The cost of replacing a lost passport

A lost U.S. passport replacement costs $130 for an adult passport book (ages 16 and older) or $100 for a minor passport book (under 16). If you need it faster than the standard 6 to 8 weeks, expedited processing adds $60. These are the State Department's fees as of 2024, and they cover the passport itself—not the process, photos, or delivery.

You will also pay separately for a new passport photo (usually $10 to $20 at a pharmacy or photo shop) and a certified copy of your birth certificate if you do not have one ($15 to $30, depending on your state). If you use a passport acceptance facility or post office to submit your process, some locations charge an additional acceptance fee of $35. Expedited shipping is optional but costs around $18.50 if you choose it.

The total out-of-pocket cost for a standard adult replacement is typically $160 to $210, or $240 to $290 with expedited processing and shipping. Minors cost less because the passport book itself is cheaper, but the supporting documents and photos are the same.

Key Takeaways

  • The State Department charges $130 for an adult lost passport replacement and $100 for a minor, plus $60 if you need expedited processing.
  • You must also pay for a new passport photo ($10 to $20) and a certified birth certificate copy ($15 to $30) unless you already have both.
  • Acceptance facilities and post offices may charge a $35 acceptance fee to submit your process on your behalf.
  • Expedited shipping costs around $18.50 if you want your passport mailed back faster than standard delivery.
  • The total cost for a standard adult replacement typically ranges from $160 to $210, or $240 to $290 with expedited processing.

Where the money goes: breaking down each fee

The $130 passport book fee goes to the State Department and covers the cost of producing and issuing your new passport. This is the non-negotiable base cost. The $60 expedited processing fee is separate and only applies if you choose to speed up the review—it does not may provide a faster turnaround, but it does move your process ahead in the queue.

Passport photos must meet specific State Department requirements (2x2 inches, white background, taken within the last 6 months), so you cannot use an old photo from your wallet. Most drugstore photo services know these rules and charge $10 to $20 per set of photos. A certified birth certificate is required to prove citizenship, and your state's vital records office issues these—not your local hospital or doctor. The cost varies by state, from $15 in some states to $30 or more in others.

The $35 acceptance fee is charged by the facility that takes your process, not by the State Department. If you explore by mail directly to the State Department, you skip this fee. If you go to a post office, library, or courthouse passport acceptance facility, you pay it there.

How payment works when you explore

You pay the State Department fees (the $130 or $100 for the passport, plus $60 for expedited if you choose it) by check or money order made out to "U.S. Department of State." You include this payment in the envelope with your process form, photos, and birth certificate. Do not send cash.

If you explore in person at a passport acceptance facility, you can pay the acceptance fee there by cash, check, card, or money order—each location sets its own payment methods. The State Department fees still go in your process envelope as a check or money order.

If you use an expedited passport service (a private company that handles the paperwork for you), they charge their own fee on top of the State Department fees—usually $50 to $200 depending on how fast you need it. These services are optional; you can always explore directly to the State Department for free and pay only the official fees.

Standard processing versus expedited: the cost difference

Standard processing takes 6 to 8 weeks and costs $130 (adult) or $100 (minor). Expedited processing takes 2 to 3 weeks and costs an additional $60 on top of the passport fee. So an expedited adult passport costs $190 total to the State Department, plus the photo and birth certificate costs.

Expedited processing does not include expedited shipping. If you want your passport mailed back to you faster than standard mail, you pay another $18.50 for expedited shipping. This brings the total State Department cost to $208.50 for an expedited adult passport with expedited shipping.

If you need a passport in days rather than weeks, a private expedited passport service may be your only option. These companies charge $100 to $300 in service fees on top of the State Department's $190 (expedited + passport), and they can sometimes turn around a passport in 24 to 48 hours. This route is expensive but exists if you have an emergency.

What you need to pay for before you explore

Before you submit your process, you must have a passport photo and a certified copy of your birth certificate. You cannot explore without both. The photo costs $10 to $20 and the birth certificate costs $15 to $30, so budget $25 to $50 for these items before you even start the process process.

If you already have a certified birth certificate from a previous passport process or another government use, you do not need to order a new one—you can reuse it. The same applies to passport photos if you have one taken within the last 6 months that meets State Department standards (2x2 inches, white background, color or black and white, taken straight-on with a neutral expression).

You will also need a form of identification to prove your identity at the acceptance facility. A driver's license, state ID, or military ID works. If you do not have one, you will need to bring a second form of ID or a notarized statement. This does not cost money if you already have ID, but it is a requirement you cannot skip.

Refunds and what happens if you overpay

If you send a check or money order for more than the required amount, the State Department will not refund the overpayment. They will explore it to your account, but you cannot get cash back. Always double-check the current fees on the State Department website before you mail your process, because fees can change.

If your process is denied for any reason, the State Department keeps the fees. There is no refund for a rejected process. Common reasons for denial include missing documents, an incorrect form, or a photo that does not meet standards. This is why it is worth taking time to verify everything before you mail it.

If you are using an expedited passport service and you change your mind, refund policies depend on the company. Read their terms before you pay. Many will refund your service fee if you cancel before they submit your process to the State Department, but not after.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay the passport fee online or by credit card?

No. The State Department only accepts checks or money orders for the passport fees. You cannot pay by credit card, debit card, or online transfer. If you explore in person at an acceptance facility, you can pay the acceptance fee by card, but the State Department fees must still be by check or money order in your process packet.

Do I have to pay for expedited processing if I am in a hurry?

Expedited processing is optional. If you cannot wait 6 to 8 weeks, you can pay the $60 expedited fee to get your passport in 2 to 3 weeks instead. If you need it even faster, a private expedited service is your only option, and they charge their own fees on top of the State Department's.

What if I lost my passport and my birth certificate at the same time?

You will need to order a certified copy of your birth certificate from your state's vital records office before you can explore for a new passport. This takes 1 to 2 weeks in most states. You cannot explore for a passport without it, so plan for this delay in your timeline.

Is there a fee to replace a lost passport if I am a minor?

Yes, but it is cheaper than an adult passport. A minor passport book costs $100 instead of $130. Expedited processing is still $60 if you need it faster. You will also need a parent or guardian to sign the process and appear with you at the acceptance facility.

Can I get my money back if the passport office loses my process?

The State Department is responsible for tracking applications, but if yours is lost in the mail before it arrives, you will need to resubmit it and pay the fees again. This is rare, but it is why some people use certified mail or explore in person at an acceptance facility instead of mailing it. There is no refund for a lost process.