The U.S. Department of State released new information today regarding changes to the passport application fees for 2023. As of January 1st, 2023, applicants will see an increase in the cost of obtaining or renewing a U.S. passport. The fee increase is part of a routine adjustment to cover the costs of processing applications and maintaining the security of the U.S. passport system.
According to the new fee schedule, the cost of a first-time adult passport book will increase from $110 to $130. The fee for a minor passport book will also increase from $80 to $100. These fees apply to applicants using the DS-11 form, which is used for first-time applicants, minors under the age of 16, and applicants who are ineligible to use the DS-82 form for passport renewal.
Additionally, the cost of renewing an adult passport book using the DS-82 form will see a slight increase from $110 to $120. The fee for a minor passport renewal using the DS-82 form will remain at $80. These fees apply to applicants who meet the requirements for passport renewal, including having a valid passport that was issued within the last 15 years, being at least 16 years old, and still possessing their current passport.
In addition to the fee increases for passport books, the cost of obtaining or renewing a passport card will also increase in 2023. The fee for a first-time adult passport card will increase from $30 to $50, while the fee for a minor passport card will increase from $15 to $35. The fee for renewing an adult passport card will increase from $30 to $40, and the fee for renewing a minor passport card will increase from $15 to $20.
These fee increases come as the U.S. Department of State continues to modernize and enhance the security of the U.S. passport system. The fees collected from passport applications and renewals help fund the operations of the Bureau of Consular Affairs, which is responsible for processing passport applications, issuing passports, and providing assistance to U.S. citizens abroad.
While the fee increases may come as a disappointment to some travelers, the U.S. Department of State is committed to providing efficient and reliable passport services to all U.S. citizens. The Department encourages travelers to plan ahead and apply for or renew their passports well in advance of their planned travel dates to avoid any delays or additional costs.
In addition to the fee increases, the U.S. Department of State is also making changes to the processing times for passport applications in 2023. Starting January 1st, 2023, the standard processing time for a passport application will be 6-8 weeks, an increase from the previous standard processing time of 4-6 weeks. Expedited processing will still be available for an additional fee, with a processing time of 2-3 weeks.
Overall, the fee increases and changes to processing times for passport applications in 2023 are part of the U.S. Department of State’s ongoing efforts to enhance the security and efficiency of the U.S. passport system. Travelers are encouraged to stay informed of any future changes to passport fees and processing times by visiting the Department of State’s website or contacting their nearest passport acceptance facility.
In conclusion, the U.S. Department of State has announced fee increases for passport applications and renewals in 2023. These increases are necessary to cover the costs of processing applications and maintaining the security of the U.S. passport system. Travelers are advised to plan ahead and apply for or renew their passports well in advance of their planned travel dates to avoid any delays or additional costs. For more information on passport fees and processing times, visit the Department of State’s website or contact your nearest passport acceptance facility.
