Provisional Patent Cost in 2026: USPTO Fees, Drafting Options & Hidden Costs

The total cost of a provisional patent has two parts: the government filing fee you pay to the USPTO and the cost of preparing the application itself. The second part varies far more than the first.

USPTO filing fee

The USPTO charges a provisional filing fee that depends on your entity status: large entity, small entity or micro entity. Small and micro entities receive substantial discounts, and many independent inventors qualify for micro entity status. Fees change periodically, so always confirm the amount on the official USPTO fee schedule before filing.

Preparation: three common paths

Do it yourself: lowest cash cost, but the quality of the description depends entirely on your writing and research time. Patent attorney or agent: tailored legal advice and representation, with fees quoted individually based on complexity. Online drafting tools: a structured draft and drawings at a fixed price, which you review and file yourself or with administrative help.

GetQuickPatent pricing

GetQuickPatent plans start at $97 for a complete editable draft with technical drawings and PDF, with Essential ($147), Professional ($197) and Premium ($297) options that add higher-quality drafting and assisted filing. USPTO fees are always paid separately, directly to the USPTO.

Hidden costs to plan for

Professional drawings if you need more figures, a prior-art search, revisions after you change the design, and — most importantly — the non-provisional application you must file within 12 months to keep your priority date. Budget for that step from day one.

How to keep costs low without cutting corners

Search existing patents first, write down every variation of your idea, confirm your entity status, and file a thorough provisional rather than a vague one. A detailed provisional is what makes the filing date valuable later.

GetQuickPatent.com is a drafting tool, not a law firm, and does not give legal advice. For legal questions about your specific invention, consult a registered patent attorney or agent.