Buy passport
This guide is for individuals seeking a simple way to purchase a passport online.
Obtaining a valid travel document requires navigating official state channels or legal investment frameworks rather than purchasing documents through unauthorized online brokers. A first-time adult United States passport book costs $165 in total government fees (1). The first step involves verifying your eligibility for standard government applications or regulated citizenship options.
Passport Purchase Options
| Option | Price | Processing Time | Requirements | Limitations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| First-time Adult U.S. Passport | $165 | 6-8 weeks | Must be a U.S. citizen, 16 or older | N/A |
| U.S. Passport Renewal (Mail/Online) | $130 | 6-8 weeks | Must be at least 25, 10-year passport expired within 5 years or expiring within 1 year | No expedited service available |
| U.S. Child Passport (Under 16) | $135 | 6-8 weeks | Must be a U.S. citizen, under 16 | Valid for 5 years only |
| UK Passport Application | £75.50 (standard) | Up to 3 weeks | Must be a UK citizen | N/A |
| Citizenship by Investment (São Tomé and Príncipe) | $90,000 minimum | Varies | Financial threshold required | N/A |
| Grenada Citizenship by Investment | $235,000 donation or $270,000 real estate | Varies | Financial threshold required | Qualifies for U.S. E-2 Visa |
| Illegal Passport Purchase | N/A | N/A | N/A | Violates international laws, risks financial security |
How to Obtain Travel Documents and Citizenship Legally
- Identify your document category
Determine whether you need a first-time adult U.S. passport book costing $165 in total government fees, comprising a $130 application fee paid to the U.S. Department of State and a $35 execution fee paid to the acceptance facility (1). Child passports for minors under the age of 16 cost $135 total, combining a $100 application fee plus a $35 execution fee, and remain valid for 5 years rather than the 10-year validity of adult documents (1). Alternative legal pathways like Citizenship by Investment programs feature regulated minimum financial thresholds, such as the São Tomé and Príncipe program launched with a $90,000 minimum contribution (2).
- Verify eligibility for digital renewal
Qualify for a U.S. online passport renewal by checking that you are at least 25 years old, possess a 10-year passport that expired within the past 5 years or expires within 1 year, and live within a U.S. state or territory (3). Eligible adult U.S. passport renewals by mail or online cost $130 with no execution fee required (4). Online renewals for U.S. passports only support routine processing times, meaning travelers with upcoming international trips within 6 weeks cannot use this digital pathway and must choose alternative expedited services (5).
- Use official government portals
Access the official U.S. Department of State online passport renewal portal at opr.travel.state.gov (6). Applicants are warned that third-party sites using similar names or extensions like .com or .org are unauthorized intermediaries that charge extra fees (6). Websites offering to 'buy passports' online outside of official government channels or legal state-administered citizenship-by-investment frameworks operate illegal document-forge scams that violate international laws and compromise victims' financial security (6).
- Select structured investment options
Explore Grenada's Citizenship by Investment program which requires a minimum donation starting at $235,000 or real estate investment from $270,000 (7). This specific pathway qualifies its citizens to apply for the U.S. E-2 Treaty Investor Visa (7). Official state-administered frameworks protect your capital while granting recognized legal status (6).
- Submit application materials and track progress
Track UK passport application statuses online via GOV.UK using specific application reference numbers, such as 'PEX' for online submissions or 'POD' for Post Office Digital Check & Send services (8). According to His Majesty's Passport Office data, 99.7% of standard online UK passport applications submitted from within the country were processed within three weeks in 2025 when no additional information checks were triggered (9). Monitoring your reference number prevents confusion during administrative reviews.
Before you go
Is it easier to apply for a passport online or in person?
Applying online is generally easier when you meet strict eligibility criteria, such as being at least 25 years old and renewing a 10-year passport (3). However, online renewals only support routine processing times, meaning travelers with upcoming international trips within 6 weeks must use alternative in-person services (5).
How do I apply for a new UK passport?
You can submit standard online UK passport applications directly through official government channels. According to His Majesty's Passport Office data, 99.7% of standard online UK passport applications submitted from within the country were processed within three weeks in 2025 when no additional information checks were triggered (9).
What's the cheapest passport to get?
How can I check the status of my U.S. passport application?
You should use official government portals provided by the U.S. Department of State to monitor your processing progress. Always avoid third-party sites using similar names or extensions like .com or .org because they are unauthorized intermediaries that charge extra fees (6).
U.S. Passports cost
A first-time adult U.S. passport book costs $165 in total government fees, comprising a $130 application fee paid to the U.S. Department of State and a $35 execution fee paid to the acceptance facility (1). Meanwhile, U.S. child passports for minors under the age of 16 cost $135 total and are valid for 5 years rather than the 10-year validity of adult documents (1).
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