California Passport Fees Set to Increase in 2022
As if the process of obtaining a passport wasn’t already expensive enough, California residents will soon be faced with even higher fees starting in 2022. The United States Department of State has announced a substantial increase in passport fees, leaving many Californians questioning the cost of international travel.
The State Department cites several reasons for the fee increase, including the rising costs of processing applications, providing consular services, and implementing security enhancements. However, some Californians believe that the new fees are excessive and will make it more difficult for average citizens to travel abroad.
Under the new fee schedule, the cost of a first-time adult passport book will increase from $110 to $160, while a renewal will jump from $110 to $130. For minors (under the age of 16), the cost of a passport book will rise from $80 to $100 for first-time applicants and from $80 to $85 for renewals. Passport cards, which are valid for land and sea travel between the US, Canada, and Mexico, will see an increase from $30 to $55 for adults and from $15 to $40 for minors.
These fee increases are significant and may deter many Californians from applying for or renewing their passports. For families looking to travel abroad, the added costs could be prohibitive, especially in light of the financial strain caused by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
In response to the fee hike, some California lawmakers have expressed their concerns, calling on the State Department to reconsider the new fees. Senator Dianne Feinstein issued a statement saying, “The State Department’s decision to raise passport fees is deeply troubling, especially at a time when many Californians are struggling financially. We urge the department to reconsider this decision and work towards making international travel more accessible for all Americans.”
While the fee increase is likely to impact many Californians, some experts argue that the higher costs are necessary to fund essential consular services and security measures. In a statement, Secretary of State Antony Blinken defended the fee increase, stating, “The State Department is committed to providing high-quality consular services to American citizens abroad and ensuring the security of US borders. The new fee schedule reflects the true cost of providing these services and will help us continue to meet the needs of US citizens around the world.”
Despite the rationale behind the fee increase, many Californians remain unconvinced. With the cost of living on the rise and economic uncertainty looming, the prospect of paying even more for a passport is a hard pill to swallow for many residents. As international travel slowly resumes in the wake of the pandemic, the impact of these fee increases remains to be seen.
For now, Californians are left to weigh the costs and benefits of obtaining a passport in the new year. While the fees may be higher, the opportunity to explore new destinations and experience other cultures is a powerful incentive for many. Whether the higher costs will ultimately deter travelers or simply serve as a temporary obstacle remains to be seen. One thing is certain – the price of a passport is going up, and Californians will need to decide if the value of international travel is worth the expense.
