Anyone who wishes to travel abroad needs a passport, as does anyone whose work requires overseas travel. Some countries, such as Canada and Mexico, do not require U. S. citizens to show passports upon crossing the border; other forms of identification such as a driver’s license will suffice. Still, it is a good idea to have a passport because it is a much more reliable means of establishing identity and nationality.

The fee for a first-time passport is $60, which includes a $45 passport fee and a $15 execution fee. Applicants under 16 pay $40 (the passport fee is $25). Renewing a passport costs $40.

The average wait for a passport is six weeks. For those who need a passport sooner, expedited service is available (the waiting period is only two weeks) for an additional $35. Passport officials recommend that to further expedite a passport, the application should be sent via overnight delivery and the applicant should include a pre-paid overnight delivery en-velope in which the passport can be sent. This cost must be paid by the applicant in addition to the expedited service fee.