If you’re applying for a U.S. passport for the first time, you’ll likely notice an extra charge called the passport execution fee. Many applicants are surprised by it and often ask:

• Is the passport execution fee separate from the application fee?
• Do I pay the execution fee to USPS or the State Department?
• Does every passport applicant pay the execution fee?

This guide explains exactly what the passport execution fee is, who must pay it, how much it costs, and how payment works.

What Is the Passport Execution Fee?

The passport execution fee is a mandatory service fee charged when you apply for a passport in person at an authorized acceptance facility.

It covers the cost of:

• Verifying your identity
• Witnessing your signature
• Reviewing your documents
• Sealing and submitting your application

The fee is authorized by the U.S. Department of State, but it is collected by the acceptance facility where you apply, such as the United States Postal Service or a county clerk office.

How Much Is the Execution Fee for a First-Time Passport?

As of current federal guidelines, the passport execution fee is $35 per application.

So if you’re applying for a first-time passport, your total cost will include:

1. The passport application fee (paid to the U.S. Department of State)
2. The $35 execution fee (paid to the acceptance facility)

The execution fee is the same whether you are applying for:

• A passport book
• A passport card
• Both a passport book and card

Is the Passport Execution Fee Separate from the Application Fee?

Yes. The passport execution fee is completely separate from the passport application fee.

Here’s how it breaks down:

• Application Fee → Paid to the U.S. Department of State
• Execution Fee ($35) → Paid to the acceptance facility (USPS or local government office)

They are typically paid as two separate payments.

Do I Pay the Execution Fee to USPS or the State Department?

You pay the execution fee directly to the passport acceptance facility — most commonly the United States Postal Service.

The passport application fee itself is paid to the U.S. Department of State.

So in most cases:

• Check #1 → U.S. Department of State (application fee)
• Payment #2 → USPS (execution fee)

Who Do I Make the Execution Fee Check Payable To?

If applying at a post office:

• Make the execution fee payable to Postmaster or the specific acceptance facility (check locally before visiting).

If applying at a county clerk office:

• Make the payment payable to that local office.

Always confirm payment instructions before your appointment.

Can I Pay the Passport Execution Fee With a Credit Card?

Payment methods vary by location.

Most USPS passport offices accept:

• Debit cards
• Credit cards
• Money orders
• Checks

However, some local government offices may only accept certain payment types. It is best to confirm with your appointment location ahead of time.

Does Every Passport Applicant Pay the Execution Fee?

No.

Only certain applicants must pay the passport execution fee.

Who Must Pay the Passport Execution Fee?

You must pay the execution fee if:

• You are applying for your first U.S. passport
• You are applying for a passport for a minor under age 16
• Your previous passport was issued before age 16
• Your passport was lost, stolen, or significantly damaged and cannot be renewed by mail

Do Adults Renewing by Mail Pay the Execution Fee?

No.

Adults who qualify to renew by mail using Form DS-82 do not pay the passport execution fee because they do not apply in person at an acceptance facility.

Do Minors Have to Pay the Passport Execution Fee?

Yes.

Do minors have to pay the passport execution fee?
Yes. Every minor applying for a passport must apply in person and therefore must pay the $35 execution fee.

Is There an Execution Fee for Child Passports?

Yes.

Is there an execution fee for child passports?
Yes. The execution fee applies to all first-time minor passport applications and must be paid in addition to the child passport application fee.

Do I Pay an Execution Fee for a Passport Card?

Yes — if applying in person.

If it is your first passport card application and you must apply at an acceptance facility, the $35 execution fee applies.

However, if you are renewing an eligible passport card by mail, you do not pay the execution fee.

Why Does the Passport Execution Fee Exist?

The execution fee pays for the in-person identity verification process. Acceptance agents must:

• Confirm citizenship documents
• Check identification
• Witness your signature
• Ensure forms are properly completed
• Securely transmit your application

Without this process, identity fraud risks would increase significantly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the passport execution fee?

The passport execution fee is a $35 service fee charged when submitting a first-time passport application in person at an authorized acceptance facility.

How much is the execution fee for a first-time passport?

The execution fee is $35 per application.

Is the passport execution fee separate from the application fee?

Yes. The execution fee is paid to the acceptance facility, while the application fee is paid to the U.S. Department of State.

Can I pay the passport execution fee with a credit card?

Most USPS locations accept credit and debit cards, but payment methods vary by location.

Who must pay the passport execution fee?

First-time applicants, minors, and individuals who cannot renew by mail must pay the execution fee.

Do adults renewing by mail pay the execution fee?

No. Mail renewals do not require the execution fee.

Do minors have to pay the passport execution fee?

Yes. All minor passport applicants must apply in person and pay the execution fee.

Is there an execution fee for child passports?

Yes. The $35 execution fee applies to all minor passport applications.

Do I pay an execution fee for a passport card?

Yes, if applying in person at an acceptance facility.