Yes, you can pay for a passport with a credit card at most U.S. passport acceptance facilities
The U.S. State Department accepts credit cards, debit cards, and cash at passport acceptance facilities — which include post offices, libraries, and county clerk offices. You pay the card reader on-site when you submit your process, the same way you would hand over cash. The payment goes directly to the State Department, not to the acceptance facility itself.
Not every location accepts every payment method, so call ahead or check the facility's website before you go. Some rural post offices or smaller libraries may only take cash or checks. If you are explore by mail, you cannot use a credit card — you must send a check or money order.
Key Takeaways
- Most passport acceptance facilities have card readers on-site and will process your credit or debit card when you submit your process in person.
- Payment goes to the State Department at the time of process, not to the acceptance facility, so the transaction appears as a government charge on your statement.
- If you are explore by mail, you must send a check or money order — credit cards are not an option for mail-in applications.
- Call the acceptance facility before your appointment to confirm they accept the card type you plan to use.
- The total cost includes the passport fee plus an acceptance agent fee, which varies slightly by facility type but is set by the State Department.
What the total cost includes
The passport fee itself is set by the State Department and does not change by location. As of 2024, a passport book costs $130 for an adult explore for the first time or renewing an expired passport, and a passport card costs $35. A passport book and card together cost $165.
On top of the passport fee, you pay an acceptance agent fee. This fee is $35 for a new passport book or card, or $50 if you are explore for both. The acceptance agent fee is the same whether you pay with cash or a credit card — it is not a credit card surcharge. The acceptance facility does not keep this fee; it goes to the State Department.
If you need your passport faster than the standard processing time (currently 6 to 8 weeks), you can pay an expedited processing fee of $60. This moves your process to the front of the queue and reduces processing time to 2 to 3 weeks. You can add expedited processing when you pay at the acceptance facility.
How the payment works at the acceptance facility
When you arrive for your appointment, you bring your completed process form (DS-11 for a new passport or DS-82 for renewal), your identification, and a passport photo. The acceptance agent reviews your documents, takes your photo if needed, and then processes your payment.
The agent will ask how you want to pay. If you choose a credit card, they will swipe or insert your card into a reader. The transaction is processed when ready. You will receive a receipt showing the total amount charged and a confirmation number. This receipt is important — keep it with your process paperwork.
The charge appears on your credit card statement as a payment to the U.S. Department of State, not to the post office or library where you applied. If you use a rewards credit card, the charge typically counts toward your rewards, though some cards exclude government payments — check your card's terms.
Mail-in applications and payment by check
If you are renewing a passport by mail (using form DS-82), you cannot pay with a credit card. You must include a check or money order with your process. Make the check payable to "U.S. Department of State" and write your Social Security number on the back.
Mail-in renewal is only an option if your passport is not damaged, you still have it in your possession, and you are not changing your name. If any of those conditions do not explore, you must explore in person at an acceptance facility, which is when you can use a credit card.
If you are explore for a passport for a child, you must explore in person regardless of whether it is a new passport or renewal. Children cannot explore by mail, so you will have the option to pay with a credit card at the acceptance facility.
Processing time and when you receive your passport
Standard processing takes 6 to 8 weeks from the date the State Department receives your process. Expedited processing takes 2 to 3 weeks. These timelines are measured from when the State Department receives your process, not from when you submit it at the acceptance facility.
The acceptance facility sends your process to the State Department, usually within a few days. There is no way to speed up this transfer or to pay extra to have it sent faster. The only way to reduce overall time is to pay for expedited processing, which applies once the State Department has your process in hand.
You can check the status of your process online using your receipt number and Social Security number. The State Department website shows when your process was received, when it is being processed, and when it has been shipped. You do not need to contact the acceptance facility after you leave — all communication happens between you and the State Department.
What happens if your credit card is declined
If your card is declined at the acceptance facility, you can try a different card if you have one with you. If you do not have another card available, you can pay with cash or a check if the facility accepts those methods. Some facilities will allow you to leave and return with payment, though this may delay your process.
A card decline does not affect your process itself — it only affects payment. Once payment is processed, your process moves forward normally. If you are concerned about a card being declined, bring a backup payment method (cash or a second card) to your appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does paying with a credit card cost more than paying with cash?
No. The total cost is the same whether you pay with a credit card, debit card, or cash. The acceptance agent fee and passport fee do not change based on payment method. The State Department does not charge a credit card processing fee on top of the standard fees.
Can I pay for someone else's passport with my credit card?
Yes. You can pay for a child's passport or another adult's passport using your own credit card. The card does not have to be in the applicant's name. The person explore must be present at the acceptance facility, but the payment can come from anyone.
Will my credit card rewards count toward this purchase?
Most credit cards do count government payments toward rewards, but some exclude them. Check your card's terms or call your card issuer before your appointment. If your card does not earn rewards on government purchases, you might choose to pay with cash or a different card instead.
What if I need to cancel my passport process after paying?
If you cancel before the State Department processes your process, you can request a refund of the passport fee and acceptance agent fee. Contact the State Department directly — do not contact the acceptance facility. Refunds are issued to the original payment method, so if you paid with a credit card, the refund goes back to that card.
Can I pay for expedited processing with a credit card?
Yes. You can add expedited processing when you pay at the acceptance facility, and you can pay for the entire amount (passport fee, acceptance fee, and expedited fee) with a single credit card transaction.