Passport Fees in California Set to Increase in 2022: What You Need to Know
In a move that has caught many Californians by surprise, the State Department has announced that passport fees will be increasing in 2022. The decision comes as a result of increased processing costs and the need to modernize security features on passports. With the new fee schedule set to go into effect on January 1st, many residents are scrambling to renew their passports before the deadline.
According to the State Department, the fee for a new adult passport book will increase from $110 to $150. The fee for a new adult passport card, which can be used for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda, will increase from $30 to $65. The fee for a passport renewal will also see a significant increase, from $110 to $130.
For children under the age of 16, the fee for a new passport book will increase from $80 to $110, while the fee for a passport card will increase from $15 to $50. The fee for a child passport renewal will increase from $80 to $100.
In addition to the fee increases, the State Department is also introducing a new fee for extra visa pages. Currently, travelers can request additional visa pages for their passport at no extra cost. However, starting in 2022, there will be a $26 fee for this service.
The fee increases have sparked outrage among some California residents, who argue that the new fees will make it more difficult for low-income individuals and families to travel internationally. Many have taken to social media to express their frustration, with some calling on the State Department to reconsider the fee hikes.
“Raising passport fees during a global pandemic is unfair and unjust,” tweeted one user. “Many families are already struggling to make ends meet, and this will only make it harder for them to travel.”
Others have pointed out that the fee increases will disproportionately impact communities of color, who are already less likely to have passports. According to a report by the State Department, only 26% of African Americans and 18% of Hispanics hold valid passports, compared to 42% of whites.
Despite the backlash, the State Department maintains that the fee increases are necessary to cover the rising costs of processing passports and implementing new security features. In recent years, the State Department has been under pressure to strengthen passport security in order to combat fraud and identity theft.
In a statement, a spokesperson for the State Department defended the fee increases, stating that they are “critical to maintaining the integrity and security of the passport issuance process.”
While the fee increases are sure to have a significant impact on many California residents, there are some steps that individuals can take to minimize the financial burden. For example, travelers can save money by renewing their passports before the fee increases go into effect on January 1st. Additionally, travelers can avoid the new fee for extra visa pages by opting for an expanded-page passport book, which comes with 52 pages instead of the standard 28.
For those who are unable to renew their passports before the fee increases take effect, there are still options available. The State Department offers a limited number of fee waivers for low-income individuals who are unable to afford the new passport fees. To apply for a fee waiver, travelers must submit a form along with supporting documentation, such as pay stubs or tax returns.
Overall, the fee increases are sure to have a significant impact on California residents who rely on their passports for international travel. While the new fees may make it more difficult for some individuals and families to afford a passport, there are still ways to navigate the system and secure a passport without breaking the bank.
As the deadline for the fee increases approaches, many Californians are left wondering how they will be able to afford their next international trip. Whether it’s visiting family abroad or exploring a new country, it’s clear that the new passport fees will have far-reaching implications for travelers in the Golden State.
