Applying for a passport in Kentucky involves specific fees and procedures that every resident should understand before visiting an acceptance facility. The cost of your passport depends on several factors, including whether you are applying for the first time, renewing an existing document, or requesting expedited service. This guide breaks down the current pricing structure and explains the steps required to secure your travel document efficiently.
Standard Application Fees for First-Time Applicants
If you are obtaining your first passport in Kentucky, you will need to pay a non-refundable application fee. For a new adult passport book, the base fee is typically $130, which covers the processing of the document itself. Additionally, you must pay a $35 execution fee, which compensates the acceptance agent for verifying your identity and administering the oath. The total cost for a first-time adult applicant is usually $165, payable via check or money order made payable to U.S. Department of State.
Passport Card vs. Book
When applying for the first time, you may choose between a passport book and a passport card. The passport book, which allows for international air travel, carries the $130 application fee. The passport card, valid for land and sea travel between the United States and Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda, also has a $130 fee. If you want both the book and the card, you only pay the $130 application fee once, but you will still incur the separate $35 execution fee.
Renewal Costs for Existing Passport Holders
If you already hold a valid passport and need to renew it in Kentucky, the process is generally simpler and less expensive than a first-time application. For most eligible renewals, the government fee for the application form DS-82 is $130. To qualify for this reduced fee, your most recent passport must have been issued when you were age 16 or older, within the last 15 years, and in good condition. You must also have the previous passport available to submit with your application.
Ineligible Renewal Circumstances
Not all renewals in Kentucky qualify for the $130 fee. You must visit a passport acceptance facility if your current passport was issued before you turned 16, if it has been lost or stolen, or if it is significantly damaged. Additionally, if your most recent passport was issued more than 15 years ago, you are required to submit a new application form rather than a renewal. In these scenarios, you will be charged the full first-time applicant fees instead of the renewal rate.
Additional Service Fees
Beyond the base application costs, you will encounter separate fees for optional services. If you require expedited processing to receive your passport within 8 to 11 weeks instead of the standard 10 to 12 weeks, you must pay an additional $60 fee. This fee is non-refundable, even if the processing time exceeds the expedited guarantee. Payment for this service can often be made with a credit card through form DS-11.
Acceptance Facility Fees
While the U.S. Department of State sets the official fees, some acceptance agents in Kentucky may charge a small convenience fee for their services. These fees are typically around $20 to $30 and cover the cost of scheduling and processing your appointment at a county clerk’s office or shipping store. Always confirm with the acceptance facility beforehand to understand their specific payment policies and accepted payment methods.
