Passport Cost in North Carolina: What You Need to Know
Obtaining a passport is an essential step for anyone planning to travel internationally. In North Carolina, the cost of getting a passport varies depending on a few factors. Whether you’re applying for a new passport, renewing an existing one, or getting a passport for a minor, it’s important to understand the fees and requirements involved.
Applying for a New Passport
If you’re applying for a new passport in North Carolina, you’ll need to pay several fees. The current cost for a standard adult passport book is $110, while a passport card costs $30. If you need both a passport book and a card, the total cost is $140. These fees must be paid to the U.S. Department of State when you submit your application.
In addition to the passport fees, there is also a $35 execution fee that must be paid to the acceptance facility where you submit your application. Acceptance facilities in North Carolina include post offices, libraries, and county clerk’s offices. This fee covers the cost of processing your application and verifying your identity.
Renewing an Existing Passport
If you’re renewing an existing passport in North Carolina, the cost is slightly lower than applying for a new passport. The current fee for a passport renewal is $110 for a passport book and $30 for a passport card. Again, if you need both a book and a card, the total cost is $140. You can renew your passport by mail as long as your previous passport was issued when you were 16 years or older, was issued within the last 15 years, is undamaged, and is in your current name (or you can provide legal documentation of a name change).
Passport Costs for Minors
For minors under the age of 16, the cost of a passport book is $80, while a passport card is $15. If you need both documents, the total cost is $95. Minors must apply for a passport in person and be accompanied by both parents or legal guardians. The $35 execution fee also applies to minors’ passport applications.
Expedited Passport Services
If you need your passport quickly, you can request expedited processing for an additional fee. Expedited processing reduces the processing time from 4-6 weeks to 2-3 weeks. The current fee for expedited processing is $60 per application. If you need your passport even faster, you can also pay for overnight delivery of your passport once it has been processed.
Additional Fees and Considerations
In addition to the passport fees mentioned above, there may be other costs associated with getting a passport in North Carolina. For example, you may need to provide documentation such as a birth certificate, proof of citizenship, or a photo ID. If you don’t have these documents, you may need to pay for replacements or additional verification. You may also need to pay for passport photos, as the acceptance facility does not provide this service for free.
It’s important to budget for these additional costs when planning to get a passport in North Carolina. Failure to do so could result in delays or complications with your application. It’s also worth noting that passport fees are subject to change, so be sure to check the most up-to-date information on the U.S. Department of State’s website before submitting your application.
Conclusion
Getting a passport in North Carolina involves several costs and fees that vary depending on your age, whether you’re applying for a new passport or renewing an existing one, and whether you need expedited processing. By understanding the costs involved and budgeting accordingly, you can ensure a smooth and hassle-free passport application process. Traveling internationally is an exciting opportunity, and having a valid passport is the key to making your travel dreams a reality.
