The State Department is reportedly planning to replace its two standard passport-book sizes with one 38-page design in 2028. The reported redesign, called “Flight of the Eagle,” could affect frequent travelers who rely on the larger book.
But $260 is not an official charge. TheTravel published that estimate on October 25, 2026, basing it on the possibility that some travelers would need to renew more often under the smaller single-book plan.
The reported design and its connection to a government rule have not been confirmed by the fee records. The current schedule lists passport charges, but it does not establish a new $260 redesign fee.
Passports already issued remain valid through their printed expiration dates. Older designs can still be used for international travel if they are unexpired and undamaged.
The 38-page book would give most holders more room, but remove the largest option
The reported change would end the two standard book choices. People who currently select the smaller option would get more pages, while heavy users would lose access to the larger one.
The emergency passport would retain its separate page count.
| Current or proposed book | Reported treatment | Who is affected |
|---|---|---|
| 26-page | Replaced by a 38-page book | Most holders would have more pages |
| 50-page | Replaced by a 38-page book | Frequent travelers lose the larger option |
| Emergency passport, 12-page | No change described | Emergency passport holders |
The published fee schedule sets book and card prices through the end of 2026
The schedule in 22 CFR 22.1 was amended at 91 FR 34772 on June 9, 2026. Its listed charges apply from July 1, 2026, through December 31, 2026.
| Application or service | Listed amount | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Adult passport book, age 16+ | $130 | $50 application services fee plus an $80 passport book security surcharge |
| First-time adult book | $165 | Adds a $35 execution fee to the application fee |
| Passport book for a child under 16 | $100 | $20 application services fee plus the $80 surcharge; the execution fee adds $35 |
| Adult passport card | $30 | First-time applicants pay $65 with the execution fee |
| Adult book and card together | $160 | First-time applicants pay $195 with the execution fee |
| Expedited processing | $60 extra | Added to the applicable application charge |
| Book renewal by mail or online | $130 | No execution fee |
A passport card cannot be used for international air travel. It covers land and sea trips to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and certain Caribbean destinations.
Routine processing takes 4–6 weeks, while expedited processing takes 2–3 weeks, according to the State Department’s processing estimates.
The $260 projection assumes travelers use up pages much faster
The estimate compares a frequent traveler who gets about 10 years from the current 50-page book with one who might need a replacement every five to six years under the reported plan. It assumes the traveler fills pages quickly enough to renew sooner.
The article described the calculation as “not a certainty” and said the outcome depends on how much a person travels. The figure is a projection across renewals, not a separate fee attached to the passport itself.
The current fee schedule does not produce that amount as a standard charge. The estimate depends on its assumptions about how often a traveler would need a replacement.
The department has not announced a launch date for every part of the redesign
Rubio has discussed the redesign alongside online application changes. The department has not set a specific start date for every component.
Travelers who want the 50-page book can renew early while it remains available, according to the reported guidance. The plan’s proposed 2028 timing does not establish when each part will begin.
