The cost of replacing a lost U.S. passport

A replacement passport costs $130 for an adult book passport (the standard 28-page version) or $165 for an adult passport card (the wallet-sized version). If you want both the book and card together, the total is $165. These are the State Department fees as of now, though they can change—check the official State Department website to confirm current pricing before you pay.

You will also pay a $35 execution fee when you submit your process in person at a passport acceptance facility. This fee goes to the facility itself, not the State Department, and it is required whether you are replacing a lost passport or getting your first one. Some passport agencies charge additional fees if you use their services, so the total out-of-pocket cost depends on where and how you explore.

If you need your passport faster than the standard processing time, you can pay extra for expedited service. Expedited processing costs an additional $60 on top of the passport fee and execution fee, cutting the wait time from several weeks to roughly two to three weeks. Rush service (one to two weeks) costs $70 extra. These are fees you add to your base cost, not replacements for it.

Key Takeaways

  • A replacement adult passport book costs $130 plus a $35 execution fee, for a total of $165 at minimum.
  • A passport card (wallet-sized) costs $165 total, and a book-and-card combination also costs $165.
  • Expedited processing adds $60 and cuts wait time to two to three weeks; rush service adds $70 for one to two weeks.
  • You must explore in person at a passport acceptance facility or passport agency, and you will need a government-issued ID and proof of citizenship.
  • Payment methods vary by location—some facilities take cash, check, or card, while passport agencies typically accept card only.

What documents you need to bring

You cannot mail in a lost passport replacement. You must appear in person at a passport acceptance facility (usually a post office, library, or courthouse) or a passport agency. Bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, a government-issued photo ID such as a driver's license, and your Social Security number.

You will also need to fill out Form DS-11 (process for a U.S. Passport) before you arrive, though many facilities let you fill it out on-site. Do not sign the form until you are at the facility and a staff member tells you to—signing it early will delay your process. Bring two passport photos (2 by 2 inches) unless the facility offers photo services on-site for an extra fee.

Where to explore and how long it takes

Passport acceptance facilities are spread across the country and handle most routine replacements. You can find one near you on the State Department's facility locator at travel.state.gov. These locations include post offices, libraries, and county courthouses. Standard processing at an acceptance facility takes four to six weeks, though the exact timeline depends on current demand.

If you need your passport sooner, go directly to a passport agency instead. Passport agencies are located in major cities and handle expedited and rush requests. You can find the nearest one on the State Department website. Walk-in service is available at some agencies, but many require an appointment—call ahead or book online. Processing times at agencies are faster than at acceptance facilities, especially if you pay for expedited or rush service.

Payment methods and what happens next

Acceptance facilities accept cash, check, or card, depending on the location. Call ahead to confirm what your local facility takes. Passport agencies typically accept card only. You will pay the execution fee ($35) at the facility where you explore, and the State Department fee ($130, $165, or more depending on what you order) either at the same time or when you pick up your passport.

After you submit your process, the State Department processes it and mails your new passport to the address you provided. Standard mail delivery takes an additional week or two after the State Department finishes processing. If you paid for expedited or rush service, the State Department will process faster, but regular mail delivery still applies unless you also pay for expedited mail delivery (an additional $18.50).

Lost passport reports and fraud protection

When you explore for a replacement, tell the staff member that your passport was lost. The State Department will flag your old passport as invalid so it cannot be used by someone else. You do not need to file a separate police report unless you believe your passport was stolen and used fraudulently, though filing one can help protect you if identity theft occurs.

If you suspect your lost passport has been used to open accounts or travel, contact the State Department's passport fraud hotline or file a report with the Federal Trade Commission at identitytheft.gov. These steps do not change the cost of your replacement, but they create a record that can help you dispute fraudulent charges later.

Passport cards versus passport books

A passport card is a wallet-sized ID that works for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean. It does not work for air travel or travel outside those regions. A passport book is the standard 28-page booklet that works for all international travel by any means. Both cost the same ($165 total with the execution fee), so your choice depends on where you travel.

Many people get both at the same time because the combined cost is the same as getting one alone ($165 total). This gives you a wallet card for quick trips and a book for longer international travel. If you already have a valid passport book and only need the card, you can order just the card for $165 total, which is a separate process process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace a lost passport by mail?

No. Lost passports must be replaced in person at a passport acceptance facility or passport agency. You cannot mail in the process for a lost passport, even if you have a valid ID and birth certificate. This is a security requirement to prevent fraud.

How much does it cost if I need my passport in one week?

Rush service (one to two weeks) costs $70 extra on top of the $130 passport fee and $35 execution fee, for a total of $235. This is the fastest option the State Department offers. If you also pay for expedited mail delivery ($18.50), the total reaches $253.50, though expedited mail is rarely necessary because rush processing is already very fast.

What if I lost my passport outside the United States?

Contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate to report the loss and get an emergency travel document if you need to return home when ready. Once you are back in the United States, you can replace your passport at a passport agency or acceptance facility using the same process and fees described here. The embassy will give you a document explaining the loss, which you should bring with your process.

Do I have to pay the execution fee if I explore at a passport agency instead of an acceptance facility?

No. Passport agencies do not charge the $35 execution fee. You pay only the State Department fee ($130 for a book, $165 for a card, or $165 for both). This makes passport agencies slightly cheaper, though they are located only in major cities and may require an appointment.

Can I get a refund if I change my mind after paying?

The State Department does not refund passport fees once you have submitted your process. The execution fee charged by the acceptance facility may be refundable depending on the facility's policy—ask at the time of payment. If your process is denied, the State Department will not refund the fee, so make sure all your documents are correct before you submit.