The United States Postal Service (USPS) has announced a new price increase for passport services, citing the rising costs of processing and managing passport applications. The new prices, which will go into effect on August 1st, 2022, will impact both first-time applicants and those who need to renew their passports.
The price for a first-time adult passport book will increase from $110 to $130, while a first-time minor passport book will increase from $80 to $100. Passport renewals for adults will see a price increase from $110 to $130, and renewals for minors will increase from $80 to $100. Additionally, the fee for a passport card, which can be used for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda, will increase from $30 to $60 for adults and from $15 to $30 for minors.
The USPS cited several reasons for the price increase, including the rising costs of processing and managing passport applications, as well as the need to maintain and upgrade passport facilities and equipment. The increase in passport prices will also help fund increased security measures to combat identity theft and fraud in the passport application process.
While the price increase may come as a shock to some, the USPS emphasized that passport services are still a valuable and essential service for travelers. “The price increase for passport services reflects the true cost of processing and managing passport applications,” said USPS spokesperson Sarah Johnson. “Passports are essential documents for international travel, and the increased fees will help ensure the integrity and security of the passport application process.”
The new prices for passport services will go into effect on August 1st, 2022. The USPS encourages travelers to apply for or renew their passports before the price increase takes effect to save money. Passport applications can be submitted at any USPS Post Office location that accepts passport applications, as well as at many county clerk offices, public libraries, and other government facilities.
In addition to the price increase for passport services, the USPS also announced several new initiatives to improve and streamline the passport application process. These initiatives include the introduction of a new online passport application portal, which will allow applicants to complete and submit their passport applications online, as well as the expansion of passport acceptance facilities at USPS Post Office locations.
The new online passport application portal will be available on the USPS website starting on August 1st, 2022. The portal will allow applicants to fill out their passport applications online, upload supporting documents, and pay the required fees electronically. Once their application is complete, applicants can schedule an appointment at a USPS Post Office location to finalize their application in person.
Additionally, the USPS will be expanding passport acceptance facilities at USPS Post Office locations to accommodate the expected increase in demand for passport services. The USPS will be hiring additional staff and extending hours at select Post Office locations to help process passport applications more efficiently.
Overall, the price increase for passport services and the new initiatives announced by the USPS are intended to improve the passport application process and ensure the integrity and security of passport services. While the price increase may be unwelcome news for some travelers, the USPS is confident that the improvements and enhancements to the passport application process will ultimately benefit travelers in the long run.
