Passport Options and Fees

OPTIONS

There are two options to select when applying for a passport:

1. Passport Book: U.S. Passport Books are valid for travel by United States citizens anywhere in the world, although travel to certain countries and/or for certain purposes may require a visa.
2. Passport Card: The U.S. Passport Card can be used to enter the United States from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda at land border crossings or sea ports-of-entry and is more convenient and less expensive than a passport book. The passport card cannot be used for international travel by air.  Like the traditional passport book, it reflects the bearer's origin, identity, and nationality and is subject to existing passport laws and regulations.  All U.S. citizens may apply for a passport card.
   • If you have a U.S. passport book and are eligible to use Form DS-82, you may apply for the card by mail.  You can use Form DS-82 to renew your passport book at the same time that your apply for your passport card.
   • If you have never had a U.S. passport book or are not eligible to use Form DS-82, you must apply in person using Form DS-11.
   • All passport cards will be returned using First Class Mail. Passport cards cannot be shipped to you using overnight delivery.

FEES

When applying for a passport, there are two fees that must be paid for each passport application.  Submitting incorrect passport fees could delay the processing of your application. Before submitting your application, read the information below carefully and entirely to ensure that your payment is correct.

1. ACCEPTANCE FEE: Payable to the County of San Diego, is paid separately from the passport fee, payable by cash, check, or money order to the County of San Diego.  We do not accept credit cards. Be aware that if your check bounces, you may be referred to the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office. Passing a bad check with intent to defraud is a crime.  Be sure you have adequate funds on deposit before you write a check.
2. APPLICATION FEE: The Passport Application Fee is payable ONLY by check or money order to the U.S. Department of State.

The Clerk of the Board issues money orders for a nominal fee ($1.30). An ATM is located in the County Administration Center.

To help calculate your passport costs, use the Estimate Your Fees calculator or see the fee charts below.

Effective April 2, 2018, the Acceptance Fee increased from $25 to $35 in accordance with Federal Law.