include an acceptance fee because eligible renewals are generally sent directly to the State Department rather than submitted at an acceptance facility.
Fees can change. Before paying, check the U.S. Department of State’s passport fee schedule and follow the payment instructions for the application method. A local facility may also charge for optional services such as photos or photocopies, but those are not government passport fees.
What Each Passport Document Does
Passport book
The passport book is the standard document for international travel. It can be used for air, land, and sea travel to destinations outside the United States. Adults’ passport books are generally valid for 10 years; books issued to children under 16 are generally valid for five years.
For most international trips, including international flights, the passport book is the practical choice. Travelers should also check the destination’s entry requirements, since some countries require a passport to remain valid for a certain period beyond the planned stay.
Passport card
The passport card costs less, but it has limited use. It can be used for land and sea entry to the United States from Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and certain Caribbean destinations. It cannot be used for international air travel.
A passport card may suit someone who frequently crosses a nearby border by land or travels by sea within its permitted routes. It is not a substitute for a passport book when flying internationally.
Book and card together
Applicants can request both documents in one application. For an adult applying in person, the government fees total $195: a $160 application fee for both documents plus the $35 acceptance fee. For a child under 16, the combined total is $150, including the $115 application fee and $35 acceptance fee.
First-Time Adult Passport Costs
An adult age 16 or older applying in person for the first time pays a $130 application fee for a passport book, a $30 fee for a card, or $160 for both. The acceptance facility collects an additional $35 fee for each application. Therefore, the usual totals are:
- Passport book: $165
- Passport card: $65
- Passport book and card: $195
First-time applicants generally apply in person using Form DS-11. The form must not be signed until instructed by the acceptance agent. Applicants should bring evidence of U.S. citizenship, a valid form of identification, a photocopy of the identification, and a passport photo that meets State Department requirements.
The application fee is typically paid to the U.S. Department of State, while the acceptance fee is paid separately to the facility. Payment methods can differ: many facilities accept cards for the execution fee but require a check or money order for the State Department fee. Applicants should confirm accepted payment types before visiting.
Passport Costs for Children
Every child under age 16 must apply in person, even if the child has had a passport before. The State Department application fee is $100 for a passport book, $15 for a card, or $115 for both. Add the $35 acceptance fee to find the usual total:
- Child passport book: $135
- Child passport card: $50
- Child passport book and card: $150
Children under 16 generally receive passports valid for five years. Both parents or guardians usually must provide consent. If one parent cannot appear, the family may need additional documentation, such as a notarized consent form or proof of sole legal authority. The State Department’s instructions explain which documents apply to a particular family situation.
Parents should include the child in the application process and bring the required citizenship and parent-relationship evidence. Missing consent or identity documents can delay acceptance, even when the fees are correct.
Renewing a Passport in New Orleans
Eligible adults can renew by mail using Form DS-82, or through the State Department’s online renewal system when they meet its current requirements. A standard adult renewal costs $130 for a book, $30 for a card, or $160 for both. Eligible renewals generally do not require the $35 acceptance fee.
Not everyone can renew. In general, the most recent passport must be available to submit, be undamaged, have been issued when the applicant was at least 16, and have been issued within the period allowed by the renewal rules. The applicant must also meet other eligibility conditions, including name and personal-information requirements. If the passport was issued before age 16, is lost, or is significantly damaged, the person may need to apply in person instead.
Applicants should use the current State Department instructions to choose the correct process and mailing address. Sending a renewal to a local acceptance facility does not replace the required renewal procedure and can cause delays.
Expedited Processing and Other Optional Costs
Applicants who need faster processing can request expedited service for an additional $60. This fee is separate from the passport application and acceptance fees. Expedited service speeds up processing, but it does not guarantee delivery by a specific date. Processing times change with demand, so applicants should check the State Department’s current estimates before applying.
For eligible passport books, applicants can also pay for 1–2 day delivery of the completed passport book. The State Department lists this optional return-delivery service at $21.36. It is not available for passport cards alone, and it does not speed up the review of the application. Applicants should verify the current amount and eligibility when submitting.
Other possible costs are charged by service providers rather than the federal government. Examples include:
- Passport photos, if the applicant does not provide an acceptable photo
- Photocopies or document-printing services
- Travel to an acceptance facility or passport agency
- Shipping costs for a mail-in renewal
Photo prices vary by store and facility. A passport photo must meet federal specifications for size, background, image quality, and appearance. A photo that does not meet the requirements can lead to a request for a replacement and slow the application.
Where to Apply in New Orleans
First-time applicants and most applicants who must apply in person need an appointment at a passport acceptance facility. Facilities can include certain post offices, clerks of court, libraries, or local government offices. Availability, appointment rules, hours, and payment methods vary by location.
To find a current location near New Orleans, use the U.S. Department of State’s passport acceptance facility search. Search by ZIP code and confirm directly with the facility before visiting. A facility’s ability to take passport photos or offer walk-in service should not be assumed.
The New Orleans Passport Agency serves travelers with urgent international travel needs, but it is not a routine walk-in application location. Agency appointments are generally intended for people traveling internationally within 14 calendar days, or who need a foreign visa within the applicable urgent period. Applicants must meet the agency’s requirements, make an appointment, and provide proof of imminent travel. Check the State Department’s agency instructions for the current address, appointment availability, and required documents before going.
How to Estimate the Total Cost
A simple estimate starts with the applicant’s age and the document needed. Add the application fee, the acceptance fee if applying in person, and any optional service charges. For example, an adult applying for a first-time passport book and requesting expedited service would generally pay $130 for the book, $35 for acceptance, and $60 for expedited processing, for a total of $225 before photo or delivery costs.
An eligible adult renewing a book by mail with expedited service would generally pay $130 plus $60, or $190, before any shipping expense. The $35 acceptance fee is not normally part of a qualified mail renewal.
For a child applying for a book with expedited service, the typical government total is $100 for the application, $35 for acceptance, and $60 for expedited processing, or $195. The child’s parent or guardian should confirm that all consent and identity documents are ready before paying and submitting.
Ways to Avoid Extra Delays and Expenses
- Choose the right document. A card cannot be used for international flights; select a book if air travel is involved.
- Confirm eligibility before renewing. Applicants who do not qualify for renewal may need to start a new in-person application.
- Check the photo before submitting. Follow the State Department’s current photo rules rather than relying on an outdated example.
- Bring complete documents. Missing citizenship evidence, identification, or parental consent can mean another appointment.
- Verify payment rules. The federal application fee and local acceptance fee may need to be paid separately and by different methods.
- Apply early. Standard processing can take weeks, and mailing time adds to the overall timeline. Check current processing estimates well before booking travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a passport in New Orleans for an adult?
A first-time adult passport book typically costs $165, including the $130 application fee and $35 acceptance fee. A card costs $65, and a book plus card costs $195. An eligible adult renewal costs $130 for a book, $30 for a card, or $160 for both, before optional services.
Is the $35 acceptance fee included in the passport price?
It is included in the totals for first-time in-person applications shown in this article. It is a separate fee from the State Department application fee and is generally not charged for eligible renewals submitted by mail or online.
Can someone get a passport the same day in New Orleans?
Same-day service is not a standard option at ordinary acceptance facilities. The passport agency may be able to assist with qualifying urgent travel, but appointments are limited and require proof of travel and other documents. Applicants should contact the agency through official State Department channels rather than relying on a walk-in visit.
Are passport fees refundable?
Passport application fees are generally nonrefundable, including when an application is denied or travel plans change. Applicants should confirm the correct form, document type, and total fees before submitting payment.