As international travel begins to pick up again after a long period of restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many Americans are eagerly looking to renew their passports. One question on everyone’s mind is: How much does it cost to renew a US passport?
The US Department of State recently announced that the fees for renewing a passport have increased, starting on October 1, 2021. The cost for renewing an adult passport book by mail has increased from $110 to $130, while the cost for renewing a minor passport book has increased from $80 to $100. These fee increases are part of the Department of State’s efforts to cover increased costs for passport processing and security enhancements.
For those who need to renew their passport expedited, the fee is now $200 for adult passport book renewals and $170 for minor passport book renewals. Expedited processing typically takes 4-6 weeks, compared to the standard processing time of 10-12 weeks.
In addition to the passport book fees, there are also fees for passport cards, which are used for land and sea travel between the US and Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda. The cost to renew a passport card by mail is now $30 for adults and $15 for minors, while expedited renewal fees are $90 for adults and $75 for minors.
It’s important to note that these fees only apply to renewing a passport that is still valid or has expired within the last 5 years. If your passport has been expired for more than 5 years, you will need to apply for a new passport, which has different fees and requirements.
To renew your passport, you will need to fill out Form DS-82, which can be found on the Department of State’s website. You will also need to include your most recent passport, a new passport photo, and the appropriate fees. If you are using expedited processing, you will also need to include a payment for the expedited processing fee.
Once you have completed the application and gathered all the necessary documents, you can mail them to the address listed on the form. It’s important to note that processing times may vary, so it’s best to apply for your passport renewal well in advance of any upcoming travel plans.
Overall, the cost to renew a US passport has increased slightly, but the process remains relatively straightforward. With the proper documentation and fees, you can ensure that your passport is up to date and ready for your next international adventure. So, if you’re planning on traveling abroad in the near future, now is the time to renew your passport and avoid any last-minute stress.
