Yes, you can pay for a passport with a credit card, but only through specific channels
The U.S. State Department accepts credit cards for passport fees, but the method depends on whether you are renewing by mail or applying in person. If you are renewing a passport by mail through the State Department's standard service, you can pay with a credit card by including the card details on Form DS-11 or DS-82 (the renewal form itself). If you are applying or renewing in person at a passport acceptance facility—a post office, courthouse, or library—you can hand over a credit card at the desk. Some acceptance facilities also accept payment online before your appointment through their own systems, though this varies by location.
The State Department does not process credit card payments directly through a website. There is no online portal where you enter your card number and submit payment on your own. Payment happens either on paper (mailed with your application) or in person (at the acceptance facility). This matters because it affects timing: a mailed payment takes as long as the entire application to process, while an in-person payment is immediate.
Key Takeaways
- You can pay for a passport with a credit card by mail (on the renewal form) or in person at a passport acceptance facility, but not through an online payment portal.
- Passport acceptance facilities—post offices, courthouses, and libraries—accept credit cards at the desk when you appear for your appointment.
- If you mail your application, write your credit card number directly on the form; the State Department will charge the card when they process your application.
- Third-party expediting services that advertise online passport payment are not the State Department and charge extra fees on top of the official government fee.
Paying by credit card when you renew by mail
When you renew a U.S. passport by mail, you complete either Form DS-82 (standard renewal) or Form DS-64 (if your passport was lost or stolen). Both forms have a section for payment information. You write your credit card number, expiration date, and CVV directly on the form, then mail the entire package to the address listed in the form instructions.
The State Department will not charge your card until they receive and begin processing your application. This means your card is not charged immediately when you drop the envelope in the mail. Processing times vary: standard service takes 6 to 8 weeks, and expedited service (which costs extra) takes 2 to 3 weeks. Your card will be charged sometime during that window, not on a specific date you can predict.
Write your card information clearly and legibly. If the State Department cannot read the number or expiration date, they will send your application back to you, which delays everything by mail time in both directions. Some people photograph the form before mailing it as a record of what they submitted, though this is not required.
Paying by credit card in person at a passport acceptance facility
If you are applying for a passport for the first time or replacing one that was lost or stolen, you must apply in person. You will go to a passport acceptance facility—typically a post office, courthouse, or public library—with your completed application form, proof of citizenship, photo ID, and a passport photo. At the desk, you hand over your credit card and the staff member runs it through their payment system.
Payment is processed immediately. You receive a receipt on the spot. This is the fastest way to pay because there is no mail delay and no waiting for the State Department to process your payment separately from your application. The acceptance facility collects the fee and forwards it to the State Department along with your paperwork.
Not every acceptance facility has the same payment setup. Some accept all major credit cards; others may have restrictions. Call ahead or check the facility's website to confirm they take credit cards. A few older or very small facilities may accept only cash or check, though this is uncommon.
What happens if you mail a credit card number
Mailing a credit card number is legal and standard for passport applications. The State Department has been accepting this method for decades. Your card information travels through the postal system, which is a risk you accept when you choose to renew by mail rather than in person.
If you are uncomfortable mailing your card number, you have two alternatives. First, you can renew in person at a passport acceptance facility instead, even if you are renewing an existing passport (some people think in-person renewal is only for first-time applicants, but it is not). Second, you can pay by check or money order instead, which you mail with your application. The downside is that check or money order payment does not speed anything up; it takes the same 6 to 8 weeks as credit card payment.
The difference between the State Department and third-party expediting services
Many websites advertise fast passport processing and online credit card payment. These are not the State Department. They are private companies that charge you a fee on top of the official government passport fee, then submit your application to the State Department on your behalf. The State Department still processes your application at the same speed; the private company simply handles the paperwork and collects a markup.
For example, the official passport renewal fee is $130 (as of 2024, though this can change). A third-party service might charge you $130 plus $100 or more for their handling fee. You pay them by credit card online, they mail your application to the State Department, and you still wait 6 to 8 weeks. The only advantage is convenience if you do not want to fill out the form yourself or go to an acceptance facility in person.
These services are legal, but they are not faster and they cost more. The State Department's official website is travel.state.gov. If you are paying a third party, you are paying for convenience, not speed.
Fees and what your credit card will be charged
The passport fee depends on the type of passport and the processing speed. A standard adult passport book costs $130 for renewal or $165 for a first-time application (as of 2024). Expedited processing adds $60. A passport card costs $35. These are the only fees the State Department charges. Your credit card will be charged exactly this amount, nothing more.
If you use a third-party service, your credit card will be charged the government fee plus the service's own fee. Read the website carefully to see the total before you enter your card number. Some services hide the full fee until the final step of checkout.
The State Department does not charge a fee for paying by credit card instead of check or money order. Credit card payment costs the same as any other payment method.
Protecting your card information when you mail it
If you are mailing your application with your credit card number on the form, use a few basic precautions. Do not leave the envelope in your home mailbox for the postal carrier to pick up; take it directly to the post office or a blue collection box. This reduces the time it sits in an unsecured location. Write your card information clearly but not in a way that is visible through the envelope window (if the form has a window, cover that section with a blank piece of paper before sealing).
Some people use a credit card they do not use for everyday purchases, so that if the number is compromised, the damage is limited to that one card. This is optional but reasonable if you are concerned about mailing card details.
Once the State Department receives your application and charges your card, the card number is no longer on file with them. They do not store it for future use. Your next passport renewal will require you to provide payment information again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay for a passport online with my credit card?
The State Department does not have an online payment portal for passports. You can pay by credit card only by mail (writing the number on the form) or in person at a passport acceptance facility. Third-party websites offer online payment, but they charge extra fees and are not the State Department.
What if my credit card is declined when I'm at the acceptance facility?
The staff member will tell you immediately. You can use a different card, pay by check or money order if the facility accepts it, or leave and return another day with a working card. Your application is not submitted until payment is received, so there is no penalty for a declined card.
Do I need to notify my credit card company before mailing my card number?
No, you do not need to call your card issuer. The State Department is a known, legitimate entity, and your card company will not flag a passport payment as suspicious. If you are worried, you can call your issuer to let them know you are mailing the number, but it is not necessary.
Can I pay for someone else's passport with my credit card?
Yes. You can pay for a spouse's, child's, or parent's passport with your own credit card. Write your card information on their application form. The card will be charged for their fee, not yours. This is common for family applications.
How long after I mail my application will my credit card be charged?
The State Department charges your card sometime after they receive your application and begin processing it. This typically happens within the first week or two of processing, but there is no exact date. Standard processing takes 6 to 8 weeks total, so expect the charge to appear on your statement within that window.