Cost to Renew a US Passport in 2022: What You Need to Know

It’s time to renew your US passport, and you’re wondering how much it’s going to cost in 2022. Let’s dive into the details right from the start to save you from surprises. Spoiler alert: It’s not as simple as just one fee. There are several components to the passport renewal process, and understanding these fees can help you budget accurately.

1. The Standard Fee for Passport Renewal (Form DS-82)

The most common way to renew a passport is by mail using Form DS-82. As of 2022, the cost to renew a passport is $130 for a passport book. This fee covers standard processing, which typically takes 8 to 11 weeks from the time your application is received by the U.S. Department of State.

But if you’re thinking, “That’s not so bad!” hold on. You’ll need to keep reading because depending on your situation, additional costs may apply.

2. Expedited Processing: When Time is Not on Your Side

Sometimes you just can’t wait for standard processing. Perhaps you’ve got an emergency trip coming up, or you simply want the peace of mind of getting your passport back sooner. Expedited processing is available for an additional $60, and it reduces the waiting time to 5 to 7 weeks.

Here’s where the math gets a little more interesting. If you choose expedited processing, your total cost jumps to $190. That’s $130 for the standard renewal fee plus the $60 for faster service. And if you need even faster service, there are further options to explore.

3. Additional Fees for Special Circumstances

The costs listed above are just the basics, but let’s get into more detail because life is full of surprises:

• File Search Fee: If your passport is lost or stolen, and you don’t have the necessary information for a straightforward renewal, you may be charged an additional $150 for the Department of State to perform a file search.
• Passport Card Renewal: You might also want to renew your passport card, a smaller, wallet-sized card for land and sea travel between the U.S., Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda. Renewing a passport card costs just $30, and if you're renewing both the book and card together, the total comes to $160 ($130 for the book, $30 for the card).
• Agency Appointment Fees: In very urgent situations, where you need to travel internationally within 72 hours, you may need to visit a passport agency in person. This incurs an additional $35 appointment fee.

4. The Hidden Costs: Photo Fees and Mailing Expenses

Don’t forget your passport photo. While many people handle their own photos nowadays using smartphone apps, if you go to a pharmacy or a passport photo service, this could cost anywhere from $10 to $15.

Then, there's the cost of mailing your renewal application. Although minor, if you opt for a trackable or express mail service (which is highly recommended), that could run anywhere from $10 to $25. In some cases, the cost of return mailing may be included, but if not, expect an extra $18.32 for priority delivery.

5. Are You Eligible for the Online Renewal Pilot?

As of 2022, the U.S. Department of State is testing an online renewal system. While not available to everyone yet, it could be a game changer when it becomes more widely accessible. This new method could save you not only time but also postage fees. However, the fees remain the same for online renewals ($130 for a passport book, plus optional expedited service).

Keep in mind that the online renewal system may also simplify the process for people who travel frequently and need to manage their passport expiration dates more closely. But, like with any new government system, it will likely take time for the online option to fully roll out.

6. How These Costs Have Changed Over Time

Passport fees have increased steadily over the years. In 2018, the passport book renewal fee was only $110. In 2021, it rose to $130, where it remains for 2022. Similarly, the expedited processing fee used to be $40 and has now climbed to $60.

Why the increase? According to the U.S. Department of State, rising processing costs and inflation are the main reasons. The passport book itself, with its multiple layers of security features, is also more expensive to produce than ever before.

To give you a broader perspective, let’s look at how fees have changed over the last decade:

Year	Passport Book Fee	Expedited Processing Fee	Total Cost for Expedited Renewal
2012	$110	$40	$150
2015	$110	$60	$170
2018	$110	$60	$170
2021	$130	$60	$190
2022	$130	$60	$190

7. Conclusion: Know Before You Renew

So, how much does it cost to renew a US passport in 2022? At a minimum, expect to pay $130 for the passport book renewal. If you add expedited processing, the total jumps to $190. For those needing extra services, such as a file search or an urgent agency appointment, fees can escalate quickly.

But the real takeaway here is to plan ahead. Renewing your passport before you’re in a rush will save you from those extra fees. Keeping an eye on when your passport expires and planning at least six months in advance is your best bet for avoiding unexpected costs. And as the U.S. Department of State continues to test its online renewal system, there may be even more convenient and cost-effective options on the horizon.

Key Points Recap:

• Passport book renewal (standard processing): $130
• Expedited processing (optional): + $60
• Other possible fees: Lost passport search, photo, mailing
• Online renewal: Expected to streamline the process in the near future

Next time you find yourself needing to renew your passport, make sure to consider all these factors so you can renew with confidence, knowing exactly what to expect in terms of cost.