Veterans do not get free passports for personal travel based on military service alone. Federal law names a short list of people exempt from passport fees, and “veteran” is not one of them. A first-time adult passport book costs $165 in 2026, and a veteran pays the same as any other civilian applicant. A few service-connected situations do qualify for fee-free passports, and a pending bill would add Purple Heart and Medal of Honor recipients to the exemption list.
Why Veteran Status Alone Does Not Qualify
Under 22 U.S.C. § 214, no passport fee is collected from a narrow set of applicants: U.S. government employees traveling abroad on official duty and their immediate families; American sailors who need a passport for duties aboard a U.S.-flagged vessel; immediate family members of a deceased service member traveling overseas to visit a grave or attend a funeral or memorial service; Americans stranded abroad when the Secretary of State finds a humanitarian or law enforcement reason to waive the fee; and disaster relief workers abroad under a U.S. government contract or grant, at the Secretary’s discretion.1Office of the Law Revision Counsel. 22 U.S. Code 214 – Fees for Execution and Issuance of Passports
Retired veterans, disabled veterans, combat veterans, and veterans of any particular era or conflict are not on that list. Unless your situation fits one of the categories above, you pay the standard fees regardless of your service record.
The One Service-Connected Exemption for Families
The exemption most directly tied to military service covers family members of service members who died while serving. A spouse, child, parent, grandparent, brother, or sister traveling overseas to visit the grave or memorial site can request a fee-free passport through the American Battle Monuments Commission. The ABMC issues an authorization letter that waives both the application fee and the execution fee for that trip.2American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC). Our Services
To request the letter, contact the ABMC at 703-584-1501 or through its website, and allow at least 15 business days for processing.1Office of the Law Revision Counsel. 22 U.S. Code 214 – Fees for Execution and Issuance of Passports
Pending Bill for Purple Heart and Medal of Honor Recipients
A bipartisan bill introduced in February 2026, the Passports for Purple Hearts and Medals of Honor Act (H.R. 7398), would add Purple Heart and Medal of Honor recipients to the fee-exempt list. It was referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs on February 5, 2026, and awaits further action.3Congress.gov. H.R. 7398 – 119th Congress (2025-2026) – Passports for Purple Hearts and Medals of Honor Act
The bill is not law. Purple Heart and Medal of Honor recipients currently pay the same passport fees as everyone else. Similar legislation has been introduced in prior sessions without passing, so there is no guarantee this version will move. If enacted, it would amend the Passport Act of 1920 to create a permanent, nationwide fee exemption for those recipients.
No-Fee Military Passports Are Not the Same Thing
Active-duty service members and their command-sponsored dependents often receive “no-fee” passports through the Special Issuance Agency. These cause a lot of confusion. A no-fee passport is issued at no cost, but it exists for one purpose: official government travel. It cannot be used for a vacation, cruise, or any personal trip.4U.S. Department of State. Steps to Apply for a Special Issuance Passport
No-fee passports also go to Peace Corps volunteers, American Red Cross employees assigned to the armed forces, and individuals traveling on Department of Defense orders. Military installations process them through dedicated passport offices, and tourist passports are not handled at those same facilities.
When you leave service, your no-fee passport does not convert into a regular one. Federal regulations require that official and service passports be returned to the Department of State when the bearer’s status ends. All U.S. passports remain government property, and the State Department can demand their return at any time.5eCFR. Title 22, Chapter I, Subchapter F, Part 51 – Passports If you held one on active duty and have since separated or retired, you need a standard tourist passport for personal international travel.
What Veterans Actually Pay in 2026
Because most veterans pay civilian rates, these are the current figures as of February 2026:
- First-time adult passport book: $130 application fee plus $35 acceptance fee, totaling $165.
- First-time passport card: $30 application fee plus $35 acceptance fee, totaling $65. The card is valid only for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean.
- Adult passport book renewal: $130 application fee, with no acceptance fee when renewing by mail or online.
- Expedited processing: an added $60 per application.
- 1–2 day domestic return delivery: $22.05 per application, not available for passport cards.
The application fee goes to the U.S. Department of State by check or money order made out to “U.S. Department of State,” with the applicant’s name and date of birth in the memo line. The $35 acceptance fee is paid separately at the facility where you apply, and accepted payment methods vary by location.6U.S. Department of State. Passport Fees
Where Military Service Does Help at the Application Window
Your military connection carries one practical benefit during the application itself. The State Department accepts a U.S. military ID or military dependent ID as primary photo identification when applying in person with Form DS-11. Bring the physical card along with a photocopy of both sides.7U.S. Department of State. Get Photo ID for a U.S. Passport
One thing military service does not do is replace your citizenship evidence. A DD-214 is not on the State Department’s list of accepted primary or secondary citizenship documents. You still need a birth certificate, previous U.S. passport, naturalization certificate, or consular report of birth abroad, presented as a physical document with an original seal or stamp from the issuing office.8U.S. Department of State. Get Citizenship Evidence for a U.S. Passport