How Much Does a U.S. Passport Cost in New York City?
In New York City, a U.S. passport costs the same as it does elsewhere in the country: federal application fees are set by the U.S. Department of State, not by the city. The total depends on the applicant’s age, whether the application is a first-time request or renewal, and whether the applicant wants a passport book, card, or both. Extra costs may include an acceptance-facility fee, expedited service, faster return delivery, and passport photos.
New York City Passport Fees at a Glance
The table shows standard federal fees for common applications. Acceptance fees apply to many first-time applications and children’s applications, but not to eligible renewals submitted by mail. A passport book works for international air, land, and sea travel; a passport card has more limited uses.
| Applicant and application | Passport book | Passport card | Book and card |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult, first-time applicant | $165 total: $130 application fee + $35 acceptance fee | $65 total: $30 application fee + $35 acceptance fee | $195 total: $160 application fee + $35 acceptance fee |
| Adult, eligible renewal | $130 | $30 | $160 |
| Child under 16 | $135 total: $100 application fee + $35 acceptance fee | $50 total: $15 application fee + $35 acceptance fee | $150 total: $115 application fee + $35 acceptance fee |
These figures do not include optional expedited service, faster delivery, photos, or any costs associated with replacing a lost or damaged passport. Fees can change, so applicants should confirm the current amounts on the U.S. Department of State passport fees page before submitting an application.
What the Passport Application Fee Covers
The application fee is paid to the U.S. Department of State for processing the passport application and issuing the travel document. For a first-time adult passport book, that fee is $130. The additional $35 acceptance fee is collected separately by the passport acceptance facility that receives the application.
Acceptance fees are not a New York City tax or surcharge. They are federal fees collected at participating facilities, such as certain post offices, libraries, and local government offices. Each applicant generally pays a separate acceptance fee when required. For example, a family applying in person for passports may owe a $35 acceptance fee for each child’s application.
Passport Book, Passport Card, or Both
Passport book
The passport book is the standard option for international travel. It can be used for international flights and for travel by land or sea. Travelers who expect to fly outside the United States generally need a passport book; a passport card cannot be used for international air travel.
Passport card
The passport card costs less but has narrower uses. U.S. citizens can use it to enter the United States by land or sea from Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and certain Caribbean countries. It is not valid for international air travel. The card may be convenient for eligible border crossings, but it is not a substitute for a passport book when flying abroad.
Both documents
An applicant can request both a book and a card in one application. The combined application fee is lower than paying the two document fees separately, while a required acceptance fee is still charged once for the application. Applicants should consider expected travel routes before choosing a document.
First-Time Applications and Renewals
Most first-time adult applicants must apply in person using Form DS-11. They generally cannot submit that form by mail, and they must not sign it until instructed by the acceptance agent. The application fee and acceptance fee are typically paid separately, often using different payment methods. Applicants should check the specific facility’s payment rules before arriving.
An adult may be eligible to renew by mail using Form DS-82 if the prior passport meets the State Department’s eligibility requirements. In general, the passport must be submitted with the renewal, be undamaged apart from normal wear, have been issued when the applicant was at least 16, and have been issued within the past 15 years. Renewals by mail do not require an acceptance-facility fee.
Eligibility rules matter: someone who is not eligible to renew by mail may need to apply in person as a first-time applicant, even if that person has held a passport before. The State Department’s passport renewal guidance explains the requirements and current submission options.
Passport Costs for Children
Children under 16 pay lower application fees, but they must apply in person and cannot renew a child passport by mail. The child and both parents or guardians generally need to appear together, or the applying parent must provide the required consent documents. These rules are intended to help prevent unauthorized applications for minors.
A child’s passport book is $100, plus a $35 acceptance fee, for a typical total of $135. A card is $15 plus the $35 acceptance fee, or $50 total. Applying for both costs $115 in application fees plus $35 for acceptance, or $150 total. Each child needs a separate application and supporting documents, even when siblings apply at the same appointment.
Optional Services That Can Increase the Total
| Optional service | Typical additional fee | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| Expedited processing | $60 per application | Requests faster processing than routine service |
| Fast return delivery | $21.36 for eligible passport book delivery | Speeds delivery of the completed passport book |
| Passport photo | Varies by provider | Pays for a photo that meets government requirements |
Expedited processing is an optional government service, not a guarantee of delivery by a particular travel date. Processing times change with application volume and are measured from when the application reaches a passport agency or center—not necessarily from the day it is mailed. Applicants should check the State Department’s current processing times before deciding whether to expedite.
Fast return delivery is separate from expedited processing. It can shorten the mailing time for an issued passport book, but it does not make the application itself move faster. Applicants should verify whether this option is available for the document and application method they are using.
Passport photos are not included in the government application fee. Prices vary among pharmacies, photo shops, and other providers in New York City. Some acceptance facilities offer photo services, sometimes for an additional charge. The photo must meet State Department rules for size, background, image quality, and appearance; an unacceptable photo can delay an application.
Examples of Total Passport Costs
These examples illustrate common totals before photos or other private-provider costs:
- Adult first-time passport book, routine service: $165.
- Adult first-time passport book with expedited processing: $225, before any optional faster return delivery.
- Adult eligible renewal by mail, routine service: $130.
- Adult eligible renewal by mail with expedited processing: $190.
- Child under 16 applying for a passport book, routine service: $135.
- Adult first-time applicant requesting both a book and card: $195.
For example, an adult applying for a first-time book and requesting expedited service would usually budget $130 for the application, $35 for acceptance, and $60 for expedited processing. That comes to $225, before photos or optional delivery. A renewal applicant who qualifies to submit by mail would generally pay $130 for a book, or $190 with expedited processing, without an acceptance fee.
Where to Apply in New York City
Passport acceptance facilities are located throughout the five boroughs, including participating post offices, libraries, and government offices. Not every location accepts applications, provides photos, or offers the same appointment availability. Applicants should use the State Department’s Passport Acceptance Facility Search to find current locations and confirm appointment requirements directly with the facility.
Acceptance facilities receive and review applications; they do not issue passports. The U.S. Department of State processes applications and produces the documents. A New York City mailing address does not change federal fees or guarantee that an application will be processed faster.
Urgent Travel and Passport Agency Appointments
Applicants with imminent international travel may qualify for an appointment at a passport agency or center, depending on the circumstances and appointment availability. The State Department generally reserves urgent in-person service for travelers with qualifying travel dates, such as travel within 14 calendar days, or for people who need a foreign visa within a limited timeframe. Life-or-death emergency appointments have separate requirements.
An agency appointment is not a walk-in alternative to a regular acceptance facility. Applicants should follow the State Department’s instructions, bring proof of travel and required documents, and confirm the current appointment rules. Additional fees may apply, and a passport cannot be guaranteed by a specific date until the agency reviews the case.
How to Avoid Extra Costs and Delays
- Choose the right document: A passport book is necessary for international flights; a card is limited to qualifying land and sea travel.
- Check renewal eligibility: An eligible adult renewal by mail avoids the acceptance fee and an in-person appointment.
- Use the official fee schedule: Confirm current fees and payment instructions before applying.
- Prepare complete documents: Bring proof of citizenship, identification, photocopies where required, and any parental consent documents for a child.
- Follow photo rules: A noncompliant photo can lead to delays or a request for a replacement.
- Plan around processing times: Apply well before travel and do not treat expedited service as a guaranteed appointment or delivery date.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does New York City charge an extra passport fee?
No. The federal passport application fees are the same in New York City as in other U.S. locations. A facility may charge for optional services such as photos, but that is separate from the federal passport fee.
Is the $35 acceptance fee charged for every passport?
It is generally charged for in-person applications that require acceptance, including first-time adult applications and children’s applications. Eligible adult renewals submitted by mail do not pay this fee. The fee is typically charged per applicant, not per household.
How much does an adult passport renewal cost?
An eligible adult renewal costs $130 for a passport book, $30 for a card, or $160 for both. Expedited processing adds $60 per application. Renewal eligibility and submission instructions should be checked with the State Department before mailing an application.
Can a passport card be used to fly internationally?
No. The passport card is not valid for international air travel. A passport book is needed for international flights.
Official Sources
For the most reliable, current details, consult the U.S. Department of State’s fee schedule, processing-time estimates, application instructions, and acceptance facility search. Fees, processing estimates, and appointment procedures can change; official pages should take precedence over third-party listings.